Mollenhauer 5006 Denner Sopranino

Overall, nothing to complain about here - a lovely little sopranino with a good response and clear sound.

This instrument is used as an occasional addition to our recorder consort, where the arrangements call for the high instrument. It is nicely made, in two pieces, and slips together easily. It is at concert pitch and requires no adjustment, once at ambient temperature, to blend with our other recorders.

To play it is straightforward. The tone is bright but not harsh, although as you would expect the high register is penetrating. The intonation cannot be faulted, and the pinched thumb orientation is easy to achieve. It does take quite a bit of breath in the high register, though, but this is to be expected in recorders of all sizes.

The recorder comes in a soft case specifically designed for it, with separate pockets for the two parts of the instrument, some cork grease and an appropriately-sized mop. A fingering chart is also included.

The only thing you will need to do is make sure you keep it dry after playing and oil it every couple of months - you will need to source recorder oil separately and an applicator.

So, to sum up, I'm very pleased with this instrument. You won't be disappointed if you need an upper register for your consort or for solo playing - I recommend "The Bird Fancyer's Delight" for some excellent solo pieces specifically for sopranino.