Mollenhauer Kynseker Tenor With Key 4418 - Plum (Baroque fingering)

A Recorder Inspired by the Originals of Hieronymus F. Kynseker

The Kynseker follows a historical copy and interpretation approach: this model is inspired by instruments attributed to Hieronymus F. Kynseker (Nuremberg, 1636-1686), based on originals preserved at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg. Within this range, Mollenhauer primarily seeks fidelity to the essential characteristics of period models: silhouette, tuning balance, and especially projection with a distinctive tonal grain, designed for consort playing.

The Mollenhauer brand is recognized for the consistency of its manufacturing, the care given to adjustment, and a very practical musical approach: a recorder must be pleasant to play, in tune, and able to carry within an ensemble without forcing. The Kynseker embodies this DNA, with particular work on tuning and sound quality.

For Which Musician and Repertoires

This tenor recorder is aimed at intermediate to advanced musicians who want a more characterful sound than a purely "student" instrument, while maintaining a familiar feel. The Baroque-style fingering facilitates the transition for players already trained on modern models.

In terms of styles, it is especially comfortable in Renaissance and early Baroque repertoires (ensemble music, consorts, dances, diminutions), but remains relevant for early music in a broader sense, as well as for contemporary projects seeking an authentic acoustic color. Its tonal temperament allows it to hold its place in an ensemble without losing definition.

Sound and Design

The choice of plum wood provides a particularly appreciated sound signature on recorders: a warm timbre, a singing midrange, and a sense of substance in the sound. The Kynseker is designed to offer clear projection and good attack clarity, while maintaining homogeneity across registers when the tone is well supported.

The tuning and sound have been carefully adjusted, promoting stable tone production and more confident intonation in ensemble playing. The presence of a key improves ergonomics on certain low notes and enhances playing comfort, especially during passages requiring quick finger transitions or a more relaxed hand position.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The recorder is delivered with a set of useful daily accessories (case, microfiber cleaning swab, joint grease, fingering chart, instruction manual). If you play regularly, a spare joint grease is a reliable and universal complement for maintaining the joints, ensuring smooth assembly and preventing premature wear.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Natural
Materials	Plumwood

Type	Tenor recorder	Adjustment	carefully tuned for pitch and sound
Key	C (tenor in C)	Sound orientation	Renaissance / early Baroque
Model	Kynseker	Baroque fingering	the most common finger position system on modern recorders, facilitating compatibility between instruments.
Material	Plum wood	Tone production	the ease with which a note "speaks" and stabilizes, especially during register changes.
Fingering	Similar to Baroque fingering	Projection	the ability of the sound to carry and remain clear in a hall or within an ensemble.
Family	Recorder (integrated windway, duct flute headjoint)	Intonation	accuracy of pitch across the entire range, related to breath control, articulation, and instrument tuning.