Fox Double Star Bassoon Bocal Info

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Heckel Bocal Info

Perhaps the most integral part of the bassoon is the bocal. Using a high quality bocal on even an intermediate instrument can greatly improve every aspect of the bassoon. For many years, Heckel has supplied bassoonists the world over with bocals specifically suited for each individual instrument. There are thousands (literally!) of combinations for Heckel bocals, and it is important to know what you are looking for in tone, intonation, and compatibility with your 'set-up' (reeds, instrument, etc.).

First of all, the type of bore is available in two different thicknesses: 0.5mm & 0.6mm. Bocals with the D marking designate the thinner walled bocals (0.5mm). The normal thickness of 0.6mm usually compliments better the conical design of the bassoon. The B or BB mark is designed for easy response, especially for the higher register, but sometimes causing difficulties in the middle and lower registers. An E marking denotes a smaller tip opening. V type bocals are designed for better response in the high register and a more balanced mid-range. Alongside of the V and E type, the newer XL bocals are specifically designed for response and better resonance in the higher notes. These types (V, E, and XL) have proven very compatible with older Heckel instruments.

The letter above the cork denotes the type of 'basic metal'. Heckel bocals can be made from two different German silver alloys, the harder marked with a Z and the softer being N. The thicker walled bocals are designated CC and the thinner, D, are usually best made from the harder alloy (Z). However, there is available the C bore in hard German silver.

Goldbrass (G) alloy is the most popular composition in bocals, and is most applicable in chamber settings. These bocals have a softer sound.

Bocals marked with S above the cork are made from sterling silver 935 and is somewhat alike to the goldbrass crooks, with a slightly brighter tone quality.

Gold bocals are marked with AU and described as having a 'medium hard' sound.

Because of recent concerns for allergies associated with the German silver alloy, Heckel has discovered a substitute alloy, that of Palladium, marked as PD. This metal produces an excellent sound, however, the cost of the raw material is reflected in the cost of the bocal.

Heckel bocals are available without plating, but also in nickel-, silver- or gold-plate. Also, they come in lengths of 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, & 4. Bocals at a length of 1 are pitched at A 442.

Special 'bends' can be made with proper illustration and explanation, depending on the requirements of the musician. The new XL bend has been specially developed for response and tone quality of the upper register of the bassoon. This bocal is available in the CC bore type and the usual lengths and plates.

Because each bassoon is specific in character to its player, there are many variables to consider when trying bocals. As well, every instrument will react differently with different bocals-even those of the exact same designation. Because of these differences in technique, reeds, perception and approach to the instrument, it is wise to try as many bocals as is possible (even if they aren't from the same manufacturer).

We offer many different bocals from Heckel, Fox, and Yamaha. They can be available for a 2 week trial period, with a credit card for freight and security. Please call for availability and questions.

Shipping Information for Accessory Orders

Standard Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $5.25
$50.01-100............ $6.50
$100.01-150.00...... $7.50
$150.01-325.00...... $8.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

USPS Priority Mail Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $10.25
$50.01-100............ $11.50
$100.01-150.00...... $12.50
$150.01-325.00...... $13.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

UPS Ground Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $17.25
$50.01-100............ $18.50
$100.01-150.00...... $19.50
$150.01-325.00...... $20.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

To place an order requiring Express Mail or OVERNIGHT UPS shipping, please call us at 800-926-5587. (Express and OVERNIGHT shipping options will not be available in our On-Line Shopping Cart. We need to confirm shipping details and charges by phone.) MMI cannot guarantee that all orders will be able to go out the same day they are received. However, we will do our best to ship orders same-day for customers with special shipping needs. Other shipping methods may be available - please feel free to call for details.

 International Orders - MMI requires that international shipments be prepaid by the customer (by bank draft in U.S. funds) before leaving our shop. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or sales taxes that may be due upon delivery. For sales made to customers outside of the U.S. and Canada, all sales are considered final - no returns will be allowed. Note: For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).

