Hi all, first post here.

I was hoping somebody could help me find some information on bocals. I have played bassoon for approx. 7 years but I took a 5 year break and I am just purchasing one for myself for the first time. (The bassoon I learned on was a rental)

I am buying a Selmer Linton 9 key left thumb plastic 1985 bassoon second hand. It is not coming with bocals. Though I had 2 bocals while learning the instrument I must admit I did not learn anything about the bocal specifically nor do I remember what kind of bocal they were.

I see a bocal on ebay I was eye-ing (since I have no problem with 2nd hand at this point) and was wondering if it was worth it?

It's a "Marcus & Bell #C3 seamed construction" for $125

Any help is extremely appreciated. You may ask me any questions as well.

Do some research on the internet about bocals - Fox is a good place to start. I do not know about the bocal you have mentioned but personally I would go for a seamless construction, and you can often find Fox bocals on eBay for about that same price.

I know you want to get something NOW (who wouldn't if they had a horn but no way to play it) but it might be worth a little looking around for the proper buy.

Thanks Drew. I appreciate your input!
I will definately try out Fox.

When I do buy a bocal, is there any I might want to stay away from? (Maybe some people have some past experience to share?)

The ones I would stay away from are the "no-name" ones which probably come from "afar."