Mollenhauer 0119R Adris Dream Soprano Reviews

Good low register, Bad high register

I bought the version after I bought the pearwood 4119R model which I enjoyed a lot. I intended to use this plastic one as a practicing substitute for my pearwood version. The exterior shape of the versions are quite similar. And the low register does not differ significantly. However, the high register of the plastic one is much harder to control and play in tune. I do not know whether it is a problem of the model or just the one I received. A little bit disappointed.

update 1 on 2022/7/23

With more practice and a smaller thumb hole, the high register is easier to control now. The pearwood version is still easier to blow, although. And, like the pearwood version, the sound of this flute is much fuller than my Aulos Haka.

Good quality and fun to play

I purchased this recorder because I wanted to explore the sound of Renaissance-style instruments. A number of sources had mentioned the significant difference in timbre between this and normal baroque-style recorders. However, this difference is very subtle and mostly manifests as SLIGHTLY less "edge" to the start of a tongued note. I can't knock stars off for that because the sound itself is very good, and it plays well and in tune. I have to play carefully to sound the very highest notes well but that's more about my skill as a player! The design of it makes it a little trickier to hold than some, and the larger holes take a little getting used to, but it's very enjoyable to play and seems well-made. I like that it has a bright and different colour scheme, which is less common in quality plastic instruments. I think that now I have this, I will not need to purchase a new plastic baroque style soprano, as I had been intending.

A fun look and surprisingly solid

It's a red sparkle recorder with gold trim, and my expectations were honestly not that high. Something fun and festive for under 25€. However, it's a surprisingly heavy feel in the hand and a nice round sound. The top notes (A in the second octave and above) are a little hit or miss but I also haven't spent a lot of time trying to modify my technique to get a better response since I have other recorders that play easily up there. For the price and for the fun, you can't go wrong, but for a truly great instrument, try one of their wooden "Dream" models.

Excellent product

I bought this recorder as my budget "performance" instrument, next to my "practice" instrument. The design of the holes make it very easy to reproduce notes accurately, especially those of higher register. The sound is very loud, perhaps not suitable for indoor playing.

Beautiful recorder

I am fairly new to playing recorder, but not new to music. I teach general music in school, and I decided to learn to play recorder so I could use it with the students, and found that I liked playing it so much that I wanted to get one for myself to play at home.

This is a beautiful instrument. It looks drastically different than the other recorders I looked at. It has a beautiful, fuller sound than the other plastic recorders I looked at. The holes are larger than on most recorders, so they are very easy to find. The instrument is in tune and has a beautiful tone. It is quite loud, which is great for playing in groups or in my classroom, but maybe not ideal for people wanting to practice quietly at home.

Overall, this is a beautiful looking instrument that has a great sound, easy to use for beginners, and great for people looking for something a bit different while shopping for a new recorder.

An Adequate Recorder

Background:

I've played baroque recorders for twenty years, in both consort and solo performances. I purchased this recorder because wanted to try a reasonably priced renaissance-like recorder.

Pros:

1. Aesthetically appealing.

2. Well-designed, low maintenance joint and two-piece construction.

3. A strong, yet soft tone.

Cons:

1. Playing A5 or higher using baroque fingering is possible, but renaissance fingering is better, especially when starting a phrase or after breathing.

2. Its response to articulation is not as precise as a baroque recorder's response, but it is adequate for beginner recorder players whose music does not feature intricate articulation or complicated phrasing.

Overall:

This is a great entry-level recorder, but be prepared to expand your collection as your repertoire grows.

I love it!

Not only does it sparkle, but it also has a lovely full tone. My only gripe would be that it doesn't easily play very high notes A/B/C third octave, but with a bit of adjusting and blowing fairly strongly even these notes will happen.

Altogether a great instrument for learners and any players who don't want their wooden instrument to get damp!

Adri's Dream (Red plastic)

A lovely recorder. Great sound. Great look. Easy response except the very highest notes, which require a little skill to control.