Mollenhauer, "Canta", alto in f', baroque double hole, with double key, pearwood

The instrument with the article number: 2246-MOLL made by Mollenhauer is a companion that gives lasting pleasure in playing music.
This characteristic is due to the carefully considered combination of the above-average instrument model in fine tuning with the advantages of the pearwood material used.

The unique sound characteristics of this instrument are strikingly impressive. The characteristics can be roughly summarised as follows, although it is in the nature of things that sounds can only ever be inadequately described in words. This is why the sound of recorders, which is typical of the material, is perceived and described differently by each person: Pear: Soft, choral sound. Suitable for playing in a group.

The scale

The geometry of the inner bore of the instrument is slightly cylindroconical. This type of bore gives the model its typical sound.
In principle, instruments with a wider bore sound warmer, fuller, more fundamental and therefore more suitable for ensembles than recorders with a narrower inner bore.

For which musical styles is the instrument best suited?

Birnbaum is predestined for recorders that are mainly used for choral playing, recorder ensembles and orchestras, other styles are possible.

Who the instrument is aimed at

It follows that pearwood recorders are particularly suitable for ambitious amateurs and advanced players. Another important rule of thumb is that a better quality instrument will in most cases make learning progress more enjoyable than a simple one.

The windway of a recorder

The windway is the area in the instrument headjoint where the air is moulded into a sheet of air. This sheet of air is the basis of the instrument's sound. In interaction with the labium, the air leaf creates the vibration that generates the flute sound. The shape of the windway is therefore one of the defining principles for the musical creativity of the recorder.

The windway of the Mollenhauer 2246-MOLL instrument is constructed as follows: Curved, cylindrical.
Conical windways accelerate the air blade more than cylindrically shaped ones.
Windways are extremely complex in their geometric design and many parameters influence each other.

Fingering

The Mollenhauer 2246-MOLL recorder is made in the following fingering: Baroque double hole.

Construction method

The construction of a recorder has a strong influence on the way in which it is used on a daily basis, both in terms of ease of assembly and transport.
This is a point that should not be underestimated, especially when transporting larger (and sometimes several) instruments.
Recorder orchestra leaders will agree with us.

Packaging and accessories

The recorder comes with a bag and the following accessories as standard: Cork grease, microfibre wiper, care instructions, fingering chart

Hygiene tips

If the recorder is borrowed frequently, you should consider cleaning the blowing area sterilely if necessary to prevent the transmission of diseases. Flautisept has proven to be a reliable aid in such cases. You can find Flautisept in our collection. It works with the following surfaces:

1. Spirit-stained surfaces
2. Linseed oil surfaces
3. Glazed surfaces
4. RESONA
5. Lacquered surfaces
6. Waxed surfaces
7. ABS plastics
8. Untreated wood surfaces

To be on the safe side, test Fautisept on an inconspicuous area before use to ensure that it does not leave any unwanted traces on your instrument.

Optional information on keys

It is not always possible to drill tone holes in places in the instrument body that are easy and comfortable to reach with your fingers. Especially on larger instruments, some tone holes are ergonomically inaccessible for acoustic reasons. On these instruments, keys are fitted by the instrument maker to make playing much easier or even possible in the first place.
The 2246-MOLL instrument has the following keys: 2-fold foot key. This makes it easy to play even for players with smaller hands.

Recommendations on the way to a new recorder

How to find your new instrument safely
Ask people you know!
However, under no circumstances should you be put off from testing a recorder yourself by "generally applicable" rules such as "material xy doesn't work at all in an ensemble / for professionals". Your musical sensibility is as unique as you are. Therefore, only you can decide which instrument suits you personally.
Our recommendation is therefore: try out different brands that you have never tested before. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.