Hello all. I'm having trouble finding the right people to talk to and there are a few posts on here about old Kohlerts so I will ask here. I have an old Kohlert bassoon that is from the late 1930s (I have had this confirmed) and I am interested to know whether or not it would be viable to play on similar to the way that some professionals play on old Heckels. I am certain of the age due to the lack of certain trill keys, the serial (And an approximate S/N Chart obtained through the IDRS) the "flat-top" of the long joint, and confirmation from a professional who has dealt with similar bassoons in the past. I find the sound of old Heckels absolutely gorgeous, and it would be wonderful if a Kohlert could do the same. It would obviously need to be overhauled with new pads and a little updating to the keywork, but this is common of bassoons of the period. I've heard that Kohlerts of this time were some of the finest bassoons out, so I'd love to know if this could be an option, or if it just won't produce the sound near a Heckel of that time. The wood is absolutely gorgeous, and all of the keywork is intact, original, and functioning. There is some cracking, however none of this extends into the bore of the instrument, and I am certain that this can be repaired. Also, the tenor and boot joints are lined with a hard rubber. If anyone can help me out with this bassoon I can provide pictures and more information.


Furthermore, I was given this Bassoon as a gift a couple years back, so you don't have to worry about disappointing or offending me, I just want to know what you know about the instrument. If anyone can track down, has, or is willing to make a recording of a similar Kohlert so that I can hear what it sounds like that would be immensely helpful. I found a recording of a 1950s/60s Kohlert that sounded wonderful, and if this period is capable of producing a tone similar to that I would be overjoyed. Thanks for reading!

-Brian

Hi Brian

I do have experience of Kohlerts of this age. Old Kohlert bassoons, made in Graslitz, can be outstanding instruments, the 'flat-tops' included. My company, Double Reed Ltd., has sold a number of fine examples of the old 'flat-top' Kohlert bassoons and the owners have later come back and given us fantastic feedback on them. They do vary in quality of sound, but generally they are really nice to play.

It may be worth noting that not all Kohlert bassoons from this era have a 'flat-top' (a long joint with one flat side on it). We have sold Kohlert bassoons, made in Graslitz, with standard round long joints too.

I guess your issue is whether to fork out and spend the money getting the bassoon overhauled if you are not sure it will turn out well. An overhaul on a bassoon will inevitably be expensive due to the size of bassoons and the skill required to carry out good repairs.

It can be difficult to ascertain whether a bassoon will turn out well after an overhaul. The best way to get an idea is to play the bassoon. Even if it is leaking air through old pads you should (hopefully) be able to get a scale out of it if you blow hard enough. Try and get an idea of the intonation of the instrument. The intonation of a bassoon can change over time, so this is something to bear in mind on a bassoon of this age. Play a C major scale and see if any of the notes are unusually sharp of flat. This will be difficult if you are not a bassoon player, but you could ask someone you know to try playing it?

If all seems well then it is worth getting the bassoon overhauled. Even if the intonation is slightly out, this may right itself once the bassoon has been oiled and sealed with new pads. Once the bassoon has been sealed it should have a lot more power and a clearer, less stuffy sound. Hopefully the result will be you will have a very nice bassoon.

Kohlert bassoons aren't anywhere near as valuable as Heckel bassoons in general, but they are still good quality instruments that can make a lovely sound. Some of the old Kohlerts can rival almost any modern bassoon in terms of sweetness of sound. They were made of fine quality wood by skilled craftsmen.

Does this help answer some of your questions?

Let me know what you decide to do and how you get on.

Best wishes
Oliver

As per your suggestion I tested it out. So long as the note doesn't require the use of a pad, it can be played with surprisingly decent intonation; however, the A which comes out as a B flat due to the B flat pad missing. This includes A, B, C, Db, D, Eb E, F. It is desperately in need of a re-pad, so I can't play much else (Aside from those notes in the next octave up not requiring pads). I'm actually rather surprised at the ease of playing, and the extent that I can exaggerate vibrato, and while I'm unsure of what the middle range would sound like (It has a slight "rasp" right now) and I can't get out any low notes due to the pads, I can definitely tell that the tenor register on this instrument can really sing.

To add, I recorded myself playing on the Kohlert as well as a Fox 220, and I noticed that the Kohlert has a much more mellow sound, and I really enjoy it (Despite it's current state) so I definitely think I'll get it restored. Would anyone know who I could speak to to possibly get a recording of a similar one restored?

It sounds like a good bassoon. I don't know of any recordings I'm afraid. Good luck with the overhaul! Let me know how it turns out