Hello, I'm shopping for a beginner bassoon for myself and I would appreciate suggestions on what model(s) would be good for an adult to start on. I've been looking at the Renard model 41 but then I wonder if I shouldn't spend a bit more on a better instrument to avoid the additional cost of upgrading in the future.

All advice welcome!

Thanks

I should have also mentioned my goal is to play the bassoon for my own enjoyment and eventually in the local community orchestra. In other words...I don't need a professional model but I'm still concerned about spending $4k on a beginner instrument and then need to spend even more down the road on an upgrade and have to try to sell the other one. I know I will play the instrument, there's no doubt, so now the dilemma over which model.

I played flute years ago in school and as an adult I play violin. On to a new challenge.

I would have to say that DONT GET A PLASTIC BASSOOON. The bad sound and key placement can not only discourage you from playing and practicing, but require additional time to adjust your fingering teqhnique when buying an upgraded bassoon. Personally I would suggest a Schreiber bassoon. These bassoons are made in Germany (where the best bassoons are made) and have a great reputation for beginners and pros alike. Actually, I play on one myself!

Could you please recommend a model or models in the Schreiber line?

Also, are you saying only buy a wood bassoon? That scares me a little because I know, they are even more sensitive to temperature/humidity than string instruments are.

YES!!! Plastic bad!!! Wood GOOD!!!!! if your going to shell out a few grand for a bassoon you might as well get wood. The tone is ten times better (understatement), and you will be taken more seriously if you go out for that orchestra. Eventually you will want a wooden one and that will cost extra so it is better to spend it now. And if you buy used, which you must be careful about, you can get them for a pretty reasonable price.

Okay, that's exactly why I posted my question. I don't want to have to upgrade to a better instrument in two or three years. I'd rather just spend the money once on a good quality instrument that should last me my lifetime...or at least until my Carnegie debute.

Could you guys please give me some model numbers to be asking for/brands that are reliable and I won't have problems with service/parts?

I as many have had excellent experience with Fox. I don't know about prices or models, but I'm very happy with my 220 and it seems relatively common. Keep in mind that if you get a new bassoon, it will go out of adjustment as the wood settles.

"...it will go out of adjustment as the wood settles."

Arrgh. With a violin I can tune it myself. That statement definately makes me want to find a broken-in model. Of course then I have to scrutinize for hairline cracks. These instruments can be headaches as well as giving us much pleasure!

I went the "get something modest" route when I started back on the bassoon after many years. I don't actually regret doing this, but I did feel I needed to upgrade after a couple of years and didn't necessarily get all my money back from the sale of my old one......

I now play on a new Moosmann and have never regretted this purchase. I would second the thoughts of those who've suggested getting a German bassoon, whether new or used, but Fox makes a good bassoon also, and this is an American brand. So you have several brands to choose from.