History

In 1822 Johann Andreas Mollenhauer founded his first workshop in Fulda, Germany, producing musical instruments for the royal court of Hessen and throughout Europe. In 1864 his son, Gustav, established his woodwind workshop in Kassel , “Gustav Mollenhauer & Söhne KG”.  In the 1950’s the firm passed into the capable  hands of Karl Schaub, and is now successfully managed by his son Gerhard and grandson Tino, both licensed master craftsmen, having completed their “Meisterprüfung”.  

Instruments from Gustav Mollenhauer & Söhne are played by artists around the world who rely on their quality and are enthusiastic about their even tone and intonation. 

In their Kassel workshop, Gerhard and Tino Schaub oversee the manufacture of each contrabassoon. with careful attention to fit and function.     

Select, mature, Curly Maple is turned and bored, then stained, varnished, and polished to a lustrous finish.  

Strong alloy, silver plated keys are fitted as the contrabassoon is assembled. 

Each low B-flat "opera model" contrabassoon includes two Mollenhauer bocals, hand crafted in the workshop.