Heckel Contrabassoon

For sale, an immaculate Heckel contrabassoon in fully restored condition.

This is a compact model low Bb contrabassoon. It is a superb tonally-balanced and responsive instrument: middle G speaks clearly in all dynamics, middle C is stable and in tune, the highest register notes work with the simple fingerings, octave slurs are unusually easy, and all low notes speak at pianissimo with the smallest of effort while maintaining their rich tone quality. 

This is an older contrabassoon, made in 1910 according to the serial number list in the Edith Reiter Heckel family history book.

It is rumoured to have been originally a low C contrabassoon, with the low Bb section added later (all original Heckel parts with Heckel stamps), possibly in the 1930s, and retuned and balanced by Heckel at the time. The scale and intonation would indicate that this is correct, but there is no paperwork to support this.

It comes with a good quality compact gig bag with back straps, purchased for the instrument recently.

This contrabassoon has been completely restored from top to bottom by a bassoon specialist in the recent past (but not by us), including re-sealing of all the joints, all new corks, felts and all new pads. The work is of a very high quality, but we have also lightly serviced it too so it is in mint playing condition.

The keywork has been re-silvered, and the varnish is in beautiful condition too. It looks just as stunning as it sounds.

This instrument is a pleasure to play on and an amazing opportunity for someone looking for a world-class contrabassoon.

Featuring:

• Impressive power and projection. Free blowing, effortless pp and ff dynamics from top to bottom
• Rich, warm Heckel sound
• Balanced intonation
• Keywork includes six rollers (including the very useful left hand third finger C to Eb rollers), low E link to high notes vent for better tuning and tone quality (left thumb), unusual left hand 2nd finger E-F# trill key which likely has other uses too, automatic link between low F and low F#
• Unstamped crook/bocal in excellent condition which plays well. No tuning slide although it plays very in tune without it. A tuning slide could be added later if desired, but it is not that important in our view. 
• Floor spike

Owing to the size and value of this instrument we are unable to ship it for trial so you can try it here and then take it for a more extended trial in person.

Please get in touch if you would like more information about this superb contrabassoon.

Sold on commission on behalf of a private vendor.