It seems as if buying a bassoon will become a possibility for me...while it's Amati.

The Amati 81S looks good, but the Amati 41 is much more affordable. My friend has an Amati 41, and with the exception of the high register, she's having a very good experience with it. I figured if the Amati 41 is good, the Amati 81 would have to be somewhat better. Any ideas?

OR if anyone has any ideas on a bassoon that probably would be better than the Amati while being just as affordable, appreciate it. BTW-about how much DOES a Moosmann cost, cause i've never seen a price for a Moosmann anywhere.

Does anyone know if there's lay away options out there?

Thanks!
-AJ

I'd love to get my hands on a Moosman. I think the 100's and 150's are about ten to twelve thousand. I saw them somewhere on the web so if you're diligent you can find them, too.

Unfortunately buying a bassoon (unless you're an imediate beginner) isn't really as simple as asking for the make and number. It is useful, to a point because they do develop reputations, but don't just go on that. Go to a music shop somewhere where you can actually pick up the bassoon and try it yourself, because every instrument is individual and the last thing you want is to spend a few grand on a bassoon only to find it's not really suited to you. From the sounds of the bassoons you're thinking of getting (though i've never heard of them myself) i'd go for the better one - it's surprising how much bassoonists need to play in the high register, and the top notes are difficult enough without the instrument making it worse. Do you have an instrument that you can use temporarily? I'd suggest trying out these instruments (if you can), deciding for yourself which you prefer, then if it's the more expensive one then save up for a little while and get it. I've been told that bassoons keep their value, and often older instruments that have been played in are better, so spending that bit more on a better instrument will be worth it should you want to sell it on later.

I agree with Ruth88 comments.You really need to try the instruments out.Even if you have the opinion of a well known player,it's only his/her opinion and can only be a guide.

Moosman makes great instruments. The starting price is not that huge.If you're in US try this link:
http://www.millermarketingco.com/moosmann/index.htm

In the UK try:
http://www.howarth.uk.com/

Incidently, Howarths Academy bassoon is made by Moosman.

Back to Amati, they're OK, but it might be worth considering a used bassoon.You'll need someone to test it out for you.Your teacher?

The music stores in my area either don't sell bassoons or don't keep them in the building. One of them, i think, may keep them, but as far as i know, they are the selmer 132 models. unless they have something used (but for a bassoon, that's kind of unlikely).

My teacher? My teacher is actually a high school senior who has been giving me some lessons and teaching me how to play. She has only played on school bassoons and her Amati. I think the only good school bassoon she has used is the Renard that I am currently using (a nice 222).

The price for a Moosmann 98A is $6,000 (and I would need at least a 98A considering certain things that I need for myself). If i could spend that much, i'd just get a renard 240 or 220 from music 123 or woodwind brasswind.

Unless there is a more affordable option for Moosmann bassoons or Renards that anyone knows about. Anyone?

You've got to look beyond prices and makes. It can go either way, and you can get a brilliant bassoon cheap if you look in the right places, but you can also spend a fortune on a bassoon that's just not suited to you - every instrument is individual.

Who teaches the high school senior that teaches you? Having another student get you started is fine, but when it comes to advancing further a good qualified teacher is priceless. As far as i'm concerned.

I don't know who teaches her, but i know she takes lessons. Between her, her teacher, my director, and this forum, I'm trying to get all the information I can get. I gave her a list of questions to give to her teacher, and I should get them back by this week.

You should get a moosmann
Period
:D

it's good that the person teaching you is prepared to ask her teacher questions, and you can learn a lot through this site, but I think that you should think about getting your own (qualified) teacher. Then you wont be learning... err... second hand, i guess.

Mercifulme - a little biased are we?:p

www.tristanassociates.com

im considering buying my next bassoon (moosmann) from here in 1 1/2 years.

Moosmann 100a was quoted at $6750 USD. The fox bassoons on the site are a bit overpriced in my opinion... I will look into it. Mind you, it is generally accepted that moosmanns are a bit better, supposedly in features but in my opinion, the sound.

Umm Ruth, its not bias. I play on a moosmann.

Umm MercifulMe, you play on a moosmann, therefore you are biased towards moosmann...

not trying to offend anyone or something like that, but could we end with the biasedness (don't even know if that's a word) and get back to me?

<Added>

so, anyway, i'm looking at owning my own bassoon about a year and a half from now. After i try some out, my school may be able to get one on a very, very, slight, VERY slight discount (it's STILL a bassoon). But, yeah. I've put together a list of all the bassoons i've heard of, minus the lavals, larks, etc. So basically, the Renards, the Moosmanns, the Amatis, those kind. I'm also going to communicate with my music store/my friend/band director and see what I can put together between the three of them. I already know what kind of things I want on a bassoon, external wise, so, I guess it's kind of a matter of trying them out. But like I said, a year and a half from now, before I graduate from high school.

Sorry, just making a point :p

Anyway - good for you! You'll have your perfect farting bedpost in no time!