The Double Reed Blog

iPods and Company

2008-12-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

I wonder if anyone even visits this blog now that I've been away from it for so long? I've been busy with - well, who knows? Lot's of this and that's.

I have 2 iPods - a big one with video I got when I thought I needed a big one for some reason. It's come in handy when I'm sick in bed and don't feel like lugging the laptop over to watch a movie. I can watch a teeny-weeny movie on it.

I also just got a nano for workouts. I loaded all my workout mixes on it and also the score to the 2006 revival of Sondheim's "Company" which I'm studying. I have the role of "Larry" in an upcoming M&D production. It's been a good long while since I sang in performance, and it feels great to stretch out.

Now it's time to go back to repairing - two oboes are up next, gentle overhauls. See you later.

Does your finger lock up? Mine does

2008-06-02T10:34:00.001-04:00

I have these weird thumbs that flex all the way back and double jointed fingers and knucle joints. I had a lot of trouble getting my fingers - especially the third finger on my right hand and the third finger on my left hand to ben correctly. They would sort of lock up and become stiff, making me have toi stop playing and unlocking them.

Last year I was told about a place that makes splints for this, and I just got reminded of it. I don't think I'm going to buy one right now, but they look cool . . . http://www.silverringsplint.com/

Popkin Camp starts this weekend

2008-05-20T06:33:00.000-04:00

The thirtieth Popkin/Glickman bassoon Camp starts this coming weekend. I (brian) will be there, and if you're coming - well, say hi!

SUMMER BASSOON EXTRAVAGANZA

2008-05-16T15:23:00.000-04:00

My good friend Shelly Unger mentioned that there are still a few openings in her amazing camp . . .

SUMMER BASSOON EXTRAVAGANZA
June 22-28, 2008
Atlanta, GA

Summer Bassoon Extravaganza 2008 (June 22-28) is a week-long, stay-over camp hosted by Emory University. This intensive, fun-filled week features master classes, reed-making, bassoon choir (and more) and culminates in performances by faculty and participants. Highly-regarded professional bassoonists/educators lead the week. Guest artist/clinicians include members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

SBE is ideal for middle and high school bassoonists.

Faculty includes:
Roger Soren
Marita Abner
Jennifer Brinson
Michael Dicker
Shelly Unger
William D. Davis
Juan de Gomar
Laura Najarian
Carl Nitchie
Dr. Scott A. Stewart

Check out the SBE web site at Emory at http://music.emory.edu For additional information contact Shelly Unger at 770.861.6062, shellybassoon@gmail.com To download a registration form http://music.emory.edu/concerts/SBE2008.html

"As a former member of the faculty of this camp, I highly recommend it." Christopher Weait

Patrick McFarland English Horn Master Class 2008

2008-05-06T09:33:00.000-04:00

I wish I had gone to Pat's Master Class this past April 14th, 15th and 16th. Check his website to see when the next one is. It's sure to be good. Pat is a wonderful teacher, and a funny, funny guy.

My first teacher, pictured below, was Merrill Greenberg, who was a student on Long Island, New York when I was a kid, long before he went to Israel to play EH with the Israeli Phil.

Here are some photos from the Master Class, courtesy of Marsha Burkett.

Merrill Greenberg, Lou Rosenblatt

(Bill Fetcher), Merrill Greenberg, Pat McFarland, Jan Eberle, Tim Clinch

(Mary Abbott), Merrill Greenberg, Pat McFarland, Jan Eberle, Tim Clinch, (Kathy DiCola)

I'm a Blogger...?

2008-03-11T09:55:00.000-04:00

Jennifer here.

Well, Brian said I should blog about something. So here I am. My first blog post. I really have nothing very interesting to share in my first post. But this is a start.

I have been working here at CDRC for 7 years 5 mos. Back then, when I was told about the job opening, it was described to me as an office worker for a wind instrument company. AWESOME! I love weather! I really dig anemometers! I love going to the top of the highest peak in the northeast and leaning into the wind! Great! I get be part of a scientific company! So much for that thrill. While I doubt I'll ever learn to play (nevermind learn to read music), it turns out that oboes and bassoons are pretty neat too.

I see websites that have a "chat with a representative" feature and feel like we should offer that here. But those cost money and why not use something free and simple to use. Less direct, but free and uncomplicated.

