Review: Mollenhauer Cherry wood range | Tenor, Bass & Elody | Team Recorder

To celebrate Mollenhauer's 200th anniversary, I'm reviewing their cherry wood range! Three tenors, two bassets and something never before seen on Team Recorder: the Elody!
This video is not a paid promotion. All recorders are on loan and will be sent back.
/// THE RECORDERS
MOLLENHAUER Tenor recorder Denner Cherrywood, baroque double holes, with double key (5431)
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
MOLLENHAUER Tenor recorder Denner comfort Cherrywood, baroque double holes, with double key (5431C)
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
MOLLENHAUER Tenor recorder Denner knick comfort Cherrywood, baroque double holes, with double key (5431KC)
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
MOLLENHAUER Bass recorder Denner Cherrywood, Baroque double holes, with 4 keys (5501)
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
MOLLENHAUER Bass recorder Canta Cherrywood with knick, baroque double hole, with 4 keys (2541K)
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
mollenhauer Elody Cherrywood, clearly varnished, footjoint with E extension and triple key for E/ F/ F-sharp
www.mollenhauer.com/en/catalo...
Enter Mollenhauer's competition to win a recorder: www.mollenhauer.com/en/#content
//////
Website: www.sarahjeffery.com
Tiktok / instagram / twitter: @team_recorder
//// ONLINE COURSE!
Check out my online courses for recorder players: sarahjeffery.com/Online-Course
//// MAILING LIST
Join my mailing list to stay up to date on future news and events: mailchi.mp/0d849f2fb5c7/100k
//// MY DEBUT ALBUM
'Constellations' is out!! It can be ordered on (signed) CD or digital download here: team-recorder.myshopify.com/
LISTEN NOW ON SPOTIFY! open.spotify.com/artist/3wL36...
/////
THE TEAM RECORDER WEBSHOP!
Buy all your TR-related goodies here!
team-recorder.myshopify.com/
//////
SUPPORT TEAM RECORDER ON PATREON
A small monthly donation to Team Recorder will help this channel to grow, and you get great rewards too!
/ teamrecorder
/////
Don't forget to check out my other videos, and SUBSCRIBE! Turn notifications on by clicking the 'bell' icon, then you never miss a thing. A new video will be posted every week!
------
Wanna send me stuff? My PO box:
Sarah Jeffery, Keurenplein 41, Box C350, 1069CD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This is for letter post only; for packages contact me by email for the appropriate address.
Go #teamrecorder

[@TenorCantusFirmus]

Yes, we'd like a full video about the "Elody" (with full electronic setup as well)!

[@doginabox9621]

Yes! Give us the electric recorder!!! 👍

[@thepossibles2149]

Definitely!!!

[@ninagilbert7166]

Sarah, please make a video about the "Elody"

[@nikolapetricevic]

Canta bassette is just gorgeous. Such clarity on those low notes, it speaks so beautifully. Also, yes on another video for Elody, I'd be very interested to hear it via that little cable, and amplified and with some effects. Exciting!

[@katemorrisguitar]

Yes please to a more detailed review of the elody at some point.

[@bacca71]

Aye, by all means, a FULL video of the Mollenhauer Elodie with all it's electronic do-dads heard! Enjoyed hearing their cherry woods; nicely done!

[@Heleendje]

My second hand palisander alto is arriving today and I couldn't be more excited, hope I made the right call! Researched thoroughly before buying... by bingeing Sarah's channel 😊 (it's a Moeck Rottenburgh from the 80s, with cert, mint condition!)

[@RecordersRocketsBEC]

One more vote for a more complete look at the Elody. I have one in satinwood, and it is by far my favorite alto to play (except for sometimes not covering the RH index finger hole properly because it’s hard to find by feel with that large radius upper surface). It speaks more reliably and freely across the entire range than my Mollenhauer Modern alto and has a little sweeter sound as well. Someday, maybe, I’ll start taking advantage of what can be done with the built in pickup. I’ve checked that it works (and it does work well) but haven’t done any further exploration of possibilities there yet. Happy New Year and thanks for all that you share with us!

