Once again, it’s very late and insomnia is setting my schedule for me so I thought I’d create an entry on bassoons. After all, I haven’t chatted much about music lately and thought it might be fun to do a mini-series on the topic. Interestingly, this is inspired by some of my students (I don’t have many but then again, there simply aren’t many to begin with) who seem to be enjoying their lessons. I’ve got to admit, I enjoy them too – sometimes its about the only thing that I enjoy doing and that takes my mind off of everything else that’s going on. Recently, I’ve been doing some Internet searches on bassoon-things: looking to see what other bassoonists I’ve known over the years are doing (sadly, not much – we’re a dying breed), reed making, instruments, latest recordings, etc. There have been many times, in the recent past, where I’ve just wanted to pack things up and move to a remote island somewhere in the South Pacific that has there own little musical society and play/teach bassoon all day long. Got to admit, if I didn’t have family, I would dearly love to do something as wacky as that. As far as I’m concerned, musicians are among the only sane group of humans remaining on this Earth and the thought of living, breathing, eating, and sleeping music all day long sounds blissful.
One of the interesting things I’ve been watching over the years are who the manufacturers of bassoons are, what design characteristics they’re employing, what materials they’re using, and the acceptance of their instruments among real bassoonists (doublers, i.e, those who play sax, clarinet, and/or flute as their primary instrument[s] are not, and never will be included in that category). Interestingly, it appears as if Heckel has simply out priced itself as no one can afford them – I just noted that one of their relatively recent entries into the market, their “Heckel-Crest” which they claim is an “inexpensive instrument” which is “especially adequate for pupils, students and hobby-bassoonists” costs a mere $29,000 (yes, that’s just under thirty THOUSAND dollars)! Remember, that’s for their “student model” – a horn that they introduced in 1998. Who can possibly afford that? Almost without exception, most of my students are playing on Fox bassoons – their less expensive student (plastic/Polypropylene) models. Fox seems to have gained a significant foothold on the market over the years and appears to have chipped away at Heckels, as they have been making fine horns since the early ’70s (or perhaps a bit earlier). Even so, their instruments are also expensive. Surprisingly, they can even be bought on Amazon! According to Amazon’s site a moment ago, Fox bassoons range from in price from a mere $4,959 to $20,000. Unbelievable but true. Of course, “good” deals can be found on Fox models that are less than Amazon – I just found one for less than $3,600. I’ve also been hearing rumblings that another relative new comer, Moosmann, are producing good instruments but I’ve never had any experience with them.
It would appear as if other brands are long gone: Mirafone, Kohlert (a Chinese company appears to have purchased the name!), Conn, to name just a few. Other standbys remain – Adler, Mönnig, Mollenhaauer, Püchner, Schreiber, and even Yamaha (While I’ve never played a Yahama, they’ve been rumored to be fairly good horn).
Then we come to the junk bassoons – Bundy, Linton, Lesher, and Selmer (really). I’ve had kids come to me with these (including brand new ones) and they are, for lack of a better term, total crap. They are so bad, that they are often not playable and had no potential to become so. Putting a rubber plunger on the end of these and storing them in a bathroom might be the only good use for either of them – even then, I doubt they would hold up.
Finally we come to the Asian connection (although I’ve already mentioned Yamaha). Over the past several years, a large number of bassoons, including huge numbers of junk bassoons, are coming out of China. Interestingly, it appears as if production of such instruments is being spawned by a growing interest in Western classical music within the Chinese culture and there are several sites (which I don’t have at the moment) which have documented relatively recent connections between Western bassoonists and Chinese. Based upon what I’ve been reading, there are highly mixed reviews of some of these horns. Interestingly, these horns are general appraised as “looking good” but, due to the wood used, quickly succumb to a large number of problems (loose posts, keys that bend because they’re made from softer metals, etc.). Just as interesting is that these bassoons are so low in cost that many may often be found for less, far less, than a thousand dollars. Considering that many bassoon CASES (you know, the box that holds the instrument) are so expensive that the Chinese instruments (which come with cases as well as case covers) often cost less. Just who manufactures these horns? It’s hard to say as many Asian companies produce these instruments for others who, in turn, put their own brand name on them. One such case appears to be Takeda bassoons, designed by Yuhiko Takeda, former bassoonist with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra to be of “good quality and . . . inexpensive.” Interestingly, I’ve read some fairly good reviews of these instruments. Even more interesting is that while these bassoons are designed and promoted by a Japanese bassoonist, they appear to be made in China. Rumor has it that once these bassoons arrive in Japan, they are striped down and rebuilt according to Takeda’s specifications. All of these bassoons have an interesting design feature – they are what bassoonists commonly refer to as a “gentleman’s model” or a “gentleman’s cut”, meaning that their bells are extra long, while the long or bass joint is cut short. This allows the instrument to fit in a significantly smaller case. What makes this more significant is that another Chinese bassoon – one that is frequently seen on eBay, happens to be exactly like the Takeda instruments but have the “Laval” brand stamped on them. It would strongly appear that the Lavals are made by the same manufacturer and could, conceivable, be reworked (by someone who is knowledgeable about bassoon repair) to be a better horn. One of the very bizarre things associated with “Laval” bassoons is that their cases contain a hydrometer – why any bassoonist would “need” a device that measures the moisture in a case is beyond me. Obviously, this must be some type of sales gimmick as bassoons, as a rule, are generally very rugged instruments. Pictures of Takeda bassoons in their cases are not available (at least I haven’t found any yet), there are plenty of pictures of “Laval” bassoons on eBay to confirm this.
