Recommendations
Bassoons
When choosing which bassoon to buy there are many things to consider. If it is your first time buying a bassoon it would be a good idea to have your band director or private bassoon teacher accompany you to the music store to help you try out and decide on a bassoon. It is important to do your research before you step foot into a music store and begin the purchasing process. Figure out how much you are willing to spend, review the different options for instruments in the "Features of the Bassoon" section of this webpage, and find the instrument that is right for you. Notice that I have yet to mention the word "internet." That is not a mistake. Do not buy an instrument without playing it first. Every bassoon plays differently, even those with the same model number from the same factory made by the same people and machinery. A final item to consider is that of spare parts. Due to limited resources and availability, some repair shops don't carry spare parts for some of the smaller instrument manufacturers. If you've found a bassoon that you like, but it isn't one of the major brand names, check with your local repair shop to make sure they can fix your bassoon if major damage occurs. If not, it can be a very costly and time consuming process to ship your bassoon off to get repaired, or in the worst case scenario, you have a very expensive paperweight. Here are some bassoon suggestions for different bassoons based on your goals as a musician.
Beginner Bassoons
Renard model 222D - $5,995.50 - This is a good instrument in you are on a tight budget, but pay the extra for a thrid finger ring key and a high D key. Optional High E Key for $350.
Fox model III - $6,899.50 - This is a good option if you are looking for a good low maintenance instrument (plastic) for younger kids. Optional High E Key for $350.
Fox model IV - $5,799.50 - Not as many options and this one has nickel keys and all the other models listed have silver. In this price range get a MIII or a 222D.
Fox model III - $6,899.50 - This is a good option if you are looking for a good low maintenance instrument (plastic) for younger kids. Optional High E Key for $350.
Fox model IV - $5,799.50 - Not as many options and this one has nickel keys and all the other models listed have silver. In this price range get a MIII or a 222D.
Intermediate Bassoons
Renard model 260 - $15,950.00 - This newer model came out in March 2014. It's a thick wall design like the new Heckels and Fox 660s.
Renard model 240 - $8,899.50 - Great student bassoon with all the keys and rollers needed by an advanced student bassoonist.
Renard model 220 - $7,699.50 - Also very good. It also has all the keys and rollers needed by an advanced student bassoonist, just not as big a sound as the 240.
Renard model 240 - $8,899.50 - Great student bassoon with all the keys and rollers needed by an advanced student bassoonist.
Renard model 220 - $7,699.50 - Also very good. It also has all the keys and rollers needed by an advanced student bassoonist, just not as big a sound as the 240.
Professional Bassoons
Fox 601 - $29,995.50
Fox 660 - $28,995.50
Fox 680 - $30,000.00
Yamaha 812 - $20,739.99
Puchner Bassoons - Around $30,000.00
Heckel 41i - $30,000.00-40,000.00 (considered by professionals the top bassoon in the world)
Fox 660 - $28,995.50
Fox 680 - $30,000.00
Yamaha 812 - $20,739.99
Puchner Bassoons - Around $30,000.00
Heckel 41i - $30,000.00-40,000.00 (considered by professionals the top bassoon in the world)
Bocals
After the reed, the bocal has the next biggest contribution to the sound of the bassoon. Even on a poorly made bassoon, a good quality bocal can improve the sound. Here are some bocal recommendations:
Fox CVX Double Star #3 - $749.00 - Silver plated, this is the best all around bocal for the money.
Heckel CD #2 - $1,049.00 - Either silver plated or brass unplated. If you have a very talented bassoonist with their own Fox 240, this bocal is a wonderful upgrade. It will improve both the tone and response of the instrument.
Heckel CD #2 - $1,049.00 - Either silver plated or brass unplated. If you have a very talented bassoonist with their own Fox 240, this bocal is a wonderful upgrade. It will improve both the tone and response of the instrument.