[@sameife]

I am the proud owner of a beautiful Canta Cherrywood Basset and it’s my second favorite recorder. But it’s a very close second to my handmade Ernst Meyer Alto and after two years she still makes me happy every time I play!

[@elizabethrudolph7482]

ABSOLUTELY would love to see a full video on the Elody! Happy New Year, Sarah and family!

[@robynrox]

From this, I think the Canter basset is much better than the Denner basset! I think it speaks easier at the bottom and the top ends of the range. I also preferred the more solid tones that it produced. Not that I'm ever likely to get one, but I now have a Yamaha plastic basset that I need to spend some time with and get to know better!

[@jyuster]

Happy New Year! I am lucky enough to have the Bent Neck Denner Comfort Cherry Tenor. I bought it based on the review of it you did for the Early Music Shop. I have never regretted the purchase. I love this instrument. Light and easy to handle. Beautiful sound. I play in several groups and the instrument blends well with everything. Thanks for the great instrument reviews Sarah.

[@leonieshelton]

I bought my first wooden recorder in 2020. It was the Mollenhauer Denner Comfort Knick Tenor in Cherrywood, and I absolutely love it 😍 I also love the fact that, as a complete amateur, it makes me sound good 😉😁

[@katlawliss9496]

We need that Elody video. 100 percent

[@sfmans]

Yes, please do a dedicated video on the elody, get that distortion pedal on it!

[@music_field]

Loved that curved rosewood bass (Canta)! The sound, the form and the weight are just perfect for my needs! Looking forward to buy one in Germany! Thank for the review!

[@nikolapetricevic]

Happy New Year, Sarah! Always a joy to see you upload. :)

[@victorhugo1819]

I love those instrument testing videos 😍 Happy New Year Sarah!

[@elizabethoseid9016]

As always, a delightful video - I am not in the market for new instrument, but it is fun to hear the differences. Your videos have helped me improve my efforts on the alto. You are an inspiration! I am playing both flute and recorder more than ever because you make learning fun and help us believe in our potential - the mark of an excellent teacher!

[@selfsufficient23]

What a lovely review. I love your passion and knowledge 🎉

[@nanookalexkaye77]

Please- I beg you this day... Do a video on that Elody with all kinds of crazy effects! Paired with a great amp and cable, sponsors, etc- get some real hours into practice and do it right- this will advance recorders into the next generation! You will WOW the crowd...Awesome Job Sarah

[@VOICENBASS]

Beautiful instruments, always enjoying your videos. Loved you Tenor High C Nemesis face :)

[@comtaar2245]

Dear Sarah, you have revived my interest in playing. Thank you.

[@pedrohbrinck]

My favorite youtuber beginning the year with such good music and such nice instruments. Thank you Sarah. And happy 2022. May 2022 bring the winds of good fortune, health, peace, love, music and lots of recorder playing. Thank you again.

[@Team_Recorder]

To you too! 💖

[@jothestrange]

I can only dream of ever owning such beautiful instruments, wow! Goals! 😍

[@cathy7382]

It's a treat to hear Molenhaur tenor and bass recorders both as I haven't played one of my 1st recorders was a maple Soprano I don't know how she affords these cherry woods, they're way out of my price range being thousands of dollars

[@Team_Recorder]

Hi Cathy, you can ask! ‘She’ sees all of these comments 😉 These instruments are all on loan from Mollenhauer for the purposes of the video, I wish I could own them all but luckily recorder companies are happy to lend some out for reviews!

[@idraote]

Happy New Year, Sarah! I am glad you said you somewhat preferred the Canta basset because I share your opinion in that but I am no expert by any means. That said, they all sounded lovely, they can certainly be good instruments for more advanced players. And of course, please... a full review of the Elody would be most welcome :)

[@fbkintanar]

Yes! I want to hear the Elody put through its paces!

[@victoryinhim9689]

Super happy new year. My 7 yr old daughter absolutely loves your videos 🌹💙🦋🌼🌸💮😊

[@YorozuyaNeesan2010]

Those are some beautiful instruments!

[@stephenweigel]

From now on I will celebrate recorder day

[@gerardvila4685]

3:10 "Top C is my nemesis" But you're the recorder lady. You're not supposed to have a nemesis. My dreams are shattered 😭 (Did you ever do a video on which recorders are easier / harder to play high notes on? Asking for a friend.)

