Here a Heckel, there a Heckel, everywhere a Heckel
23 November 2022
Eight Heckels in a row
Heckel bassoons have always had a special place in the hearts of many bassoonists. For well over 100 years their bassoons have been regarded as the epitome of bassoon design and performance, and their bassoons both new and old have always been highly sought after.
Along with so many others, we share those feelings and many dozens have been through our hands over the years. Admittedly, not every Heckel bassoon is perfect – they do vary –and not every Heckel is suitable for every performance context or performer. It is not unknown for a bassoon from another maker to perform better for, or be more suitable for, a particular bassoonist when compared side-by-side with a particular Heckel – professional bassoons from other makers are often outstandingly good, but nevertheless we can all recognise that for many there is nothing like owning a Heckel.
Taken in the round, then, many feel that a Heckel is the place to start when looking for a professional-standard bassoon; they are often the ideal for many, professionals and amateurs alike, whether new or second hand.
As huge fans of Heckel bassoons (and contrabassoons it must be said – and crooks come to that) from at least the beginning of the 20th century until the present, we always take great delight in having one come, and are eager to play them, compare them and work out what we need to do to get the very best out of them.
Owing to our enthusiasm and the skills we have acquired in overhauling them and making them really play to the best of their ability after, sometimes, being neglected for decades, we have gained something of a reputation for them, with owners worldwide being referred to us by those ‘in the know’. The oldest Heckels to have come through our hands are a contrabassoon and a 3000 series bassoon both from the 1880s, and the newest one (for a service) was a late 15000 series from the 2010s.
As an illustration of the extent of our enthusiasm for, and commitment to, Heckel instruments, we have had quite a remarkable range of instruments here in recent weeks, comprising: a Heckel contrabassoon (fully overhauled for professional use), a 6000 series (on sale), two 9000 series (one on sale, one in our workshop being prepared for sale), a 14000 series (for a service) plus a 5000 and 12000 series booked in for servicing in the coming weeks. Not forgetting Oliver Ludlow’s own 5000 series – a very special instrument once owned by the renowned bassoonist Henk de Wit.
Whether it is just servicing required, or tuning work, or carrying out minor or even extensive repairs, or keywork upgrades or refinishing, or all of the above, we have done and do them all.
If you share our enthusiasm for Heckel instruments or you own one yourself, please get in touch to tell us about them. There is only one thing we love more than working on Heckel bassoons – and that is talking about them.
5 Heckel bassoons - behind the scenes:
