Recorder31 Day 25 | Instrument Giveaway: Mollenhauer Kynseker G Alto

Every year during Recorder31 we run a very special prize-draw – one lucky reader will be in with a chance of winning a fabulous new instrument to add to their collection. With thanks to our supporter Mollenhauer, we have a very special recorder to offer in today's giveaway.

WIN a new Mollenhauer Kynseker G Alto Recorder in Plumwood

Courtesy of Mollenhauer, we are delighted to have a Kynseker G Alto recorder in stunning European Plumwood to give away! This instrument, modelled on a 17th Century design, is perfect for renaissance or early baroque consort music as well as solo music from early and modern periods. 

To enter, simply follow the below steps (or head to our social media to enter there!):

1. Ensure you are signed up to our mailing list. (If you aren't already, sign up here!)
2. Comment on this blog post telling us your (current) favourite piece of music from the 17th Century.

Enter by 23:59PT on Monday 31 August 2026 to be in with a chance of winning. The winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. For full T&Cs please see the bottom of this webpage.

About the prize

The Mollenhauer Kynseker G Alto offers a full renaissance sound with much character and depth, baroque fingering, and a range of two octaves.

The production of a complete consort of recorders after the design by Hieronymus F. Kynseker (1636-1686), in the German National Museum in Nuremberg, is perhaps one of Mollenhauer’s finest achievements. Faithful to the originals, the instruments have a narrow arched windway, a strong sound that is particularly noteworthy in the lower register and a full two octave range using fingering similar to the baroque system.

The G Alto offers a wonderfully warm tone suitable for Renaissance and early Baroque solo repertoire as well as being ideal for consort playing and other styles such as folk music.

The recorder comes supplied with leather bag, mop, fingering chart and maintenance instructions.

Our huge thanks to Mollenhauer for their continued support of Recorder31 and for enabling us to offer this wonderful prize.

Click here, or on the image below to discover all Mollenhauer Kynseker recorders available through The Early Music Shop – available from garklein to great bass in stained maple and plumwood.

---

Today’s giveaway features a captivating historic design: the Mollenhauer Kynseker Alto in G, crafted from beautifully figured plumwood.

Modelled on the late 17th-century instruments by Hieronymus F. Kynseker, this model sits right at the transition between Renaissance and Baroque styles. Pitched in G, it offers a distinct, warm vocal range that breathes new life into early 17th-century solo repertoire and ensemble scoring.

As you listen, notice the wide, flexible bore profile in action. Plumwood gives the instrument a remarkably sweet, dark timbre with a velvety smoothness across all registers. The pitch in G provides a slightly higher, central placement that fills out Renaissance diminutions and early Baroque sonatas with a singing, noble presence.

Listen to this recorder! 

Anon Saltarello:

Van Eyck Nightingale:

Scale:

---

Prize Draw Terms & Conditions