Heckelphone, nominal pitch: C
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Alternative TitleHeckelphon. |
InstrumentHeckelphone ; Heckelphone/Oboes/Wind/Musical Instrument |
Instrument FamilyWind |
MakerHeckel |
Place MadeGermany ; Central Europe ; Europe |
Date Made1907 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Dark stained maple wood with silver-plated keys and wide ferrules at all three sockets. Built in four sections; there is a separate section between the bell and the lower joint which contains the keys for low B♭ and A. The instrument can be assembled and played without this fourth joint, reducing its size and making it more convenient for the player when the lowest notes are not required. The bell is bulbous with a large vent-hole at the front. Segments cut out of the lower two ferrules and corresponding metal `teeth' above the tenons ensure that the instrument is always put together straight. A similar arrangement on the middle joint has the `tooth' emerging from the ferrule and fitting between two slugs screwed into the top section. A metal stand to take the weight of the instrument fits into a unit screwed to the base of the bell, this ensures the base of the bell is not blocked during playing. The axles for the R4 keys are mounted away from the instrument with the key-cups operated by R2 and R3 underneath. The `plates' for L and R 1, 2, and 3 are small buttons surrounded by rings (2 rings for L3), these are of individual design. There are automatic octave keys with two touches which have the same action. The low B♭ and A keys lie next to each other and operating them with the right thumb is very similar to operating the bottom notes on a Heckel-system bassoon. System: Thumbplate L0: TP; 8. L1: PP; 8dup. L2: P. L3: P; Dtr. L4: G♯; low B; Fdup; E♭ dup. R0: sup; low B♭; low A. R1: P; TPdup. R2: P. R3: P; F. R4: low C; C♯; E♭. Keymount type: pillars. Usable pitch: A₄ = 435 Hz. Playing characteristics: Leaks in the keywork and at the central joint meant that relatively few notes were available but these had a rich, dark sound and a good active response. A bassoon style embouchure produced best results on the reeds that are with the instrument. Signature/Marks: Inscribed on the upper section 1) between the octave keys "HECKEL / BIEBRICH" with a crown motif at each end of the inscription; beneath that "D.H.C.M."; beneath that "SOLE AGENT H. LLOYD / 10 ALBANY ROAD / WOLVERHAMPTON"; 2) between L1PP and 1st octave key "HECKELPHON / Wz. ges. geschützt / 39". Inscribed on the lower section 1) below the thumb support "HECKEL / Wz. ges. geschützt"; 2) above the E♭ key "HECKEL / BIEBRICH" with a crown motif at each end of the inscription; 3) below the C♯ key "HECKELPHON / Wz. ges. geschützt / 39".Inscribed on the fourth section between the keys "39 / HECKEL / BIEBRICH" with a crown motif at each end of the inscription. Inscribed on the bell 1) above the front vent "39"; 2) to the right of the front vent "HECKEL / BIEBRICH" with a crown motif at each end of the inscription; 3) to the left of the vent "HECKEL / Wz. ges. geschützt". Repair History: The original conservatoire mechanism has been replaced with thumbplate; the pillars for the upper-joint lever remain as does the linking key on the lower joint. The TPdup key (which must have been added as part of the change to thumbplate mechanism) has been extended or repaired after snapping off. The corking on all the tenons has been `tightened' with waxed thread. The present playing stand is a modern replacement, there are marks on the bell indicating a differently shaped stand but of similar design. There are marks at the back of the lower section indicating that the thumb support has been moved about 10cm down the instrument. |
NotesS. Milton, 2007, 11.8.09. |
Measurements1204. |
Provenanceex- Allistair Kennedy collection. ; Gift of C. Kennedy, 2006. |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number5702 |