Bassoon Buyer's Guide

Bassoon Breakdown

section #1

Bassoon Categories

featuring

Fox II Bassoon

Student Bassoons: Student bassoons are designed for the beginner and meant to provide an excellent start for the first years of playing. These bassoons are made with durable plastic bodies and priced to easily fit into most families’ budgets. Teacher-Recommended Student Bassoons

Intermediate Bassoons: Once a student is established and is learning the fundamentals of good playing, it is important to purchase an instrument that will continue his or her musical growth. Recommended Intermediate Bassoons

Professional Bassoons: Designed and constructed with the professional musician in mind, professional bassoons find favor among the serious students as well. Recommended Professional Bassoons

Artist: Hand-crafted and true artist quality. Recommended Artisan Bassoons

View Recommended Instruments:

• Teacher-Recommended Student Bassoons
• Recommended Intermediate Bassoons
• Recommended Professional Bassoons
• Recommended Artisan Bassoons

Body Materials

Plastic:

Used exclusively for student-level bassoons, plastic is durable and not affected by humidity or temperature. This makes a good, tough instrument for young beginners.

Maple:

Maple is the wood of choice for making fine bassoons. The sound is more resonant than that of plastic.

Bore Design

Long Bore:

Offers a rounder sound that blends well. Perfect for chamber and symphonic playing.

Short Bore:

Offers a more open and singing sound. Excellent for solo playing.

Other Important Features

Whisper Key:

The whisper key is found at the lower end of the upper row of left thumb keys. The key is used as a vent for notes in the lower middle register and allow them to speak at softer dynamic levels.

Whisper Key Lock:

Keeps the whisper key engaged when finger is not on the whisper key.

High D Key:

Facilitates the comfort and response of high D.

High E Key:

Facilitates the comfort and response of high E.

Product Comparison Charts

Download the Product Comparison Charts:

• Bassoon Chartfile size: 1mb

These chart files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view (PDF).