Discovering the 21 **best bassoons** feels like unearthing a treasure chest packed with musical jewels. As a woodwind lover, the bassoon’s deep, rich voice captivates me; it’s like chatting with history itself!
With its double reed and conical bore, this unique instrument offers a wide range of tones, creating a rich soundscape from resonant lows to surprisingly agile highs.
Let’s uncover the mystery of these musical marvels together. I’ll guide you through the top choices that cater to everyone, from beginners to seasoned maestros. Pull a chair, get comfy, and let your bassoon adventure begin!
Best bassoon brands
If you’re looking at an entry-level instrument, Schreiber and Adler are the best makers to look at. For children, Amati and Howarth make good smaller bassoons. These manufacturers are well known for quality instruments.
For intermediate and professional bassoon players, the top makers are Fox, Püchner, Yamaha and Moosmann. At the very pinnacle are instruments made by Heckel, the firm that reinvented the bassoon back in the 19th century.
Our list of the best bassoons on the market
If you’re looking for the best bassoon and you’re a complete beginner, you really can’t go wrong with any of the eight listed below:
Best bassoons for the beginner
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: 21 Keys
FEATURES: An entry-level bassoon that will last
Schreiber S10
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Respected brand
- Reliable intonation
- A durable instrument that should last for many years
- Basic keywork will be a limiting factor for the advancing player
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
These German instruments are well made, reliable and easy to play for beginners and intermediate bassoonists. The sound is warm but with good projection, and the keywork has all the essentials without any unnecessary complications.
All in all, this Schreiber bassoon is our top pick for an entry-level bassoon – it should provide years of good playing and hold its value well if you decide to upgrade.
Best for making the transition
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: 22 Keys
FEATURES: Supplied with two crooks/bocals
Schreiber short reach
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Adapted keywork is comfortable for small hands
- A handy step up to a full-size bassoon
- Often available as a rental
- Extra keys can be more prone to damage
- Intonation suffers in places from the new design
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you find it a bit of a stretch to reach the keys on a standard bassoon, this short-reach model is the one for you. It’s the same size and weight as a full-size instrument but with redesigned keywork to make it more suitable for smaller hands.
It’s the ideal instrument for growing children making the step up from a mini bassoon to a full size.
Best alternative short-reach bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: Alternative low C key
FEATURES: A good-value short reach instrument
Adler short reach
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Balance hanger gives harness users better weight distribution
- Extended left hand thumb keys for smaller hands
- Includes three trill keys
- Only one crook/bocal
- Not as readily available as Schreiber models
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Adler and Schreiber bassoons are often mentioned in the same breath – both German bassoon brands are known for their reliable instruments and the warm sound they make.
An Adler short reach bassoon makes a good alternative to Schreiber models, with many similar adaptations.
Best alternative short-reach bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: Silver-plated full German keywork
FEATURES: A tough, hard-wearing instrument
Fox model IV
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Copes well with all sorts of conditions
- The plastic body won’t be in danger of rotting or cracking
- Designed by a respected brand
- Sound can’t compete with a wood instrument
- The key system will be too basic for the advanced player
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The truth is that on the tone front, a plastic bassoon is unlikely to win any awards. But where these instruments win is on the durability front – they’re tough and less susceptible to things like humidity, so they’re handy as school instruments or for use in outdoor settings (like a military band).
Fox is one of the most respected bassoon manufacturers, and you can be sure that lots of care and attention have gone into developing this polypropylene Fox model.
Best hard rubber bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: Lightweight Case, Black Nylon
FEATURES: High D and E keys & Reinforcing bands at joints
Nobel Hard
Rubber Bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable choice for the amateur playe
- Body material specially developed for woodwind instruments
- Hard-wearing instruments ideal for schools
- Advancing players will want more extensive keywork
- The manufacturer still in its infancy, so instruments can be hard to find
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Nobel is the new kid on the block when it comes to woodwind instruments and a lot of work has gone into refining the ABS since they started in 2002. Their bassoons are very consistent and resilient with a good sound, making them a good pick for bands and schools. Extra features like the choice of ring key or plateau key on the wing joint make them nicely adaptable too.
Best For Getting started at age 8+
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: Silver-plated full German keywork
FEATURES: Durable lacquer
Howarth mini
bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Manageable for children too small to hold a bassoon
- A good introduction to finger movements and blowing
- Keywork matches the full-size bassoon
- Lack of crook key can be a problem
- Transposition needed for ensemble work
- Intonation is a little unreliable
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Howarth mini bassoon now means that children can start from about the age of eight. The clever design here basically takes a full-size bassoon and shrinks everything, so the key layout is exactly the same, but the instrument is much smaller and lighter. The smaller size means that the pitch comes out a fifth higher – so it’s worth remembering that you’ll need transposition for piano parts or ensemble music.
