I have an old basson here and i want to know what the value or the histroy behind the Bassoon that i own. I also want to know if it is worth while to repair it or just get a new one. From what i gather the bassoon i have says Horst Moennig standard model. If any one can get me feed back or give me a link to where i can get some more info that would be great!!! Thanks!!!

As I understand the Moennig history, Moennig and Adler were German firms that prospered in the 1920`s. After Germany was divided in 1945 Adler ended up in the West and Moennig ended up in the East. Both remain excellent brands and while they have remained overshadowed by Heckel and Puchner in the professional circles they have been very strong in the advanced player stage. After the unification of Germany in 1989 the two firms merged and operate out of a single facility, and share a website as well. They have maintained their separate instrument lines, and there are still distinctive characteristics. A good bassoon repairman could tell you the age of your bassoon and whether it is worthwhile to repair it, if it is not playable now.

If its old, and needs major, major repairs, get a new one, otherwise it would be worth it. Its worth no more than $1500 at an old age. Especially if it needs repairs, that`ll be less.

Horst Moennig was one of my mentors WHen I was much younger He had a shop in southern cal. I met him in 1956 or 7 Of course he was in the familie of the brothers of Hans in Philly and I believe Gebruder was still in Germany.There was another brother I forget his name right now. THey made all kinds of fine woodwinds : flutes, oboes , bassoons,clarinets. and also lots of experiments.I wound up with most of Horsts tooling and parts from his estate after he passed away. I sold all the bassoon parts keys etc. I still have his flute making tools which I am about to sell beceause I am no longer making flutes. as I once did.I value the Moennig instruments highly for I know what went into them. I have a mint Otto Moennig flute in my collection which won the gold medal in Leipzig in 1897.Depending how many keys your bassoon has would determine its value.What system? Heckel?or early. or? Regards ....Joe