The Block is Loose. What do I do?

Every wooden recorder consists of two different kinds of wood: the wood of the recorder body and the wood of the block (usually cedar wood). Because these woods have different characteristics it is obvious that both react differently to warm, moist breath and subsequent drying as well as to atmospheric conditions. Therefore it can happen that the dimensions vary to a different degree, affecting the precise fitting of the different parts. In extreme cases the block swells so much that it can hardly be removed for cleaning or repairing. On the other hand, the block can become so loose (the instrument will leak air and moisture) that it can move or even fall out and become damaged. Only a perfectly fitted block guarantees an optimal sound, therefore we recommend having the recorder repaired by a specialist. Wherever possible he will try to rescue the original block. If this isn’t possible a new block will have to be fitted and the instrument will have to be voiced from new. You should therefore send your instrument to its maker who will have suitable replacement blocks available.

Please send Mollenhauer recorders to our Recorder Clinic.