I've been wanting to play the bassoon for ages and I would really like to purchase one. But, I'm on a very tight budget. So, I'm looking into buying a good inexpensive student bassoon. (if there is one) What are some good brands? Is Selmer good? And should I get wood or plastic?

definately wood, just be sure to swab it. AND NEVER get a Selmer bassoon. I had to play on one for a year, it was horrible. Stick to names like Fox and Schreiber, and look out for deals on Ebay.

O.k thanks for warning me! I'll keep looking on EBAY.

I'd add Adler & Moosmann to the list. The Fox plastic ones are good as well unlike other brands.

Great! I was just worried if I got a wood one it would crack.

Unless you are taking your bassoon from +40 to -40, I wouldn't worry about a wood bassoon cracking. Just swab it and take care of it, and you shouldn't have problems. I live in Canada, and have never had problem with any 3 of my wood bassoons.

O.k! Thanks that kinda relieves me a bit... I just didn't want to buy an expensive bassoon and then have it crack! Thank-you

Actually, I think that you should at least try out playing the bassoon before you buy one. Even lower-priced bassoons are not that cheap! Ask around at local school or college music programs to see if they have one that would be available for you to try out. They might even have one they would let you borrow or rent instead of buying your own, which would be much cheaper. It would be much better to try it first than spending money on a bassoon and finding that you don't like it and end up wasting money!

The vast majority of school & college bassoons I've seen are in an apalling condition & are likely to put anyone off playing the instrument. From many of the threads on this forum this is obvious as well. This also applies to a lot of used instruments that are edvertised for sale - even as 'in excellent condition'. I would recommend finding a teacher who is a bassoon specialist if posssible before buying or renting one - many will know of instruments that are for sale or will be able to vet them before you purchase.

Good luck.

My band has a bassoon but another oboe player is playing it. And he says it needs to be overhauled. New pads and everything, because he says it takes all of his energy to play it. I think I will try to see if I can try one out at a music store. Thanks guys! I'll keep y'all posted if anything happens. I don't think I'll do anything about it though until the new year.