I'm really fed up with this ancient Conn and Lesher bassoon. i NEED to get rid of them. I'm looking for a good used bassoon. What shoudl I look for?
Some things I want are
Lots of rollers(I am a Sax player also)
Maple or other Woods
Very Rich tones.
ANy suggestions?
Re: Lookign For A Used Bassoon 14:08 on Saturday, June 17, 2006
I play an Adler (and so does Drew !) It is a good standard bassoon but not OTT expensive second hand. Mine has plenty of rollers, cheat keys etc and has taken me to Grade 8+ standard (UK). I started on a Schreiber but apparently they don't take you very far (grade 5 ish).
Re: Lookign For A Used Bassoon 12:10 on Monday, June 19, 2006
I just had a bassoon that I bought of ebay overhauled for a good lump of money (and waiting for quite some time for having it serviced...that linseed oil takes time to sink in).
Had my first lesson today and it sounds great :D Dang I LOVE this instrument already.
In hindsight I might have waited a bit longer and do some more looking around.
It definitively helps if you have a GOOD woodwind shop in the vicinity.
Also check with the local music teachers if there are some teaching bassoons.
I have found that bassoon teachers are very enthusiastic and helpful, a good resource.
If you want to buy 2nd hand, see if you can get it of someone who actually played the instrument if you want to get it in a playable condition.
Much can be fixed on a bassoon but it can get expensive quickly (also can take quite some time).
As far as I can tell many players haven't really tried many brands or models so you will get many varying opinions on which manufacturer makes a good bassoon. As I am only a beginner I don't want to comment on that anyway.
Good Luck in your hunt
James
PS : some things I would check/ask the seller :
1) Have they unscrewed the U-pipe/gasket assembly and is there any wood rot or small dents in the pipe (better not)
2) are there any cracks in the wood or chips (esp at tone holes and tenons)
3) are all the mounts solid (not wobbly) and no keywork/screws missing
4) How is the intonation/tuning of the instrument
5) Do all the pads seal properly and is the instrument in a "playable condition"
6) Has someone actually played on this instrument recently
7) Does the bassoon come with a bocal(s), crutch and any kind of strap or harness
The best thing would be if you could take someone who plays bassoon along to check out a potential buy.
!) It is a good standard bassoon but not OTT expensive second hand. Mine has plenty of rollers, cheat keys etc and has taken me to Grade 8+ standard (UK). I started on a Schreiber but apparently they don't take you very far (grade 5 ish).