I have created a Yahoo Messenger ID so interested double reeders can contact someone here via IM. Maybe there is a burning question that needs an answer (related to oboe or bassoon, please). Or an ordering question or concern. I'm not sure how popular this will end up being, but I thought it was worth a try.

So anyone interested in IMing for double reed related issues feel free to add charlesdoublereed to your Yahoo IM list. Please do not contact us through the Yahoo mailing address as it will not be checked regularly.

I'll post something more interesting soon.

Happy New Year

2007-12-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

It's been a while - I'm sorry. The move is complete and was easy, though the process is always - shall we say - "stimulating"?

It's a quiet week here in the double reed world, but the snow is falling fast and furious. Another 8 inches expected tonight! Great skiing - really. Come up and see!

A happy New Year to you!

The move is in phase two or three

2007-11-07T08:18:00.000-05:00

The hardest physical days are over, and now we're setting all the systems up again. There's so much we've gotten used to that will now be analyzed and evaluated for function. It's a golden opportunity for change and growth. Of course, the flip side is that it is emotionally draining and uncomfortable.

We were up and running on Monday afternoon!

Moving

2007-11-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's going well so far. As usual, John Cotter is a one-man tornado working beyond the level of mere mortals. Jen and Ty and Zach worked hard all day and we were joined by good friends Mona L'Heureux and Ian Cruickshank, she my student, both of them past climbing guides and just plain fun. Maury McKinney, well known climbing star and competitive swimmer was a big help as well.

It's good to have strong friends!

We intend to have everything operational on Monday...

A Little Move "Across the Street"

2007-10-31T15:51:00.000-04:00

We're moving to a new location this weekend. There should be no interruption of business.

Our new address is:

2988 White Mountain Highway
PO Box 2120
North Conway, NH 03860

It's about a 3 minute drive from the current shop. Among the nice things about this new space: more light, easier to find, nice retail space up front.

Sorry I haven't blogged in a few months! When we settle in, I'll be back in the groove.

View Larger Map

August Vacation

2007-08-22T13:32:00.000-04:00

My wife Sarah, son Theo and I just returned from an extended weekend on Hermit Island, Maine. In my old age (I turned 50 last week), I've taken up rock climbing, as evidenced here with Theo patiently waiting above.

Repair as a Metaphor

2007-08-08T11:49:00.000-04:00

I like repairing instruments. It's like taking a lonely friend out for a breath of fresh air and some fun. Starts out challenging and ends up inspiring on so many levels.

The more I repair, the easier it is, and the more relaxing and stimulating it is. Sounds like a paradox - relaxing And stimulating? Maybe I'm getting old.

By the way, it's my 50th Birthday on the 15th of August. I so clearly remember feeling that the year 2000 was soooo far away, and I would be OLD then. Now it's 2007, and I still don't feel old. I gave myself a few "birthday gifts" in the past while. I quit smoking, I took up running and rock climbing, I dropped 50 pounds. It's taken close to two years to achieve these "presents", and I anticipate a few more milestones in the near future. Like running a 5K race. We'll see.

Anyway, as I repair my own self, I find that returning instruments to their previous granduer becomes an act of self-reliance, self-reflection and harmony. If all the parts work, AND they work in concert with one another, then the pathway to achievement has been cleared.

Winner of the Suggest-a-Caption Contest

2007-07-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

We're pleased to announce the winner of our recent "suggest-a-caption" contest. Janet, whose entry is below, gets a $20.00 gift certificate good for any product or service at www.charlesmusic.com.
Congrats to Janet, and thanks to all who participated!

Janet said...
Poor Martha. She always wanted to learn jazz oboe but she never understood the concept of "swing".

P.S. If YOU are Janet, please contact us to claim your prize!

IDRS 2007

2007-06-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

2007-06-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

First Day of IDRS at Ithaca

2007-06-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

About 800 pre-registered, which is pretty usual - maybe another 300 show up. The facility is very nice, clean, comfortable and the gym is great, too.

John and I got in yesterday, set up today and now we're looking for decent wireless access, which is hard to come by. Tonight's concert is the opening gala. Tomorrow, the displays open.

More, when I get good wireless . . .

Leaving Little Switzerland (last day of bassoon camp for me)

2007-06-05T06:27:00.000-04:00

The last day of summer camp - melancholy, bittersweet....