[@mccypr]

Thanks! Happy New Year!!! 😎✌️🌞🎻🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@innermostbeing]

As always, your videos bring a bright smile to my face. Thanks for this release! Yamaha maple - the tenor was much louder, stronger and sharper like you said. I too liked it! You are candid in sharing your views which is a rare trait to be seen around these days.

[@Team_Recorder]

Yes, honesty is the best policy! Every recorder has things I love and things I don’t, so I’m up front about that 😊

[@andrearacs561]

Hi Sarah, me too I want to hear more about Elody, please!Thanks a lot!

[@dalennia6803]

Yes, please! A full Video about the Elody Flute would be perfect!

[@428sassa]

Yes please, more on the Elody

[@maria.maruseva]

Hi Sarah! Nice to see you again!

[@twocanucksful]

Great video. And yes, a full idea with the amplified Elody, with audio effects would be cool. 😎

[@flamenfloralis]

Sooo interesting!

[@andreainzaghi7373]

Beautiful sound! I remember you won a Mollenhauer Denner at a contest

[@user-uz7gb7gb4v]

I agree about the Canta. It's got a beautiful, rich low end. And yes, please, for the Elody video!

[@michaelraymond952]

I was also pleasantly surprised by the Canta! I think the big beak (rather than bocal or direct blow) suits your playing style well. I also think you should definitely do an Elody video and get John in on it!

[@GenWivern2]

Happy New Year! Those are some very nice sounding recorders, and I have to agree that the Canta comes across as having at least as much character as the Denner basset. As for the Elody, I expect everybody will want to hear more about that. The sound wasn't much to my taste, but then again it wasn't plugged in. :-)

[@williamkennedy2258]

That’s great information I don’t think I have heard of using cherry wood but, it is very good looking wood 74 year old student

[@sogehtdasnicht]

👌 the canta bass is a very surprise!

[@TheMKEWERBY]

Yes, Sarah, PLEASE Do a video on the Elody! Bass guitar is my main instrument, and I play guitar some as well. So that would be interesting.

[@hunterhudson9238]

I remember when we played recorders in fourth grade, it was chaos

[@kurtisburtis]

Wow, I like the sound of these recorders a lot! Guess I have to save even more of my pennies, though; they’re currently a bit out of my price range. I have wondered about that opposite double-key (one key for middle c, both for c-sharp). Your explanation made perfect sense. (Also, it amused me to see your fingers intuitively spread wider on the Comfort tenors, despite the keys to make that not as needful. It’s like they said “no, mom … we know how to play a tenor.” 😏)

[@nigelmartin271]

I adore my Elody Space recorder, especially amplified 😃😃.

[@ddmm6103]

Please do a full video in the Elody!

[@danielagedah]

Happy new year Sarah 💖🎈

[@lipecover1016]

I have the recorder tenor mollenhauer in pear wood with key, i love the sound

[@HaliPuppeh]

Daaaang those basses have the most beautiful tones

[@Tvianne]

The Canta bass is epic 😍

[@sonjasoni6974]

Happy new year Sarah

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

Backed by popular demand, the general consensus is for a full-length video on the Elody - the 'electrifyingly' cool recorder made by Mollenhauer. As they say in jolly old England, “Let’s crack on!” 👍 😊

[@shadowgolem9158]

I find Cherry wood to be a mix of Maple and Mahogany in sound. Mountain Dulcimers are often made of Cherry wood and have a distinctive sound as a result, I think. I have a Cherry backed guitar I love.

[@HollandHiking]

All these instruments sound excellent, but you are right, there can be huge individual differences between same recorders. I recently bought an Aura soprano and an Aura bass made of European buxus. Both sound great, but I tried a fair number and got the best ones....

[@theb9902]

Of course we want you to make a video about the Elody. No question

[@HollandHiking]

Bought a cherrry wood tenor, the basic model last week and I really love it. I fully agree with your review. One small comment, the holes for the right hand are a bit further apart than for my Aura Palisander Conservatory tenor. If you have small hands, go for the comfort version. Personally I prefer to have less keys, it gives more flexibility. Btw I paid Euro 100 less than the price you mentioned! A minor detail. It does not have a protective ring for the thumb hole.

