Frequently
Asked
Questions
We welcome oboe d’amore, English horn, bass oboe, bassoon, contrabassoon, baroque bocals, wooden bocals, and pretty much any other double reed instrument bocal you have. We have customers looking for every level and type of bocal.
No. If you clean and recork it before it arrives here, we may offer you more, but we welcome bocals in just about any condition.
To give you a firm quote of what we would pay, we must see and play the bocal. If you send us an email with good quality photos and a solid description, we can estimate the value before you ship. Once the bocal arrives here, we’ll appraise it at no cost and email you with exact details. Typically, we offer about 40% to 60% of retail value.
Shipping is safe and efficient using UPS, USPS, or FedEx services. We’ve done it every day for 30+ years. Pack your bocal in a box at least 3″ bigger than the bocal on all sides. Wrap the bocal with foam, bubble wrap, or similar protective material and stuff the box full so the bocal does not shift around. Assume that the box will be tossed around on the way here, and pack accordingly.
When it first arrives, it will be unpacked and examined. You will receive an email letting you know it arrived safely. Brian personally examines and play tests every bocal to determine value and condition. When we’re very busy, dozens of bocals might arrive in a week so our response to you can take 2 weeks or more depending on how busy we are. When an assessment of value is complete, Brian will email you full details and offer options and advice on the best way to move forward.
If you choose payment in funds, we issue you a business check for the agreed amount about 12 to 16 days after completion of the sale. If you choose to trade the bocal for store credit, credit will be issued to you via email within 1 to 3 days. The digital gift coupon you’ll receive will be good for any service or product we offer.
Email us, call (603) 356-9890, or send the form.
When you send your bocal, it is crucial that you put a physical letter in the box with the bocal. Include your name, address, daytime phone number and email address. If you send it without a letter – how will we know who sent it?
Ship the instrument via insured UPS, USPS, or FedEx to:
Charles Double Reed Company
Consignment Department
1976 White Mountain Highway
North Conway, New Hampshire 03860
United States
Please fill out the form, and let us know what to expect!
