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I treated myself to a Mollenhauer Kynseker alto in G, bought new from an online retailer. Upon inspecting the internal bore I can see that there are circular marks on the wood opposite each tone hole, perhaps as if the drill used for the tone holes had entered as far as the opposite wall of the bore, or perhaps the tool that is used to undercut the holes had left these marks. Not knowing if this was the usual standard of finish for this range and make of recorders (taking into account they are turned and drilled on automated machines, and not 100% hand made), I contacted Mollenhauer who replied that none of their staff could be responsible for these marks. I’ve never owned a wooden recorder that didn’t have a well finished bore, and I have made arrangements with the retailer for an exchange but this will take several weeks due to my not being in the same country as the retailer. Are there any other owners of the current Kynseker model who’d take a look inside the bodies of their instruments and let me know if theirs are the same? These marks don’t show up on photos, so that’s why I haven’t uploaded any to illustrate. Thank you.
I have a complete set of Kynsekers but they were purchased in the 1980’s and 1990’s so things may have changed at the factory. There are no signs of imperfections as you describe on mine. In any case, you are totally correct, these will affect the voicing and/or tuning and are not acceptable in a new or used instrument of any kind. Mollenhauer is an excellent maker and hopefully this in an unusual event. Hope you enjoy your new, new instrument.
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