This is my third Mollenhauer Denner soprano - I already have the pear and the palisander versions - and I have now played it in fully, so I do not have to reserve judgement regarding its qualities. I was very intrigued by the dynamic capabilities of the grenadilla, but was reluctant at first because of the bright tone that it was ofter reported to have. From the first day that I played it, the lower notes were beautifully round and clear with very little resistance, and I had no difficulty playing through to the third octave, with the top D and E responding with ease.
After playing this instrument in, I would say that it is the most dynamic and responsive of the three Denners that I own. In my opinion it requires less pressure, which may take some adjusting to, and the tone is most certainly bright, with no discernible "airiness". I would describe it as a very clear, pure sound. I agree that it is more of a soloist instrument rather than for consort playing, but it is an instrument that is very enjoyable and satisfying to play and offers me another tonal option to my growing recorder collection.
