Mollenhauer DENNER ALTO 526 (442 HZ)

Essential Information About the Mollenhauer Denner Alto Recorder

• High-end alto inspired by the instruments of Jacob Denner, designed for rich and nuanced Baroque expression.


• Pearwood body: a wood valued for its warmth, natural response, and playing comfort.


• Baroque fingering with double hole for more accurate semitones and more reliable fingerings.


• Ready to play: instrument adjusted, with a selection of useful accessories for maintenance and handling.

The Denner Series: Baroque Heritage Revisited by Mollenhauer

With the Denner, Mollenhauer offers an alto recorder that fits into a prestigious tradition, drawing on the spirit of the historical instruments of Jacob Denner (1681-1735). The goal is not only aesthetic: this "model-based" approach aims for a clear and singing Baroque sound while meeting current demands for stability and precision.

This model focuses notably on the bore (the internal profile that guides the air and directly influences timbre, tuning, and homogeneity). The design emphasizes overall balance: an expressive yet reliable instrument capable of remaining controllable even as the range ascends.

Who Is This Alto Recorder For?

The Mollenhauer Denner alto is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced recorder players who wish to take a step forward in sound quality and intonation control. It is also very suitable for conservatory musicians seeking a more refined instrument for Baroque repertoire and ensemble playing.

Its natural repertoire remains the Baroque repertoire (sonatas, concertos, chamber music), but its balance and stability make it relevant in early music more broadly, in ensemble (consort) settings, and in demanding educational contexts where tuning, color, and articulation are worked on.

Sound and Design

This alto recorder is designed to offer a balanced Baroque timbre, with clear projection and a beautiful presence without harshness. The response is designed to remain reliable in the upper register, a crucial point for altos: the sound production must stay stable to allow clean attacks, fine dynamics, and precise articulation.

Pearwood provides an organic playing feel and a warm color, particularly appreciated for singing phrasing. The double hole (generally for certain low notes) facilitates semitone fingerings and contributes to a more consistent intonation in sensitive passages. The fully scooped holes (precisely shaped) contribute to homogeneity between registers and fine tuning of intonation.

Regarding handling, the design aims for good comfort, including for larger hands. The surface is treated with vegetable oils, a finish appreciated on wooden instruments for its natural touch and its ability to accompany the material's evolution over time, provided proper maintenance is observed.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

This alto recorder comes with essential items to start playing and maintain the instrument properly: a cotton case edged with leather for transport, a wooden cleaning rod to remove moisture after playing, a fingering chart to secure learning (especially accidentals), and a maintenance manual to adopt the right daily care routines.

Technical specifications

Level	Semi-professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Natural
Materials	Pearwood

Type	Alto recorder	Machining	Fully scooped holes
Model	Denner	Case	Cotton case edged with leather
Material	Pearwood	Maintenance	Wooden cleaning rod
Finish	Surface treated with vegetable oils	Documentation	Fingering chart
Fingering	Baroque	Adjustment	Instrument adjusted by a luthier
Double hole	Yes