Bassoon roundup
Bassoon: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Prices are substantially higher than most woodwinds and the quality differences between tiers are real. Here's what to consider before spending.
Buying a bassoon is a significant investment at every level, from a student instrument to a professional one. Price ranges are substantially higher than most other woodwinds — entry-level student models begin around £2,000 — and the quality difference between instrument tiers is real and audible. Working through the decisions in order will help narrow the field before you begin contacting dealers.
Student vs Professional Bassoon
The key distinction is between instruments designed for learners and those used by professional orchestral players. A student bassoon typically uses harder plastic or maple body construction, simplified key work and mass-produced reeds. Professional instruments use carefully selected aged maple, precision-machined keywork and are set up to higher tolerances. In between sits the intermediate tier — instruments suitable for serious students, youth orchestra players and conservatoire entrants. Most buyers should aim for the best student or intermediate instrument they can afford rather than buying below their level and upgrading quickly.
Key Brands at Each Level
- Student (£2,000–4,000): Yamaha YFG-812S, Fox Renard Model 41, Schreiber S31. All are reliable starting points with accessible key work and adequate intonation. Fox and Yamaha are the most consistently recommended in UK teaching contexts.
- Intermediate (£4,000–10,000): Moosmann 100, Fox Model 601, Schreiber S91. More refined keywork, better tonal response and improved reed seat design. A meaningful step up for a student who intends to continue seriously.
- Professional (£15,000+): Heckel, Püchner, Schreiber WS. The Heckel is the instrument of reference for most European professional orchestras. High demand and limited production mean waiting times of years for a new instrument from the best makers.
Buying Used
The used bassoon market is more viable than for some instruments, as professional-quality instruments retain value and are often sold when players retire or upgrade. A used Moosmann or mid-range Fox at the right price can outperform a new student model. Before buying used, have the instrument checked by a bassoon-specialist repairer — key work, pad condition and any body cracks are the critical inspection points. A service on a new purchase (re-padding, key adjustment) costs £300–600 but transforms a neglected instrument.
Renting Before Buying
For students who are not yet certain they will continue, rental is a sensible first step. Many specialist music dealers offer rental on a rent-to-buy basis. The bassoon's high entry cost and the real possibility that students will find it too physically demanding make a rental commitment lower-risk than an outright purchase. The bassoon explained guide covers the instrument's features and what distinguishes each quality tier in more detail.
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