It has come to my attention from sources as widely placed as Will Jansen of the Netherlands, Bernard Garfield, and Sol Schoenbach of Philadelphia and Norman Herzberg of Los Angeles, California, that they all have heard a rumor in recent months that the firm of Wilhelm Heckel KG in West Germany has been sold or is in the process of being sold. This is definitely not so, as is evident from this letter sent to me by the firm's director, Adolph Gebhard:
"(15 October, 1974) - Today we have a big problem. In the States certain people are saying that the HECKEL-factory is sold. We cannot find the author of such a bad business report. Herewith we ask you if you will please place in your newsletter a reference, that the HECKEL factory continues to manufacture original HECKEL-Bassoons exactly as in the past, since 1831. Thank you for your help and best regards.
Sincerely yours:
Wilhelm Heckel KG
A. Gebhard
We hope this official statement of assurance from the Heckel firm will put to rest any misinformed or pessimistic thoughts about the future of this honored firm. The photographs depicted here are views of recent Heckel bassoons ordered with some of Heckel's outstanding selection of key placement and design.
It is still possible, by the way, to buy Heckel bassoons directly from the manufacturer without having to order through an exclusive agent, distributor, or other middlemen. Bassoonists may also directly order bocals, spare parts, and keys and many other tools and accessories, all at direct factory prices.
The mailing address is:
Wilhelm Heckel KG
6202 Wiesbaden-Biebrich
Stettiner Strasse 7
West Germany
