Mollenhauer TE-4318 Dream-Edition Alto

Hands down... buy this recorder. It's absolutely amazing! Tone is clear, strong with a real appealing presence about it. With its really wide bore and large finger holes, you can play anywhere from ppp to fff without the slightest effort and no "chirping" when tonguing unless you want it. Highs are as clear as the lows and although the fingering chart stops at high G#/Ab, just cover the bell hole with the same fingering and bingo, you get the high A. I only just received it today and I haven't really had a change to take it even higher and won't until it is played in, but I just know it will likely go up to high C with very little effort and an exploration of potential fingerings. I'll be getting the Soprano version at the end of the year as well.

Thanks to staff member Harald for ALL your assistance. It's been a real pleasure.

Gary Grieve
Toronto, Canada

I'm 75-years old and have been playing recorder on and off since the 5th grade. I own many recorders by several makers. I was mostly wanting a recorder for early and ethnic music without Baroque ornateness of carving. I decided on the Plum version after reading reviews on the Internet. What I received is a louder than expected instrument with beautiful attack on each note, very even over all registers. The TE-4318 is a 'show stopper' of magnificent voice in live performance. In small venues with no amplification my listeners are breathless. They think it's me; I think it's the Plum wood worked to Adriana Breukink's wonderful design by Mollenhauer. I've owned the Alto for a year and have just ordered the Plum wood Tenor. Ordering from Thomann in Germany can actually be faster and easier than some vendors here in the States. An exceptional instrument and buying experience. Thank You Thomann.

A really impressive recorder. After spending countless hours searching for another addition to my Alto collection, this one came out on top. What ultimately drew me to purchase this one was the well rounded tone across the whole range. The wide bore really projects and gives a full, warm sound. I was initially concerned with this being a 2 piece, as I'm used to being able to adjust the foot, but the placement for the lower F/F# is perfect. The Plum wood is also a beauty to behold. It's a striking recorder especially with the contrasting maple rings. Lightweight, nice large holes, smooth finish, and a pleasure to play. You'd be hard pushed to find better, especially for the price.
Also appreciate the lovely soft black leather case it comes in with the added extras.
Now eyeing up the tenor version as it really is that good.