The sound isn’t as resonant as a full bassoon, and the intonation can be tricky. The lack of a crook key/whisper key can be an issue when moving up to a standard instrument. Otherwise, this is a great way to get started learning the basics of the bassoon.
Best budget mini bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: Durable engineered plastic body
FEATURES: Clever vent key mechanism
Ludlow mini bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Half the size of a bassoon
- Vent key makes high register easier
- Comes with accessories
- Vent key prone to damage
- Need to upgrade to full bassoon after a couple of years
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Easy to play, good value and half the size of a standard bassoon – there’s a lot to like here. The engineered plastic body is resilient and makes a decent sound, and the light weight is easy for children to cope with.
The standout feature here is the vent key: it’s a handy way to get used to this aspect of the standard instrument and makes the higher notes a little easier. It’s rather prone to damage though, so your child will need to be very careful with it.
Best for ensemble playing
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner Players
COMES WITH: 17 Keys
FEATURES: Range to bottom C
Amati Vantage
children’s bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Pitched in C for easy ensemble work
- Balance hanger for harness wearers
- Simplified keywork
- Quite expensive for a temporary instrument
- The extended tube is easy to lose or damage
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
A fairly recent development, the children’s bassoon is a useful stepping stone. It’s closer to the size of a full-size instrument, but with simpler keys and reduced weight. The long bell has been removed (so the bassoon only goes down to bottom C, not Bb) to improve weight distribution more.
It may look a little odd, but the bonus here is that the instrument is pitched in C, so it won’t need any transposed parts for children that want to play in a group or with piano.
Best bassoons for the intermediate player
If you’re looking to upgrade your beginner/starter instrument into something that’ll take you a bit further, then the following four instruments are all superb:
Best for ensemble playing
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate Players
COMES WITH: 22 Keys
FEATURES: All maple body
fox 222d bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to play with good projection
- Suitable for beginner through to intermediate level
- Extra key options available
- Tone characteristics may not suit all tastes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re looking to invest in something that will take you (or your child) through from beginner level to a more advanced stage, the Fox 222D is a good choice. This is a high-quality bassoon from the American maker Fox and should last many years.
These instruments have a reputation for being easy to play with good projection.
Best intermediate bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate Players
COMES WITH: 24 Keys
FEATURES: Seven rollers and Ab/Bb trill
Fox 240
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Free and flexible sound
- Suitable for intermediate level up to college players
- Advanced key work with trill keys and roller keys
- Pitch can be sharp and will need checking
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
A step up from the 222D, the Fox 240 is a very popular model among bassoonists of all levels. The sound is more flexible than the entry-level instrument, with more variety of tone colour.
It’s a serious investment, of course – but if you’re looking for something that will take you all the way up to college level or to last a lifetime of hobby music-making, it’s worth taking a look at these top quality instruments.
Best intermediate German bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate Players
COMES WITH: 25 Keys
FEATURES: Silver plating throughout
Schreiber S16
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Good value for the advancing player
- Warm sound with wide dynamic range
- Rollers and crook lock as standard
- Trill keys not included
- Crook supplied is not great quality
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Schreiber S16 is a good model for finding a warm and flexible tone without splashing too much cash.
The extensive keywork and wide dynamic range of this instrument mean it should be suitable for all sorts of orchestral playing and chamber music at a high level.
Best alternative intermediate bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate Players
COMES WITH: 26 Keys
FEATURES: High quality mountain maple body
Adler 1358
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stable intonation
- Advanced keywork including high E key
- May have to be ordered specially
- Doesn’t have the easy projection of a Fox
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Another well-performing instrument that would suit advanced students or serious amateurs.
The extensive key system here should mean that this instrument can cope with all the demands of complex solo and orchestra music.
Best bassoons for the professional
Lastly, the seven instruments below are all standard, professional bassoons that are used every day in concert halls and music studios worldwide:
Best Fox model bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 26 Keys
FEATURES: Orchestral and solo musicx
Fox 680
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Beautiful projection and wide dynamic range
- Wide range of options for extra keys
- Available with a ‘gentleman model’ bell for easy travelling
- Extra keywork can make it heavy
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
This is the top of the range from the team at Fox, and it’s a lovely instrument. Detailed craftsmanship has gone into developing this model, which combines a sweet singing tone with a lot of power.
Professional players are also likely to appreciate the menu of extra options available here: trill keys, alternative touches and high F keys can all be added if you like. The ‘gentleman model’ is a handy option for those who fly a lot, too – splitting the bell means a more compact case that’s usually permitted on planes with no trouble.
Best warm-sounding bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 26 Keys
FEATURES: Mountain or red maple bassoon
Püchner 23
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Beautifully rounded sound
- Waterproof pads for a great response
- Comfortable keywork with lots of rollers
- Intonation can be an issue on lower notes
- Dark sound won’t suit all players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Püchner is a specialist maker of double reed instruments, and these bassoons are widely used by professional players all over Europe. The beautifully seasoned wood makes for a deep, warm sound with lots of ‘woody’ characteristics.
