Description
This 1912 Heckel has been loved and played throughout the years and has a history that is lost in the mists of time. It is listed on https://heckeldex.org with photos from years ago that shows it in refurbished condition. It has been played extensively since then. We believe the keywork was resilvered decades ago. It was definitely refinished. The original Heckel stamps can still be seen, though very faintly.
Brian Charles has cleaned, oiled, adjusted, and play-tested this bassoon in our shop. It’s a 113 year old instrument that seals very well in the wing joint, and acceptably well in the boot joint. Perfection in condition might be able to be achieved, but right now, it offers great sonority as-is. It sounds like a Heckel, plays like a Heckel, and will be someones treasured friend. 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.
Condition:
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.
Features:
-
- Body lock
- Crutch bracket (no crutch)
- Bone bell ring with crack
- “Flat top” style bass joint
- Five rollers
- It does not have high D
Bocal:
It comes with a post war Heckel #3 (z) bocal in good shape.
Case:
The integral case is in good condition.
For more information on how to trial this instrument, Click Here.
If you’re ready to trial this instrument email us or call us at (603) 356-9890
