An instrument based on the caledonica (q.v.) with acknowledgement. 7 keys. Lent by Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries (Glen Collection).
The ‘octave bassoon’ or ‘fagottino’ is pitched an octave higher than the standard bassoon.
This example of the latter type is based on the ‘Caledonica’, a modified version of the ‘octave bassoon’, invented by the Scottish bandmaster William Meikle (from Strathaven in Lanarkshire) in about 1825. It has a wider flaring bore than the original design and is played with a clarinet mouthpiece. This improved model was subsequently developed by George Wood, and called the ‘alto fagotto’.
1823 documented as 'late apprentice of Thomas Percival, free by servitude of the Tallowchandlers' Company'.Said to have flourishedfrom 1832 - 1836. Improved Meikle's "Caledonica"
Technical description: Stained maple with brass keywork; low C hole bushed with ivory; C♯ finger-hole for L0 with tetine. Bell choked at extremity.
L0: T; harm; D; E♭.
L1: T.
L2: T.
L3: T.
L4: C♯.
R0: T; F♯.
R1: T.
R2: T.
R3: T.
R4: F₃; A♭.
Usable pitch: A₄ = c 415 Hz.
Signature / Marks: Stamped on long joint "INVENTED BY / WILLM. MEIKLE / Geo. Wood / LATE / Jas. Wood & Son / NEW COMPTON STREET / 50 / SOHO / LONDON".
Specific literature references: Day 1891, item 157; Langwill 1934; G.S. (1958) No. 37.
Illustration references: Hipkins & Gibb 1888 Plate XLI; Day 1891, plate VI(H); Langwill 1934; Langwill 1980, facing page xix and facing p.122.