This is a used Heckel bassoon, serial number 5000. That is not just the series, it is literally the serial number! It has a unique moniker on the bell to show this. Originally purchased in 1911 by Wilhelm Knochenhauer, this instrument is a unique find with an amazing story. Our understanding is that Knochenhauer played this bassoon as the principal bassoonist of the Dresden from 1911 until his death in 1940. After WWII, his widow sent the bassoon to Philadelphia to Knochenhauer's favorite student, Max Adams, and he played it until 1960. Then Mary Drake purchased the bassoon and played it until she passed away in 2019. Bocal Majority recently acquired this bassoon and Nicholas Evans has done a full overhaul on it. Noteworthy things include: the repair to the cracked tenon of the top of the long joint, now done by Evans, high E-flat and E keys (offset for ease of reach), the brand new Heckel body lock, the whisper key lock, as well as the adjustable positioning ability of the whisper key pad height. The bassoon comes with 2 Heckel bocals, but we do not know if these were original to this bassoon. We have paired it with some other optional Heckel bocals which can be tried along with them. Ultimately the purchaser of this bassoon can select 2 Heckel bocals from us that will be included in the price of the bassoon.

Also included is a brand new Marcus Bonna bassoon case, brand new accessories: seat strap, swab, cork grease.

In our opinion this is the lovliest 5000-series Heckel bassoon we have played - we feel it plays well beyond the average 5000-series. It has a big, beautiful sound and it is performance ready. To hear Jennifer show and play this bassoon, click here:

If you're interested in requesting a trial, click here:

https://www.bocalmajoritystore.com/trials/

All used bassoons are sold "AS-IS" with no express warranty. 

Wilhelm Knochenhauer and his Quintet: