Statement of Work - Puchner Model 6000 Bassoon.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

F2MRAU – Band of the West Performance Instruments – Püchner Model 6000 Bassoon Joint Base San Antonio, TX

1. BACKGROUND

The United States Air Force (USAF) Band of the West is a musical organization whose mission is to inspire immediate and long-lasting morale and esprit de corps for Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) and the United States of America. To support this effort, The Band of the West requires a professional grade bassoon. This bassoon (referred to as either Püchner or Model 6000) is necessary for military band performances where more volume and power is required and is also constructed of materials and with technologies that allow for heavy-duty use and travel over a multi-decade lifecycle.

2. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT.

J. Püchner Bassoons are chosen by professional reed players across the world, including military bands, for their large sound projection, perfect intonation and agile response. One of the ways the Model 6000 provides unparalleled volume projection is in its employment of sterling silver for its keys, rollers, and all of its tubes. Sterling silver is known for its ability to resonate and can sustain loud volumes when compared to either lacquered brass or plated brass. Model 6000s are unique in that they are constructed by hand using curly maple wood that has been aged for over 20 years. Since the American colonial era, instrument artisans have chosen curly maple for its durability, hardness and density. Today, the Model 6000s wooden joints are hand-cut using a flat saw to fully take advantage of the unique wave-like pattern its fiber cells grow in. Unlike factory manufactured bassoons, these hand-made instruments have a high level of quality control, and because of that, are able to be produced with additional fittings that stop the instrument from vibrating and rattling during performance. The most notable of these features are the rubber linings on the interior of the wooden joints and the nylon-lined pivot screw keys. These additional fittings are only able to be fit to the Model 6000 due to its extremely high manufacturing tolerances and the quantity of hours that go into its assembly. This peerless manufacturing and assembly aids in the performers overall mission execution by providing a clearer tonal center, massive tonal production as well as more precise and articulate note durations, allowing other musicians in an ensemble to tune and play with the instrument that forms the foundation of the group's pitch and tempo. This capability cannot be found in factory-manufactured bassoons, and is essential to performing with teams as small as five members all the up to a squadron of forty-five members.

Additionally, Püchner’s unique design for its Model 6000 keys allows the musician to slide their fingers from key to key due to 15 mother-of-pearl style rollers and additional glide-style. In military bands, one is required to perform on Bassoon while standing, unlike in professional orchestras. This requirement can cause long-term front deltoid and lower back injuries. However, ergonomic design of the Puchner Model 6000 aligns to match the curvature of human fingers, thus significantly reducing the chance of developing chronic/repetitive injuries.

Finally, Puchner Bassoons are designed for minimal wear and tear during cargo transportation due to use of top-quality material, allowing the instrument to maintain a longer equipment life cycle. This is essential to our substantial travel and performance operations schedule.

The Government Point of Contact (POC) for this event shall be MSgt Nathan Heald, who may be reached at (707) 386-4252 or nathan.heald@us.af.mil. The contractor shall provide all necessary services to include the following:

3. INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. The instrument shall be available 01 July 2024

2. The instrument shall come with a 5-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.

3. The instruments dimensions shall be:

1. Weight: Approximately 8 lbs

2. Height: 52.8 inches

4. The instrument’s body will:

a. Be constructed of high-quality seasoned maple wood, aged for 20 years and selected for its acoustic properties and durability.

b. Feature a bore that is hand-reamed to precise specifications to aid consistent tone and accurate 440 Hz intonation

c. Equipped with a ring key and a vent hole, contributing to better projection and tone control.

d. Be constructed with an adjustable thumb-rest, universal in design to suit different hand sizes and playing styles.

e. Be finished with a natural wood finish with a polished lacquer coating to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

f. Include a Bass Joint, Featuring a U-tube design to facilitate better airflow and tonal quality.

g. Have reinforced metal tenon caps for added durability and a more secure fit.

h. Be constructed with an adjustable Hand-Rest, customized to support and reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.

5. The instrument’s key system and finger holes shall be:

a. Full German system with 26 keys and 5 rollers, providing a wide range of required concert band and small group technical capabilities.

b. Silver-plated nickel silver keys, designed for smooth action and longevity.

c. Finger holes will be Undercut and hand-finished for enhanced tonal clarity and intonation accuracy.

d. Mounted using silver soldered posts for added strength and stability.

6. The instrument’s pads shall be:

a. A combination of cork and leather, ensuring optimal sealing, longevity, and improved response.

7. The instrument will come with:

a. Two hand-crafted bocals (sizes 1 and 2) for different tonal qualities and playing preferences.

b. A deluxe hard case with a plush interior, designed to protect the instrument during transport and storage, including an accessories compartment.

c. A high-quality cleaning cloth, suitable for swabbing and internal cleaning.

d. Cork grease to maintain the joints.