This has been a very nice experience, with some standouts . . .

Getting to know people a little better, for instance:

Yvonne Kershaws album "Canciones" is my new all time favorite bassoon CD. She brought a pile with her, and I sold almost all of them. I can't stop listening to it. She chose great music for guitar and bassoon, including Canadian/Celtic folk songs, South American tango, American Spirituals and a little Vivaldi tacked on for good measure (pun intended). Yvonne is a very sweet and interesting person, which really comes through in the music.

T.D. Ellis (the fourth apparently), and I could possibly be long lost brothers. Who knew?

Mark Popkin is ailing in body - but his intellect and spirit are just like always. Mark was taken for some tests about four days ago, and the docs were a bit unhappy with some results, so he is not coming back for the duration of the camp, but rather, getting some medical attention. Being able to present him with a copy of his incredible book, "Bassoon Reed Making", which I was able to bring back into print this year, was a very special moment. I wonder what will happen next year, if Mark is in worse shape? I sincerely hope that the bassoon camp can continue without the daily presence of the master.

And then there's the book. I've been writing a few different books for about a decade now, and this trip was the place that one of them took off. Tentatively titled "Easy to Reed", it's about oboe reed making with a healthy dose of philosophy and poetry thrown in. I think I should apply to a writers retreat to finish it, there's something about being separated from daily chores, and having some spare time, that really got my writing going.

There are so many other memories, and not enough time.

I'm about to finish packing for the journey home to New Hampshire. I'll have four days to enjoy Sarah and Theo and the garden, and then John Cotter and I turn around and drag twice as much stuff to the IDRS conference in Ithaca. Rather than fly, I'm renting a van and it's road trip time!

Thoughts on Ithaca (the first one)

2007-06-03T17:37:00.000-04:00

Ithaca
When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)

foreign correspondent?

2007-05-31T07:42:00.000-04:00

It's my day two at Popkin/Glickman Bassoon Camp in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Back when I lived in NYC, this would have been an authentic vacation experience, however - I now live right in the mountains of New Hampshire, making this, while not entirely ho-hum, a rather familiar scene. There are the requisite black flies (though a lot less than my garden), and dirt roads winding up the side of lush mountainsides. Bucolic and serene, though the serenity is a bit interrupted by the sound, at 7:30 am as I write, of someone practicing contra bassoon nearby.

There must be around 60 bassoonists here, and most seem very experienced, very professional and very glad to be around fellow players. About 15 to about 75 years seems to be the age range, heavily weighted toward the younger side. Last night, I heard the sound of laughing crowds outside as I fell asleep at midnight. I am fairly sure these were not the 75 year olds.

I'm finally reaching the age that most people have always assumed that I am. At gatherings like this, where I know many by name, and usually only from phone conversations and emails, many think I'm an older gentleman, perhaps in his 50's or 60's. It's been that way from day one, when I started the company at age 26. I'm 49 this year, turning 50 in August. That's probably going to help remove the disconnect that many experience when they meet "the owner of the company", and he's just a kid.

If anyone has any questions about this camp, let me know. I'll post in another day or so. I'll be going to the IDRS next week, and write from there as well (or so I plan).

More later . . .

Double Reed Day Tattoos

2007-05-14T12:14:00.000-04:00

Our double reed tattoos bring out a different side of double reed players at a double reed day at James Madison University. Pictured left to right are: oboist Kate Tennyson, bassoonist Leah "Right Hook" Shaw and oboist, Jodi Miller. A big thanks to Professor Michele Kirkdorffer for sending us this photo.

Suggest a Caption - Win a Gift Certificate

2007-05-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

Tell us a great caption for this photo - - we'll enter you into a drawing for a $20 gift certificate from CDRC!

The winner will be announced next month. Good luck! Email or post as many captions as you like.

Everyone who enters, emails or otherwise lets us know a caption for this photo is entered into a drawing for a $20 gift certificate from CDRC!

How to afford an expensive bassoon (or oboe)

2007-04-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

I received a message that I thought might be interesting to readers, and post it, along with my reply:

" I am trying to find a non-wood Bassoon for my daughter who is currently a junior in high school. She is looking to go on to college in the music/theatre field, possibly as a teacher. She started learning the bassoon 2 years ago for her band at school but has to use the bassoon they have there which is constantly breaking down or literally falling apart.

