Mollenhauer Modern Alto 5920E - Rosewood + E Key (Baroque fingering)

A Modern Alto That Has Become a Reference: The "Harmonic" Philosophy at Mollenhauer

Developed in 1996 following a collaboration between flutist Nik Tarasov and maker Joachim Paetzold, the Modern Alto marks a turning point: it is a recorder designed according to the principle of harmonic recorders. The idea is to achieve clearer and more accurate harmonics through a long bore, in order to extend the instrument's sonic palette and range, notably beyond the third octave. Within the Mollenhauer range, it stands as a model with a strong character, designed for the stage and contexts where the alto really needs to "cut through".

For Whom and in Which Styles?

The Mollenhauer Modern Alto is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced musicians seeking a characterful alto recorder capable of significant projection and convincing chromatic flexibility. It is particularly relevant if you play with piano, trio, string ensemble, or in pop, folk, and jazz aesthetics, where sound balance can be challenging for a traditional recorder. The fingerings remain generally familiar, allowing for direct handling, while requiring some adaptation for certain notes in the third octave.

Sound and Design

Made of rosewood, this alto recorder aims for a timbre that is both dense and carrying, with an emission that favors clear harmonics and easier stabilization of intonation over a wide range. The low E extension (elongated footjoint) extends the ambitus by a semitone downward to E1 and opens up a range of alternative fingerings and trill combinations. The triple key E/F/F# improves ergonomics and fingering precision in demanding passages, while contributing to better control of intonation in sensitive zones.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The recorder is delivered with a set of useful accessories to start and maintain the instrument in good condition: case, wooden cleaning rod, joint grease, fingering chart, mini CD, and maintenance manual. The SYNPOR stopper, a microporous synthetic material, is designed to absorb moisture without swelling, in order to maintain stable dimensions even after prolonged use.

Technical specifications

Level	Professional	Color	Brown
System	Baroque	Finishing	Natural
Materials	rosewood

Model	Modern Alto	Extension	Low E
Wood	Rosewood	Fingering	Baroque
Pitch	A = 442 Hz	Keywork	Triple key E/F/F#
Ambitus	Close to 3 octaves	Stopper	SYNPOR (synthetic wood-like material, microporous, moisture-absorbing and dimensionally stable)