CROOKS & BOCALS

Crooks for bassoon and contrabassoon.

Entirely handmade in London.

I have been making crooks since 2014, starting with the aim to improve the sonic and ergonomic performance of my own contrabassoon. These early designs became my flagship model in sterling silver with internal gold plating and a bassoon version soon followed.

My range now includes models in unplated brass and esoteric copper alloys with gold plating, all of which are in professional use around the world.

I undertake custom work and have made one off crooks for cor anglais, bass oboe, heckelphone and historical instruments as well as making special keywork for players’ individual needs. I also fit pick-up systems for those that wish to amplify their instrument. I welcome visits to my studio for trials and ergonomic assessment.

Please browse the current stock and feel free to use the form below to contact me about any of these models or discuss issues you would like to resolve with your instrument.

*Please note - for the time being crooks are only available to trial within the UK.

Current Stock -

Bassoon:

Sterling silver.

2 in an English bend (which can be re-shaped as desired) and the third in a conventional bend.

£720

Sterling silver is my preferred metal to work with. It gives the crooks a unique response and works exceptionally well in chamber music settings.

The crooks carry my hallmark, applied by the London Assay Office.

Raw brass.

I have 3 crooks in a variety of bends ready to go with another 4 currently under construction.

£450

Contrabassoon:

Raw Brass.

I have four in a variety of bore tapers. One in a conventional bend and the other three in various degrees of ergo' bends.

All can be shaped to a conventional bend.

£450

Sterling Silver.

One in a large bore in a regular bend and another with a narrower bore under construction.

£750

thomasstonemetalwork@gmail.com