I'm thinking about buying a nice bassoon that will still be a good instrument to grow with, but that I can actually afford. I'm probably always going to be an amateur. I don't know anyone with any real experience. Does anyone know anything about Takedas? Tone, ease of playing, even intonation, etc?

Other suggestions?

One description refers to dark, rich tone --- okay, I understand rich, but what does dark really mean --- would it be the same as deep, or the opposite of a clear, singing tone, or what?

Thanks,
Bill

Go up a little higher on this page to the "search" space and type in Takeda, and specify "bassoon forum" and you will find a few prior discussions on this bassoon.