What does a Heckel cost?

I was recently asked about prices for Heckel bassoons and here's the response I gave . . .

The Heckel Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned German manufacturing firm which has specialized in production of professional level bassoons since the late 1800's. Their instruments are widely considered the best ever made and are in current use in most of the world's leading orchestras.

They finish approximately 20 to 30 bassoons a year, using specially aged Black Forest Maple, sterling silver, and hand-craftsmanship of the highest order.There are approximately 3,500 Heckel bassoons in existence, most in the hands of top professionals, museums and collectors.
As a guide to approximate value, here are the prices of two Heckel bassoons for sale at our shop recently:

Heckel #4671 (1920) $6200

Heckel #9325 (1950) $29,500

You can view our current crop of used bassoons as well.

Recent selling prices of Heckel bassoons at our shop include:

Heckel #6868 $24,000
Heckel #6286 $19,000
Heckel #7250 $22,000
Heckel #11929 $23,400

Bassoon values are determined by the attributes, including any extra or specially plated keywork, the historical use of the particular bassoon, the repair history, and the current condition.

About Ponte Oboes . . .

A short history of Charlie Ponte, mixed with my companies history can be viewed at:

http://www.charlesmusic.com/cgi-bin/theo?action=display_page&page=about_us

The oboes with a Ponte brand come from European maker Chiassirini, who made oboes and other instruments with no brand on them, and sent them to companies that wanted to finish the instruments on their own. In general, these instruments would arrive as three body parts and a bag of keys. The dealer would finish the bore, attach the keywork and tune the instrument as they saw fit.

Three models were imported by Ponte. They were called Italy, France and Germany. You'll find one of these names marked in small non-serif print just above the thumb rest or at the bottom of the second joint on the rear side.

A mark of "Italy" indicates the lightest of the three, both wood density and silver plating. They tend to be thinner in sound and while a bit less robust in construction than the other two models, has a long life span and sweet sound.

The mark "France" means that the plating was middle of the road and the body was closest to the similarly aged Loree models. Good solid instruments with a slightly better chance of being in tune than the Italy models.

"Germany" and the most robust and sought after model. These have a heavier body stock, thicker plating, more strongly manufactured key system and a big, rich, dense tone, similar to Gordet and other huge robust oboes. They have an extremely long life span, and, from my perspective as a repairman, are the easiest and most responsive to work on.
All of these models were made at a single plant, which was at various times in France, Italy and then the US. The names do not indicate country of origin.

Chiassirini was apparently a cousin of Charlie Ponte, and they did lots of business over the years, from about 1950 through the early 1980's, when Chassiarini stopped production, and Ponte sold me his business.

A Reed Crow Question answered

A customer asked . . .

Q: Should an acceptable reed "crow" at about C in order to sound right and play in tune?

A: There are players who are dead set on a reed crowing at a certain pitch. I don't believe that there is direct relevancy to the actual pitch of the instrument. I respect their opinion, but can state with assurance, that while it is nice when a reed crows at C, it is only one indicator of the potential of the reed, and not an actual functioning end product.

If we only crowed our reeds in concert, rather than inserting them into an instrument, there would be greater consequences to this. My suggestion is that you try playing the reed, and suspend judgment until the proof is seen in the actual performance.

"Bassoon Reed Making" by Popkin/Glickman

Charles Double Reed Company is very pleased to announce the release of the New Third Edition of "Bassoon Reed Making" by Mark Popkin and Loren Glickman .

This timeless masterpiece features laminated cover and deluxe spiral binding. The highly functional, top quality binding allows the book to open flat, or even fold over completely, making it much easier to use. Priced at $32.95. Inquire about quantity discounts for teachers, schools, libraries and businesses.

Referred to as "The Bible of Bassoon Reed Making."

Detailed instructions, voluminous references, highly instructive photos and a historical perspective of the elusive art of bassoon reed making by two revered master bassoonists make this book a must-have.

There are no other books that rival the depth and breadth of information and wisdom contained in "Bassoon Reed Making" by Popkin and Glickman. This classic makes a triumphant return!

-- Learn More or Order This Book Here --

Busy, busy, busy

That's what we've been - busy. Sorry to have been out of blog touch.

I'm glad to report that John Cotter has returned to staff, making everyone smile and work harder - just to keep up! See John in his usual work attire at right...........

We spent a lot of effort finding a new source for tying thread, and we just received a mountain of thread from our new supplier. Wheeeew!