Mollenhauer 5432 Denner Tenor with Key

This replaced a pear-wood Mollenhauer Canta tenor that I got a while back... there was nothing wrong with that tenor, but all the rest of my instruments are Denners, and I just like the design and shape. So I upgraded. :-) The responsiveness and sound of this instrument is simply superb. Surprisingly light to hold, the Denner tenor feels has a lovely and rich sound. I like the attractiveness the zapatero "boxwood", and the instrument feels good in the hand. The recorder came in a fairly sturdy carrying case (though I'll probably special-order one of those leather-trimmed cotton taco-cases?which I think Thomann should stock?the Mollenhauer 7723 is the one that fits). In the carrying case there is a leather-ended wooden clening rod, fingering chart, and joint grease. I am delighted with this purchase.

After being played in, the sound quality from is a huge step up from a plastic tenor. The hole indentations and keys work well after getting used to them and it is easy to get a consistent seal on fast or difficult passages.

There are a couple of things I don't like about the instrument. The block and whistle design is more susceptible to temperature and condensation than other wood recorders I've tried. Its nearly impossible to play in tune without being warmed to body temperature first and then it needs a blow/suck every five minutes of playing, even after treatment following the manufacturer's directions. Finally, the pricing on it is absolutely ridiculous. There is no reason for a stick of cheap plantation grown wood with holes in it using a four hundred year old design should have more than doubled in price in the last four years.