Condition

• It’s a 113-year-old instrument that seals well in the wing joint, with acceptable sealing in the boot joint for an instrument of this age
• The instrument is presently in condition suitable for testing and evaluation, though additional work would improve its overall condition
• The pads appear to be quite recent and the bumpers and corks seem to be in good shape
• This is not an instrument for a youngster, and will likely not get you into college
• The price is commensurate with the age and condition
• It will be a fine instrument for an enthusiastic adult amatuer to play or for a collector

Body

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

Keywork

• The German system silver plated keywork system is in solid, reliable condition. There is wear at many points as should be expected with a 113 year old instrument. The keywork is modern to some degree as the bassoon really hasn’t changed much over the past 113 years. However, as can be seen in the photos, key shapes and positioning are from that time period.

Case

• The integral case is in good condition.

Bocal

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