The keywork has been cleverly designed here, too, with lots of rollers for smooth movement and extra additions available.
Best lower-cost Püchner
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 25 Keys
FEATURES: High D and E keys
Püchner Jubilee
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A lower-priced Püchner model
- Warm sound with lots of character
- Waterproofed pads for easy sealing
- Lower notes can be sharp
- Replacement crook/bocal may be needed
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
All Püchner bassoons will work well at a professional level, so if you’re looking for something a little less expensive, this should do you well.
Best for a powerful sound
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 25 Keys
FEATURES: Keywork designed for maximum comfort
Yamaha YFG 812
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lots of optional extras available
- Strong sound copes well with a big orchestra
- Supplied with well-respected ‘super bocals’
- Some may find the instrument a bit heavy
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha has upped its game over the past few years – these newer products are top quality instruments. The custom-made bassoons are now known for a huge dynamic range with excellent intonation.
The thick-wall design means great projection for those playing in a large symphony orchestra in a big hall – the trade-off is that some smaller bassoonists may find it a bit heavy.
Best for a more resonant instrument
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 28 Keys
FEATURES: French polish lacquer
Moosmann 222
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy-blowing resonant sound
- An extensive key system as standard
- Some players may prefer more resistance
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Another great bassoon with powerful projection – and a reasonable price for a professional instrument. This model is known for its free-blowing qualities and has been redesigned to enhance the tone in both tenor and lower registers.
Best for a traditional dark sound
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 28 Keys
FEATURES: High E key
Mollenhauer
‘Professional’ Model 66 Bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Free-blowing style but with dark sound
- Options including balance hanger and silver-lined tone holes
- Relatively affordable model
- Less often available
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Mollenhauer is a well-known woodwind company, but best known among bassoonists as a maker of contrabassoons. The bassoons are pretty decent, too though – not showy, but reliable (and at about half the price of some other professional instruments).
Best all-round professional bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: Custom Keys
FEATURES: Top-quality bassoon
Heckel
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Highly respected brand
- Lasts a lifetime (and beyond)
- Tailored to your needs
- Several-year waiting list
- Tuning can be unreliable on older models
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re after the best of the best, you’ll quite probably want to turn to Heckel. This was the company that developed the current bassoon design, and the company is still renowned for top quality craftsmanship.
These instruments are custom made, so you’ll be able to request all the keys and accessories you want and have the key designs tweaked to fit your needs. The downsides? The bill is usually pretty high… and you’ll still have to wait several years for delivery.
Older Heckels are highly prized, too, as they tend to have a real character to the tone. If you’re trying one out, though, do listen to the tuning – it can be a little wayward on older models.
Best bassoons for the smaller budget
And as we all know money isn’t made on trees, if you’re someone looking to buy a Bassoon, but have a slightly smaller budget than you’d like, then these two instruments offer massive value for money and puch above their weight:
Best all-round professional bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: Custom Keys
FEATURES: Supplied with two crooks/bocals
Amati ABN41
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- One of the cheapest decent bassoons
- Crook lock and trill keys included
- Improved design and intonation
- Lack rollers
- The tone is somewhat limited
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
There was a time when Amati was a byword for cheap instruments with flimsy keys and dodgy intonation. Not any more!
What you’ll get is a decent solid instrument that does all the essentials plus a little bit more – it has some trill keys, a high D key and a crook lock, so it should be suitable for more complex music too.
Best all-round professional bassoon
DESIGNED FOR: Professional Players
COMES WITH: 22 Keys
FEATURES: 4 rollers
Howarth Academy bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Warm sound from the dense mountain maple wood
- Clever key design by a double reed specialist
- Supplied with lots of accessories
- Advanced players will want to upgrade for extra keys
- Doesn’t hold value as well as some German makers
- Only one crook/bocal
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
UK bassoon players of all levels are likely to have dealings with Howarth at some point in their playing career – it’s well known as the biggest double reed store in the country, staffed by specialists and well stocked with all sorts of accessories and music.
The company also makes and rents its own instruments, known as the Academy series. As the name suggests, these are great student instruments, with lots of useful things like a crook lock and rollers.
The Academy bassoon is also available in a short reach model.
What to look for when buying a bassoon
The manufacturer name will only tell you so much – as you’ll see from this list, there are many models and makers around, all with individual pros and cons. Whether you’re buying a first instrument or upgrading to a lifelong professional bassoon, you’ll want to read around and ask advice from other players or a specialist in the shop.
Among the things you want to ask yourself are these questions…
- Does it feel comfortable in my hands?
- Can I blow it easily enough?
- Do I like the sound?
