Mollenhauer 0119R Adris Dream Soprano

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 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.

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.