Description
This classic vintage Heckel contrabassoon #147 left the Heckel factory on January 1st, 1903. It started life in Austria and made its way to the US early on. It has remained unplayed for many decades.
It’s in playable, restorable condition, though it’s a bit leaky. You can enjoy and play it as-is. However, we recommend that the next owner look ahead to having a minor restoration done shortly, and a full restoration done in the future. The price reflects the anticipated full restoration. It is available for this moderate price in as-is condition for that reason.
We dusted and did minor cleaning throughout the instrument, oiled the keywork, replaced some pads, and adjusted the current pads to a degree, though it still has leaks. In addition, we sealed some of the areas around the U tubes, recorked the removable bell and play tested it.
It comes with Heckel contra bocal C #0.
The case is original from 1903. It’s solid wood and heavy and features the original interior Heckel label as shown in the photos. Although the case is quite worn it has good working hinges, clasp latches and a solid, trustworthy solid metal handle. Overall, even though it is over 120 years old, the case is in reliable condition.