[@zingingcutie2364]

As a beginner recorder player who is terrible at high C (especially on my wooden soprano for some reason) i really appreciate you keeping it real. Recorder isnt easy!

[@Team_Recorder]

Agreed! 😄 That note (and the high Ab under it) are the recorder player’s nemeses

[@samanthathompson9812]

There's a dude on KZbin who gets up to D with no apparent effort

[@greengonzonz]

Hi Sarah. I'm not a recorder player but your channel was presented to me by the algorithm... and it actually got it right 👍 now I tune in to your videos because of you (your musical passion is contagious). It doesn't make me want to take up the recorder but I am compelled to play my guitar (guitarist). The way you explain things, a natural teacher. Love the vids when you bring hubby in, he's the absolute man.

[@Team_Recorder]

Oh lovely! Hoorah for th algorithm 😊

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

After my initial plastic Yamaha recorders, I randomly gravitated to Mollenhauer and their entry level wood body recorders with plastic heads. Have their Dream soprano and Prima alto, but have been contemplating adding their fully wooden Dream alto next. Would consider their bigger recorders as I do like the tone of low flutes, but don't have the funds to commit to a bass or tenor. Maybe one day...

[@HollandHiking]

Yes please do the Elody. please!

[@emanueljohansson6284]

6:59 the licc

[@katlawliss9496]

Yes! I didn't even notice!

[@Team_Recorder]

Hahaa, it was entirely unintentional!

[@johnfenn3188]

Glad to see the recorders in Cherry. I play a Canta bass in pear wood, and find I need a spike normally. But they’re very good recorders. I have found exactly what you have discovered that the Canta is amazing provided you keep any tension out of the throat and mouth - otherwise it sounds a bit like an alto sax!

[@robynrox]

Plus points either way - an alto sax sounds good too :)

[@johnfenn3188]

@@robynrox but somewhat different from the recorder!

[@BrownianMotionPicture]

I recently bought a yamaha recorder for £2 in a charity shop. I have played guitar and made electronic music for fun for a decent chunk of my life, but had never considered wind instruments. I can't put this thing down and seeing all these wooden recorders is making me want to acquire or make one some day. Truly a wonderful, robust, compact and beautful sounding instrument and my ears are loving this video so far. Thanks.

[@helenacooke5326]

I’d love a full review of the Elody (I’m trying hard not to want one but failing!)

[@KKSG46]

I would love to see a full vid on the Elody

[@anna.g]

I’m lucky enough to have the Denner Basset in cherrywood, which I’ve had it for just over a year. It’s lovely, and I like the mellow sound so that I don’t stick out too much when playing in a group. The only slight downside it that it’s a stretch to play it direct blow as it’s longer than other bassets that I’ve played. It’s only about an inch longer (a combination of a very slightly longer instrument and slightly shorter keys) but it’s enough to put it right at the edge of what I can manage (given that I don’t have the professional level of stretch that Sarah has!). And yes, it did take a while to get used to the F/F sharp keys being the other way round, but given the length of the instrument, having the F as the outside key does make it easier to play. It’s a super instrument though, and definitely an encouragement to learn to play it better than I can presently!

[@filharmonix]

Oh, totally! Do a video on the Elody, please.

[@Rik77]

I used to have a canta bass recorder. Just a wonderful instrument. Unfortunateky I left it on a train years ago. At some point ill buy a new one.

[@Team_Recorder]

Oh no! I'm sorry you never got it back!

[@FridayFrida]

Full video on the Elody please!!!!

[@dogsterooni]

omg I want that bass amazing

[@michaelayers4174]

I really enjoy your videos. Could anyone tell me where i can get thin cork to replace the joint seals? I live in British Columbia..

[@eshanm.k6667]

The best

[@rosiehaukenfrers4972]

I have been waiting for months.. maybe even years for your review on the Elody. More please. I even jokingly tried to convince my brother to buy me one. But, it is a steep price for my skill level. Should I keep it on my dream list? 🤔

[@yvesdelombaerde5909]

They've got nice videos about blockfluit onderhoud. Also videos with N. Tarasov himself introducing the Elody.

