Review: Mollenhauer Modern Recorders | Team Recorder

Last week I was in the Mollenhauer workshop in Fulda, Germany, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to test out their range of modern recorders! I review and compare:
- mollenhauer modern alto with E foot, grenadilla, modern voicing
- mollenhauer modern alto with E foot, palisander, baroque voicing
- mollenhauer regular baroque alto, I forgot the wood..!
- mollenhauer modern soprano with B foot, baroque voicing

Huge thanks to Nik Tarasov and the team at Mollenhauer!

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Performers using the modern recorder:
Any more please let me know!!

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[TimPayne]

So good to finally have an actual audio sample to compare the modern and baroque voicing with. And great explanation of the differences too, because there’s no actual explanation on their website other than “available in modern or baroque voicing”

[MsBettyRubble]

Love that modern recorder! Wow, what a beautiful tone.

[yannikessarios]

It's great that recorders are evolving. I'm sure many will argue that these recorders sound too much like a flute or that working around the weaknesses of a traditional recorder is part of it's charm, but I.m sensing that in the near future instruments like these will be maistream and baroque recorders will be a niche market, just as pre- baroque instruments are now. I, for one, would play one of these if I could justify the cost.

[orirune]

Oh how I wish there was an affordable plastic version of these!

[gnolex]

Modern voicing is definitely stronger and clearer in all registers than the baroque one, but I kind of prefer the baroque voicing's sound more, it's closer to the standard recorder. I think the modern one can aim to be a good instrument for modern music while the baroque one could be used in baroque orchestras that don't strive to be truly authentic but rather want stronger sound. I'm glad the recorder can be upgraded without losing its character and role.

[rhythmharmony]

Absolutely worth it. Tried out the alto modern recorders today. The low notes can be blown *very* strongly. And the dynamic range of these instruments is stunning, considering, there is no such thing as a piano key. And being able to blow the third octave f# pianissimo without the knee...
Even though I've played them for only 15 minutes, I dare to recommend them.

[blacksmith]

I love the sound of the keyed baroque alto.

[markusberdux]

Dear Sarah, thank you very much for this excelent video about our modern recorders. The Video was made in our Workshop. Thanks a lot, your Mollenhauer-Team

[DanceMyStyle]

As a woodwind doubler, with a 'primary' instrument of flute, this modern recorder really has the qualities I have always wished to get from any recorder playing I've done! I particularly love the Baroque voiced modern recorder, a lovely middle ground. I wonder if they're considering more affordable models in an ABS plastic or maybe even ebonite? I don't play enough recorder to perhaps justify buying a few of these but to have something this strong to take into pit orchestras would be amazing.

[josequins]

Oh wow, they sound amazing. Now, to start saving.

[robertnoblitt]

I love my Mollenhauer Modern Soprano which I have had for several months now, and decided to purchase due to this review! I'm glad I chose the one in pearwood. It has a warmer sound and I understand it won't need oiling. It's not difficult to learn to use the keys. I like that I can play low notes so loudly now, and appreciate having the low B. I can play for long sessions without clogging or hoarseness, and I suspect this is due to the Synpor block. I have several soprano recorders, but the Modern is my favorite by far.

[hilderbrandoastofons]

Wow, amazing video! I'm in love for those recorders...

[paulsonap]

Wonderful video---thanks so much! It was fascinating to hear the difference between the recorders. I really loved the modern recorder with the baroque voicing. Your videos are terrific----thanks so much!

[emmanuelfabian]

Tanto tiempo esperando una review de esta flauta !! Y al fin, gracias Sarah!

[tobiashaller]

Thanks so much for this commentary and review. I have had a "modern" alto for over a year now and simply love it for the additional expressiveness and volume, which makes it a great choice for playing with modern instruments. My big hope is the Mollenhauer might extend this "modern" design to the basset instrument, which would then, I think, gain a bit more strength in the lower range (which can be so very soft in standard baroque instruments) and more expressiveness in the upper range. How about it Mollenhauer?

[LeenaLittleElf]

Love the strong sound of the low notes.

[theresa_s]

nice! i love these, i used to play clarinet for 4 years when i was younger and now i kinda wanna try these out 😊

[SuryanIsaac]

The keywork looks a lot like a flute footjoint! Great Video

[carmenfreeman]

Very cool! Thank you for sharing. They are wonderful, the baroque has a softer voice. I like both.

[saw]

Thank you so much! Just like Tim Payne, I've been waiting for better audio samples. I'll save up and purchase a modern recorder now because they definitely seem worth the money.