Policies

Instrument Trials

We offer a one-week trial for instruments at MMI, new or used.  The one-week-policy helps us accommodate all of our customers. (An extension may be available.)  Up to three oboes, 3 English horns, or two bassoons can be tried at one time, in order to compare different models or to pick the best particular instrument of one model. A valid credit card is needed to secure the trial. For your convenience we do not require a security deposit or a hold on your card for the full value of the instruments, but we do require a reference from a teacher or colleague. For security purposes we also require that instrument trials are shipped to the billing address of the credit card.

All shipping charges are to be paid by the customer, whether or not an instrument is purchased. You may try as many instruments as you like, as long as you are willing to pay the shipping charges.  

Please call us for current shipping rates for instrument/bocal trials.

 If you do not use our return service you must insure instruments for their full value when returning to our shop. Trial period extensions are sometimes possible if you are having trouble making the final decision. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for certain instruments that are in high demand (especially used instruments). If you decide to purchase an instrument, payment can be made by credit card (MC, VISA, Discover, American Express), check, or money order.  We do not allow trials outside of the U.S. Please call for further information.

For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. International instrument and bocal orders must be paid in full by wire transfer in advance of shipping the instrument, any wire transfer fees are the responsibility of the customer. All international sales are final.  (call or e-mail for details).

Return/Exchange Policy

We want you to be happy with everything you purchase from us! If an item is not satisfactory, it can be returned for a credit or exchange within 14 days, provided it has not been altered, damaged or used. Knives that have been sharpened, sharpening stones that have been used, and half-processed tube cane are examples of things that cannot be returned. The return policy includes all accessory items except tube cane, shaper tips, sheet music, CDs, non-defective processed cane and reeds (which cannot be returned for health reasons). Of course, any defective product can be returned. There is a $5 restock fee and every return must by accompanied by a copy of the original invoice. For orders sent outside the U.S. or Canada, we cannot accept returns - all sales are final.

Warranty on New Instruments

MMI provides a 2-year crack and 1-year adjustment warranty for all new oboes and English horns, and a 2-year warranty for all new bassoons. An MMI warranty covers all necessary repairs and routine maintenance during normal wear of the instrument. These repairs include, but are not limited to: crack repair, pad replacement, tuning, re-corking, and mechanism adjustments. Repairs necessary due to abuse, negligence, or incompetent repairs done by outside repair shops are not covered under the warranty. The warranty is only applicable to the original owner of the instrument. All repairs must be done at MMI or the manufacturer's location, unless authorized by MMI. Failure to do this may void the warranty. Please call MMI at 800-926-5587 before sending instruments in for repair to the manufacturer or to our shop. Shipping costs to MMI are to be paid by the customer, and MMI will pay for the shipping costs to return the instrument during the first 6 months after purchase. Insurance costs are the owner's responsibility. Please allow at least one or two weeks for repairs. If repair work is being done under warranty, we can offer a rental instrument at half the normal monthly rate, pro-rated to the repair (depending on availability). Turnaround times vary, but we do our best to return instruments as quickly as possible.

Extended Warranty Policy

In addition to the current warranties on the purchase of new instruments, we are now offering the following:

Additional 1-year: $270
Additional 2-year: $525

These extended warranties are only available at the time of purchase of new instruments.

Payment Options

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover,and American Express as well as personal and certified checks. Please allow 1-2 weeks (shipping delay) for processing personal checks.

MMI takes privacy and data protection issues seriously. We do not sell or give away your private information. Our on-line shopping cart uses the most advanced encrypted security features, so you can be assured of a safe on-line shopping experience. If you would like to stop receiving email or mailings from us, please contact us by phone, email or mail to be removed from future mailings. 

Instrument Appraisals

For a $25 fee, MMI will supply a letter for insurance purposes, which states the replacement value of an instrument. This service is free for instruments purchased through MMI. 

Our Hours

Holiday Hours 2011:
CLOSED: Saturday, December 24 | Monday, December 26
Regular hours: December 27-30
CLOSED: Saturday, December 31 | Monday - Wednesday January 2, 3, 4
Non-Holiday Hours resume Thursday, January 5.

Regular Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM.
Sunday: Closed
Central Time

Instrument trials by appointment

Questions?

We are pleased to present Wolf bassoons and bocals!

Check the product page for more information