As this post is already quite long, I think I’ll save the rest for another time.
I have a daughter that doubles and triples on a number of reed and double reeds (oboe) and she has expressed interest in learning the bassoon. As I have gotten more and more serious on the search I dig deeper and am finding blogs like yours that offer advice.
In the past I have been successful in obtaining excellent instruments of advanced level, often vintage models, that have played wonderfully. As I have had maintenance performed the repairmen have made side comments on the quality of some of the horns I have purchased and I seem to be doing okay for relatively low overhead.
Then we come to bassoons…
When you are working to provide a learning instrument for someone, it is unlikely that you are going to spend $10K+ to see if they like it or not. The equivalent would be buying a Lotus or Mercedes for your 16 year old to learn to drive. Although there are probably those adults who can do that, most of us just can’t.
I recognize that an instrument must be playable in order to study and play with the orchestra, but I am concerned anytime I read that all the possibly affordable student instruments are all “junk”. To hear you endorse instruments from China that you haven’t even seen or heard over the “standard” student models worries me about the validity of such comments on “junk”.
So, I am still in a quandry. You are the “bassoonman”, I need help from someone with experience in helping me sort through the “junk” for something that could be recommended to a starter that costs substantially less than $10K. It would seem that some of the pre-buyout instruments from Lesher, Schreiber, Kohlert, etc. from the vintage years can’t ALL be trash.
If there are NO alternatives, then it would explain why so few students learn the instrument.
Your help is appreciated.
Steve
Hi Steve, Thanks for writing. I’ll try to answer each question you have:
The first thing I noticed is that your daughter is currently “doubling or tripling” on other instruments. As a rule I would highly recommend against that, especially if she wants to play the bassoon. I know that sometimes kids, particularly in high school, have to double because they’re required to play in marching band, but other than that one exception, I would never take on a student who was doing more than that. The bassoon is a very difficult and unique instrument that requires specialized study. Technically, the bassoon is vastly different than all of the other woodwinds. Also, I would strongly recommend against learning to play the bassoon without a private instructor (find a “real” bassoonist, not a doubler).
Buying “vintage” instruments can be a good thing – for many young students, that is the only way to go. I, myself, bought my own first bassoon, back in high school (several decades ago); that horn was an old Mirafone (which was really a Kohlert). That horn got me through high school but was really a terrible beast, even though it was completely overhauled and refinished when I first purchased it.
Fortunately, nearly all of my students now use Fox bassoons that are in very good (i.e., almost new) condition that are owned by their schools. When they can afford (or want to buy) their own instrument I almost universally recommend that they purchase a Fox as Heckels are so incredibly expensive. Even Heckel’s new “Crest” bassoon (allegedly their “student” model) is so expensive that it is far out of reach for nearly everyone.
As far as recommending instruments from China, and other “low price” bassoons, there is, indeed, a large amount of “junk.” You mentioned non-Chinese brand names: Lesher, Schreiber, and Kohlert (rumor has it that the Kohlert name was purchased by a Chinese Company). I have yet to find a Lesher (or a Selmer) that were worth their cost, no matter how inexpensive you can find them. For the most part, they are unplayable and have a terrible sound. I’ve had a few new students bring in new Selmers/Leshers that were absolutely awful. Yes, there are Schreibers and Kohlerts that are quite good, as long as they’re in good repair. There are also other makes, such as Adler, Conn (but not all), Mönnig, Püchner, to name a few. Again, if these horns are in good shape, they are certainly suitable for a beginner or even more advanced students (particularly Mönnigs & Püchners). While I’ve never played on a Yamaha, I’ve also heard some good things about them.
