 The Bassoon BBoard
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-06-25 08:36
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Hello,
I am a frequent visitor of the clarinet board, but this is my first time posting here.
I was given a Polisi Standard bassoon for evaluation on possible repair/restoration.
The bassoon is in poor condition and is not playable (as far as I can tell, I do small repairs on clarinets).
It was owned by a band mate, an old gentleman, who recently passed away.
His son took his "good" bassoon, and the widow showed me this Polisi bassoon, that was stored in the basement.
The instrument, in general, does not look too terrible but the pads are very old and the paint bubbled up.
The bocal is there, I am not sure about its fit. I did not see any cracks.
The widow would like to know "what can be done" with the instrument.
The s/n is in mid-200, pics are attached.
Any help is appreciated.
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Author: Steven45
Date: 2023-07-26 09:49
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out, and I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your band mate. Evaluating and restoring a bassoon can be a rewarding project, but it's essential to approach it with caution and proper knowledge, especially if you're more experienced with clarinet repairs.
Based on the information you provided, the Polisi Standard bassoon seems to be in poor condition, particularly with old pads and bubbling paint. Here are some steps you can take to assess the instrument and determine what can be done:
External Inspection: Examine the bassoon thoroughly for any visible cracks, dents, or damage to the body, keys, and bocal. Look for signs of wear and aging on the finish.
Check Bocal Fit: Verify if the bocal fits properly in the tenon receiver. A well-fitted bocal is crucial for the playability of the instrument.
Playability Test: Even though you mentioned that you don't have experience with bassoons, try assembling the instrument carefully and see if any keys move smoothly and if the pads seal well. This will give you a general idea of the condition of the keywork and pads.
Evaluate the Wood: Inspect the wood for signs of warping, cracking, or damage. Wooden bassoons can be sensitive to changes in humidity and can develop issues over time.
Consult a Bassoon Expert: Considering that you are not experienced with bassoon repairs, it's advisable to seek guidance from a professional bassoon repair technician or restorer. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the instrument's condition and give you an estimate of the required repairs or restoration.
Discuss with the Widow: After the evaluation, communicate the findings and potential repair costs to the widow. Together, decide if restoring the bassoon is a feasible option based on sentimental value and budget.
Restoring a bassoon can be a significant undertaking, and it's essential to involve an experienced professional who specializes in bassoon repairs and restorations. They can guide you through the process, ensure the instrument is safely restored, and bring it back to playable condition. PayMyDoctor
Please keep in mind that attempting repairs without sufficient knowledge and experience can risk further damage to the instrument. Seeking professional advice is the best course of action to preserve the bassoon's value and playability.
I hope this information helps, and best of luck with the evaluation and potential restoration process.
Post Edited (2023-07-27 07:53)
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Author: m1964
Date: 2024-01-02 00:07
Happy New Year to all!
Resurrecting the older thread I started a while ago.
I took the bassoon to a well-known restorer/technician in NYC.
He checked the instrument (including bottom cup removal) and stated that the bassoon was in "not in bad shape considering its age".
The bassoon is, in fact, playable- he was able to play scales all the way up and down.
The tech told me that the re-pad and re-doing the tenons would cost about $900.
He, however, recommended not to overhaul it and sell it "as is", since a potential buyer would want the overhaul done by their tech, etc.
What would be the best platform to sell it from? I only used eBay occasionally.
Thanks
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