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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000023.txt from 2003/05

From: Arthur Grossman <artg@-----.edu>
Subj: [DR-L] FS Heckel bassoon
Date: Sat, 3 May 2003 20:31:02 -0400

Heckel bassoon # 5741 for sale, restored by Keith Bowen. This is NOT a
"long bore" instrument, despite its serial number. It is the same bore as
the "short bore" Heckels. Keith added high D and E keys, tubes in the
finger holes, rollers on Low F-A-flat, low F-F#, thumb B-flat-F#, and low
C#-D#, plus an extra touch for the low C and my own designed whisper key
lock mechanism, which can be engaged or disengaged without removing your
thumb from the key, thus not opening the whisper key pad while engaging or
disengaging it. All keywork is newly silverplated to the highest
standards. The wood has been polished, but not re-finished, preserving
the original color and finish. I am convinced that this instrument was
never played professionally as the usual wear spots on the wood are not
nearly as light colored as they would be had it been played a lot. Also,
there was no tape in holes, etc, which one would typically find in an
instrument played by a professional. The sound is lovely, warm and sweet,
but with sufficient power for a modern orchestra. The bell ring is the
original ivory, and does have a chip missing, but I decided to leave it
that way rather than replace it with plastic. There are metal rings on
both ends of the long joint, presumably added to strengthen them.
Included are: a new case, one Heckel bocal, repaired, but with a visible
crink, and a Wolf bocal which I find ideal for this instrument. The boot
cap it set up to use a spike for playing. Price: $18,500. Trial
possible by arrangement. Phone 425 483 8667

Arthur Grossman, Professor Emeritus
Bassoon, Heckelphone and Contrabassoon
School of Music
Box 353450
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-3450