Are the REALLY EXPENSIVE as in, $17,000 bassoons worth the investment? I'm assuming that they would most likely be used by professional players in orchestras, or by highly regarded soloists, but I'm thinking that, if it is possible some day, I might purchase one of these types of bassoons. I believe the make is Fox. They have all the "special" keys (a "full German system"), like high D and E (not sure what that's about) and rollers for D-flat, A-flat, and F, which would be extremely helpful in some of the pieces I plan to play (and compose, for that matter). Any help regarding these instruments would be very much appreciated.

How much you want to spend on a bassoon really depends how much you're going to play it. If you want to make playing the bassoon a career you're gonna want to spend more on a better instrument. However, if it's just gonna be a hobby and nothing more, then it's significantly less.
I'd say if it's just a hobby then you can get a good instrument for about £4000. Maybe a bit more if its a really serious hobby.
If it's a career - I've been told to get hold of about £12,000 to get a decent instrument, which will be enough for a very good instrument which will last you a very long time.

If you want to spend $17,000 on a bassoon then that's fine, but just be aware that you can probably get equally good bassoons for much less.

Just before christmas, Howarths (London wind specialist shop) came to my college and brought a selection of bassoons - i tried a few out, including a bassoon costing £18,000 (Pounds, not dollars!) But I found that i much prefered the cheaper bassoons. This instrument was stunning, with mother of pearl rollers and stuff like that, and that was what made it so expensive.

Just work out how much you're willing to pay for an isntrument, think about how you're gonna be playing (career/hobby) and think about which instrument is indiviually suited to you.

Thank you very much! I did a little more research, and a cheaper bassoon (about half the price of the original I was looking at) may be better for me. I really appreciate the advice!