The other problem, and probably the biggest one, is that I cannot afford the costs of what I find for even used bassoons. Do you know of a place that can help out with getting a bassoon for her or getting financial assistance or a grant to do this?? She will need to have her own instrument before she goes on to college year after next. Any ideas that can help me with this?? Thanks, Kim.

P.S. We love the reeds she has been getting from your site. They have helped dramatically - lasting more than a month!!! "

Dear Kim,

Thanks for your email. Your situation is not unusual. The bassoon is an expensive instrument, and good ones are hard to come by at reasonable prices.

You might try local scholarship funds first. Your daughters school has graduation scholarships she can apply for. There are regional and national ones as well, and if you don't apply - you definitely won't get it.

Try your local or regional musicians union. Call and ask about scholarships and loan programs for young musicians.

Bake sale? Car wash event? Let her work toward it as well - it's a good experience in the value of work, and adds to the significance of the instrument.

Also start contacting colleges you might consider, and ask about what they have available for her. You might be able to put off the purchase for a while, if you find the right school and teacher, who want to help her get there.

So readers: do you have more suggestions for her?

More Snow? That's too much!

2007-04-04T12:59:00.000-04:00

I lived in the Brownstone section of Brooklyn for about ten years and my next door neighbors were 90 years old and very Italian. They had learned a little English in the 50 years they lived in the US, but we mostly communicated by hand signals and halting phrases. The favorite one they used, for almost any and everything that was slightly unexpected or a little strange was: basically "that's too much!", which came out as "thass-a tu-a much-e.

I always think of them when things are a little odd, and right now it's snowing and expected to snow about 16 inches before it's through. On April 4th? That's too much!

What does a Heckel cost?

2007-03-26T11:41:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked about prices for Heckel bassoons and here's the response I gave . . .

The Heckel Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned German manufacturing firm which has specialized in production of professional level bassoons since the late 1800's. Their instruments are widely considered the best ever made and are in current use in most of the world's leading orchestras.

They finish approximately 20 to 30 bassoons a year, using specially aged Black Forest Maple, sterling silver, and hand-craftsmanship of the highest order.There are approximately 3,500 Heckel bassoons in existence, most in the hands of top professionals, museums and collectors.
As a guide to approximate value, here are the prices of two Heckel bassoons for sale at our shop recently:

Heckel #4671 (1920) $6200

Heckel #9325 (1950) $29,500

You can view our current crop of used bassoons as well.

Recent selling prices of Heckel bassoons at our shop include:

Heckel #6868 $24,000
Heckel #6286 $19,000
Heckel #7250 $22,000
Heckel #11929 $23,400

Bassoon values are determined by the attributes, including any extra or specially plated keywork, the historical use of the particular bassoon, the repair history, and the current condition.

About Ponte Oboes . . .

2007-03-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

A short history of Charlie Ponte, mixed with my companies history can be viewed at:

http://www.charlesmusic.com/cgi-bin/theo?action=display_page&page=about_us

The oboes with a Ponte brand come from European maker Chiassirini, who made oboes and other instruments with no brand on them, and sent them to companies that wanted to finish the instruments on their own. In general, these instruments would arrive as three body parts and a bag of keys. The dealer would finish the bore, attach the keywork and tune the instrument as they saw fit.

Three models were imported by Ponte. They were called Italy, France and Germany. You'll find one of these names marked in small non-serif print just above the thumb rest or at the bottom of the second joint on the rear side.

A mark of "Italy" indicates the lightest of the three, both wood density and silver plating. They tend to be thinner in sound and while a bit less robust in construction than the other two models, has a long life span and sweet sound.

The mark "France" means that the plating was middle of the road and the body was closest to the similarly aged Loree models. Good solid instruments with a slightly better chance of being in tune than the Italy models.

"Germany" and the most robust and sought after model. These have a heavier body stock, thicker plating, more strongly manufactured key system and a big, rich, dense tone, similar to Gordet and other huge robust oboes. They have an extremely long life span, and, from my perspective as a repairman, are the easiest and most responsive to work on.
All of these models were made at a single plant, which was at various times in France, Italy and then the US. The names do not indicate country of origin.

Chiassirini was apparently a cousin of Charlie Ponte, and they did lots of business over the years, from about 1950 through the early 1980's, when Chassiarini stopped production, and Ponte sold me his business.