Bassoon in C (21 Keys, German System)

Catalogue number: 5.6

Original name: Bassoon in C.

Type or system: 21 keys, German system.

Maker: Oscar Adler & Co.

Place of origin: Germany, early 20th century.

Serial number: 1195.

Overall size: 1332mm.

Technical description: bell: 356mm; long joint: 569mm; wing joint: 488mm; boot: 407mm; silver plated keys.

German silver boot. Linked B, C and D keys. C sharp and harmonic 1 key linked to. Wing joint and boot lined with ebonite.

Key work and finger holes.

Left hand thumb:

B flat, B, C, D, harm 1, harm 2, C sharp, crook.

Left hand, first finger:

T.

Left hand, second finger:

T.

Left hand, third finger:

T, Ring giving high B and C.

Left hand, fourth finger:

E flat, low C sharp.

Right hand, thumb:

B flat, low E, F sharp, A flat. td>

Right hand, first finger:

T, C sharp trill

Right hand, second finger:

T, Ring giving high G.

Right hand, third finger:

Alt. B flat, G.

Right hand, fourth finger:

F, F sharp, A flat.

Inscription: Stamped on bell: “OSCAR ADLER & Co. / MARKNEUKIRCHEN S / JOSEPH HIGHAM / MANCHESTER / SOLE AGENTS / FOR GREAT BRITAIN”; stamped on long joint “JOSEPH HIGHAM / MANCHESTER / SOLE AGENTS / FOR GREAT BRITAIN”; stamped on boot joint: “1195”.

Faults: Silver plating on some key touches are worn. German silver is oxidising.

Usable pitch: Plays at a’ = 440 Hz.

Illustration references: See below.

Previous owner: Purchased second-hand in 1954 for £130.

Gallery of Images