[@ofgraham]

What are you playing at 4:20? It sounds beautiful!

[@lillekorn]

That’s Sicilienne by Maria Theresa von Paradis. Beautiful!

[@stephielulu9096]

Cherry wood is so beautiful! You should check out the Kung studio tenor in cherry. Oh it's so nice 🥰

[@Team_Recorder]

Oooh!

[@tantricsarcasm9133]

I just realized what a difference your new mic setup makes.... I've been binge-watching some of your older videos.

[@Team_Recorder]

I know!!!!! My old echoey room and iPhone mic… 😵

[@filharmonix]

Have you tested the Dolmetsch dolonite recorders? Especially the tenor? I have one and i would love your input.

[@sarahspector5294]

I preferred the Canta too!

[@ApacienciaNECESSARIAparaOgoogl]

she is so cute! love her!!

[@AnnBurgess00]

Almost every recorder I possess is by Mollenhauer, and they are all good; I like their service standards as well. But I also have a Küng cherrywood knick tenor, which is great for comfort as my wrists can no longer take weight at a bad angle. But this instrument really has a strong smell and I am wondering - is the smell just my tenor, or just Küng instruments, or is it just cherrywood that smells? Did any of these instruments smell?

[@jessicavaliente9342]

Clearly your Yamaha tenor is a superior instrument to this Mollenhauer instrument in cherry. No contest. And I think I would have a breakdown if I had to play reverse low C/C# keys. Although the idea of a nick tenor with comfort keys is very appealing. The bassets are very nice. Definitely do the Elody video!

[@luckybarrel7829]

4:20 Wuttt R U PLAYING! It's so nice!

[@luckybarrel7829]

Oh and HNY!!!!

[@InkByt3]

@@luckybarrel7829 This reply is one year late, but it's Sicilienne by Paradis!

[@jansteiner1815]

What's the piece played at about 4:40? It's sooo beautiful 🤩

[@Itsalaugh229]

I'm a beginner recorder player, very early stages. I have an Aulos Robin tenor recorder because it was designed for smaller hands. However I just had a diagnosis of MS and my hands struggle to stretch. I might have to invest in a tenor with keys. Chose the tenor over the saprano because I think it has a more adult sound. Anyone got any hand exercises that might help my finger spread?

[@austinhackney3906]

At first I misheard you and thought you said, "This is wonky at the bottom". But then I realized that you said that it has one key at the bottom. Just started learning the recorder, so not a good time to be getting hard of hearing! Uh-oh...

[@FogyArts]

I wanna hear the internal mic recorder!😭

[@JimK404]

Another vote for the Elody video 🙂

[@AnnBurgess00]

I have a Küng cherrywood knick tenor which is so much more comfortable to play now my wrist has gone geriatric on me. Only downside is that it smells strange, a kind of bitter smell. I'm not sure whether that is the natural smell of cherrywood or whether it has been treated with some chemical of finishing product.

[@kallikles2003]

Please, Elody full setup!

[@1Ipodtouchfan]

Hey! I got an interesting questions, has there ever been a romantic era Recorder concerto? Or like a romantic-esk kind of recorder concerto?

[@LuSa17]

Hi, I am interesting in a Video about the elody!!!!

[@NR-rv8rz]

I wanted to learn Tenor recorder so bought an £80 Yamaha. But I found I couldn't reach the holes. I think I have normal sized hands for an adult male but my fingers don't seem to spread enough to reach them comfortably. I don't fancy paying £800 for a wooden recorder with accessibility features. Are there any plastic Tenors with those attachments or anyway to have them fitted?

[@BlameItOnGreg]

Are there any affordable harmonic recorders? Seems like they’re all well over $1000 which is well out of reach for casual players. If a company made a decent plastic harmonic recorder, I feel like they would sell quite well. Surely there is enough market demand for it.

[@Hunter-de3dx]

Did you play anything that is online with the cherrywood that you liked?

[@unagisama5476]

Recorder reviews reminds me of a shop from Diagon alley ..fine wood recorders and notes instead of wands and magic

[@sharp_swf]

i wanna hear that Elody through some guitar pedals!