- Can I produce high and low notes?
- Will it respond in loud and quiet dynamics?
What to look for when buying a used bassoon
If you’re looking at the prices below in shock, we have good news for you… there’s a strong second-hand market for right bassoons. Bassoons are built to last, and in fact, they often get better with age (some professional players have instruments that are 50 to 100 years old!)
Along with all the questions above, there are a few more things to check for when you’re looking to buy a second-hand bassoon.
- Has it been serviced recently?
- Do all the pads seal and mechanisms work smoothly?
- Are all the pieces provided (things like hand rest and body lock pin especially)?
- Are there any cracks or chips in the wood or cork?
Looking after your bassoon
Now that you’ve got your shiny new instrument, you want to look after it, right? Keep your bassoon in top condition to make it easier to play, and avoid paying for expensive repair work.
Instruments that have been well looked after also tend to hold their value well – something to consider if you think you might want to upgrade in the future. Here are a few tips to keep your bassoon in good condition…
- If the cork joints are a bit stiff (as often happens on new bassoons), put a little bit of cork grease on them to help get them apart easily without damaging it (or yourself!).
- Don’t use too much, though, or you’ll end up with a sticky gunge.
- Learn to put your bassoon reeds together and take it apart properly, making sure you’re not putting pressure on any part of the key mechanism. A bassoon assembly video can be handy here for beginners.
- Always clear away any water inside the instrument once you’ve played it, ideally with a pull-through cleaner rather than the ‘fluffy sticks’ that come with some bassoons (these just move the water around rather than removing it).
- If you have to carry your bassoon around, take the crook/bocal out before moving it. They can be easily damaged because they stick out and are expensive to replace.
Accessories for the bassoon
If you want to carry on spending money, there are plenty of bassoon accessories out there to invest in. Most of them are ‘nice-to-have’ rather than essentials, but these are the ones that you’ll really need.
Something to help you support the weight. This might be a seat strap that you place across the chair or a more versatile harness that can be used for sitting or standing up.
A reed box to make sure your bassoon reeds don’t get damaged.
A bassoon case – lightweight cases are popular now, or more solid backpack styles if you need a bit more protection (for travelling or keeping in a school instrument store cupboard, for example).
Not vital, but very handy is a bassoon stand to keep your instrument safe while not in use. You’ll still need to take it apart for cleaning, but having it already assembled can be very useful to make the most of your practice time.
DESIGNED FOR: Bassoon Players
COMES WITH: Leather Seat Strap
FEATURES: Metal Hook Fitting
Seat Strap
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Used by Beginners and Professionals
- Suitable for Most Bassoons
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Bassoon Players
COMES WITH: Padded dividers keep your bassoon reeds safe
FEATURES: Designed to allow airflow through the case
reed box
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Used by Beginners and Professionals
- Suitable for Most Bassoons
- Made With High Quality Material
- Can Hold 5 Bassoon Reeds
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Bassoon Players
COMES WITH: Adjustable straps for multiple carrying methods
FEATURES: Includes crook pouch
Tom and Will Bassoon
Gig Bag
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Used by Beginners and Professionals
- Suitable for Most Bassoons
- Durable High Tensile Stitching
- High Density Foam Padding
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Bassoon Players
COMES WITH: Peg hole for expansion
FEATURES: Swivel legs fit easily around other stage equipment
Hercules Bassoon Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Used by Beginners and Professionals
- Suitable for Most Bassoons
- Height-Adjustable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best wood bassoons
All of the wooden bassoons on this list can be recommended, although what you buy will depend on what level of bassoonist you’re buying for. As a rule, for the best results, you should be looking for something made of maple and ideally seasoned for at least 10 years.
Cheaper wood bassoons tend to be made of a lower-grade wood that won’t resonate properly, and therefore we would advise steering clear of these.
Best hard rubber bassoons
Hard rubber bassoons are quite new to the market, but a lot of research has gone into developing them. Nobel hard rubber bassoons have been designed by experts and make a good choice as hard-wearing instruments for school or outdoor band use.
21 Best Bassoons
Summary
In conclusion, the bassoon is a versatile and unique instrument with a rich history. After reviewing 21 of the best bassoons on the market, it’s clear that there is a model for every level and budget.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is a bassoon that will suit your needs, from the affordable Fox Renard Model 41 to the top-of-the-line Heckel 41i, offering a range of options.
When choosing a bassoon, factors such as the player’s level, the type of music they will be playing, and their budget must be considered. It’s also crucial to try out different models before deciding.
The bassoon is a beautiful and unique instrument that deserves more recognition. With the right instrument and practice, anyone can learn to play this fantastic instrument and create beautiful music.
Very well done! Chock full of great information. Sticking with my Schreiber for now, but I could be persuaded to upgrade when I win the lottery.
Thanks Bruce for the comment. And good luck with your lottery!