Mollenhauer 4427 Adris Dream Tenor Reviews

It sounds MUCH better in reality comparing to available audio samples

I was expecting less bright and articulated sound based on available "demo"/"review" records where this instrument sounds a bit indistinctly. I have Mollenhauer 4408 Kynseker (plum wood version) to compare.

1. Adris Dream allows more smooth control of intonation comparing to Kynserker.

2. It has a well defined and bright sound which could be as well controlled as Kynseker's sound. I would say it is more "vocal". Kynseker is better on fast complex technical pieces because it has sharper responce. With Adris Dream breath control is more crytical at higher notes which could sound not precise without diaphram support.

3. The channel at the bottom is much wider than that of Kynserker and it results in really very loud lower notes. On Kynserker it is just good but here it is not just "good", it is just sound of the same loudness as higher notes. Also Adris Dream has C# which is a problem on Kynserker without keys, and here it is not a problem at all.

4. Clear octave between 2nd and 1st register at some notes requires ear and breath work on Adris Dream, for my taste the instrument requires violin-like vibrato approach in some pieces.

5. Playing second voice requires the same type of control as in singing, the instrument tone is dependent on the air pressure and will not deliver proper interval just mechanically. But it was my goal in buying this instrument, to have a sound close to human voice.

I think it is just a great instrument. For me there is a definite reason to keep it even having the perfect Kynserker Tenor - some pieces on Adris Dream sound just different/better, especially those which are originally written for the human voice.

Quite a lovely Tenor Recorder

The Adris Dream line of recorders are my first "real" wooden recorders I've owned. I took up the recorder during the pandemic, owning the nicer variants of Yamaha and Aulos plastic recorders. I don't feel this tenor is louder than the Yamaha or Aulos tenors I have, but the warmness in sound and the ability to exude various colors of music puts this tenor far above my plastic counterparts. In my amateur opinion, this is an excellent instrument for those looking to cross that bridge from plastic to wood.