Heckel #5062 Bassoon

Condition

• A 113-year-old instrument that seals well in the wing joint, with acceptable sealing in the boot joint for an instrument of its age
• Presently suitable for testing and evaluation, though additional work would further improve it
• The pads appear quite recent, and the bumpers and corks are in good shape
• This is not an instrument for a youngster, and is not a good choice to carry a student through college auditions
• The price is commensurate with the age and condition
• A fine instrument for an enthusiastic adult amateur or a collector

Body

• The maple body is in acceptable condition for its age, with some erosion of the refinished surface, wear at the touch points, various sealed screw holes from removed keywork, and general signs of long use. The finish is quite dark mahogany, though the grain and tiger striping can still be seen.

Keywork

• The German-system, silver-plated keywork is in solid, reliable condition. Wear is visible at many points, as should be expected with an instrument of this age. While the bassoon as a whole has changed little over the past century, the key shapes and positioning visible in the photos are characteristic of that earlier period.

Case

• The integral case is in good condition.

Bocal

• Comes with a post-war Heckel #3 (z) bocal in good shape.