John Pitman with high-pitched friend
Although many smaller bassoon exist in private collections and musical instrument sections of museums, it is very rare that anyone hears one in these 1970's.
In London, England, studying the tenoroon enthusiastically until he attains "bassoon-size" is John Pitman (age 7). His teacher, Deirdre Dundas-Grant, (English Chamber Orchestra and free lance), informs me that John is making very fine progress using small reeds of the "Garfield" type with slightly larger throat sections, and that the instrument responds very well to "vaguely French fingerings."
Markings on the instrument (which I believe is in F) read: "Gautrot Marquet (Brevete) B (?) CDG Triébert. Paris"
There are 16 keys and seven finger holes; the wood is maple and the keywork believed to be silver-plated.
Congratulations, John on such an early and interesting start.