im a senior this year and planning on continuing the bassoon in college. At this point i still use a school owened plastic student model bassoon which i have been using for 6 years now. I figured its about time i purchased a real one. Im looking for a good amateur to profesional bassoon prefereably new in the price range of 5-10 thousand dollars. i would consider a used one and would consider going a little over the 10,000 if i found a really good bassoon. what brand/model would you think would work best for me.

Renard (220 or 222)get a high D key

Since you have been playing for that long, I think you should get a Puchner.. they are around 10 grand, and the only bassoon that i know of that has a better sound is a heckel, which can go for 25+ grand.. Renards are good, but in my opinion, german bassoons get a better sound.

You should get a Fox/Renard. Heckels, which are the best, are out of your price range. The problem with other brands is the build quality. It would be best to ge a Fox/renard. Look into the Renard 240.

thats why i said he should get a puchner...they are similar to Heckel, since they are both German, and they are better than most fox models..and puchner is in his price range..

There are four brand of bassoon which are considered "professional": Heckel, Puchner, Yamaha and Fox (not Renard). The top Renards are excellent, but Renard is Fox`s student line, and the Fox Co. is very clear on that. Price-wise, you might be able to get a new Puchner for $10,000, I`m not sure. The other professional horns will be more. Used, you could probably get any of them except a Heckel for under 10. If you`re considering a Renard, you might also look at Moosmann, I think they`re comparable in price and quality to the better Renards.

get a used heckel... that`ll impress the ladies... lol... around $13,000 if it`s messed up enough *thumbs up*

You guys all forget Moosmann. I`ve been playing one for a year now and no problems! Awesome intonation and a better tone than a Fox. I had my choice of the Fox Renard 220 or the Moosmann 100A and I took the 100A. They`re about the same as the Fox I remember but a little more. I seriously recommend you check them out.

www.millermarketingco.com

Good luck!

Sorry, they`re about the same price. I like the Moosmann keyboard work better too.

Came across this ad online at <www.musicalchairs.info/instrumentsales.asp?category=fagotto>. Might be just what you are looking for!

Moosmann 100A - mint condition. Big sound, excellent intonation, very responsive. Silver plated keywork, high D & E, silver water tubes, whisper key (and RH lock), lots of roller & two premium bocals. Pictures available.
6000 USD <robert_goler@earthlink.net>

Hi,

I am a German non professional bassoon player. It`s very funny hearing of a plastic bassoon. Must be absolutly terrible. ;-))
Well, I recommand highly a Moosmann bassoon. I went 2 years ago to Waiblingen near Stuttgart where Moosmann is located and spoke with Mr Moosmann. He is a wonderful man. The 100 is the student model, but it is a pretty instrument. If you have more money have a look at the semi-professional 150 or professional 200 models. They are in their prize range amazing. If you want to become a professional bassoonist you have to look for a Heckel. There are a lot other very good bassoons but most professionals in europe buy a Heckel if they have the money. It`s the Heckel-sound! ;-)
Blessings, Martin

The Moosmann 100A is a different instrument than the 100 on view at the factory. The 100A has the key work of the 150 (semi-pro) without the French finish. It is a lovely instrument but finding one under $7500 is going to be hard with the decline of the dollar...and only likely to get harder in time. Far better investment than a Fox!

I decided bassoons are just to damn expensive and i figure i`ll just make one of my own out of pvc pipe, duck tape, elmers glue and some chewing gum.

Fox Renard 220/240`s are would be good, but to be honest EVERYONE HAS ONE!, I played in an honors band with 160 kids, and 8 bassoons, and out of the 8 of us, 5 of them had either a 220, or a 240! Id go for a Schrieber or a Fox 101 perhaps!