Getting back to Chinese instruments, the vast majority of these are absolutely awful. I happened to get a Laval (just to try it out) and, while it “looks good” is one of the worst sounding horns I’ve ever played. Not only that, but the pitch is so bad that I can’t imagine how anyone could use it when playing with others.
I then tried another bassoon (there is no brand name on it) that I purchased directly from the manufacturer: I received it just a week after the horrible “Laval” (which, if nothing else, will make good lampposts). I was absolutely stunned with the overall playability of the horn as well as the intonation of it (which, of course, is a major factor in purchasing a horn). The Laval, on the other hand, is so bad that I can’t in good conscience sell it.
Finding a horn (especially a new one) under $5,000 is a very difficult task (and, if you can afford it, I would go with a Fox student model). The horn that I just received is approximately half of that. In corresponding with the manufacturer, including after I acquired the horn, I learned that they have a professional Chinese bassoonist (yes, they do exist) who worked on the horn at the factory. There were simply too many little things that seemed to have been done correctly. Sure, the horn isn’t a Fox or a Heckle but it is very playable. You can find a comparison of the Laval and the other bassoon here. http://www.bassoonman.com/blog/2008/02/19/the-mystery-bassoon-vs-the-laval/#more-133 You can also hear me playing the unnamed bassoon here: http://www.bassoonman.com/blog/2008/02/12/the-laval-bassoon-vs-the-mystery-horn/
At the moment, I am trying to import a few as I believe they would be a very low cost alternative to other bassoons. I’ve now played on this horn for several weeks and have not had any problems with it to date. Interesting, the Laval bassoon had a piece snap off (really) just a week after I got it.
You are also correct in stating that one of the reasons why there are so few new students on the bassoon is the cost. Instruments are outrageously expensive (and the bassoon is a very complex instrument to make and is; therefore, by far the most expensive woodwind), the fingering system is highly complex, reeds are a challenge – nearly all bassoonists learn to make their own reeds, etc., etc. It is a wonderful instrument to play but, at the same time, one of the most difficult.
Hope this helps.
Hello. I’ve purched a second hand Mirafone and I was searching some information about that brand. I’ve read that Mirafone bassons were made by Adler, Moennig or Schreiber long time ago. Is that true?
Hi Fernando,
You are correct, Mirafone never made any bassoons: they were made by other manufacturers. I do know that Schreiber made them for Mirafone at least as late as the mid-1970’s and that Adler made them prior to that. I can’t say with any certainty that Moennig made them but it is certainly possible.
Hi there,
I recently started pursuing a music degree in college and am having trouble finding a suitable bassoon. I picked up a Fox 222 for the time being (a fine horn to be sure) but am looking to upgrade to something a little better. I have nothing against Fox bassoons, but I like the sound of a Moennig or Adler a little better. Any advice on switching to one of these or sticking with Fox as a brand. I live in an area where trying different bassoons is nearly impossible so any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Ian,
There are many fine Moennig and Adler bassoons. I would, however, recommend finding older horns, especially when looking at Adlers. I’m rather fond of Fox bassoons although the one I once owned was consistently sharp. Of course, there’s always Heckel.
What can you tell us about the no-name bassoon and where to get them? Are you still happy with it?
Where can I buy one?
Thanks,
LB
Hi BassoonMan,
I am a bassoonist in high school, and I am looking into buying my first bassoon. I stumbled upon your post which I’ve found very helpful. I was wondering how important it would be to have a high D key on my bassoon. There is one on the bassoon I’m playing now and I think I’ve used it twice. Most of the bassoons in my price range don’t have this key.
Also, could you tell me anything about the Huller bassoons? Is it worth buying one if it is in good condition?
Any other insight on buying bassoons would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hello,
I am trying to find a bassoon for my son who is currently a senior in high school. He plans on playing in college. He has been using the school’s bassoon which is in horrible condition. I have been shocked at the high price of bassoons, and having 3 children in college next year I am unable to make payments on the more expensive models. As a result, I have been searching ebay for a used more reasonable bassoon. I have seen a variety of models that are selling for approximately $1900 that are all plastic. I can’t imagine paying that much for an instrument that can’t possibly be one that plays well (I’m assuming since they are plastic). I did find a used V. Puchner bassoon that the seller lists as circa WWII. It is a model PKL 169 listed for $5000 or best offer. Do you have any input on whether or not this may be a good choice based on the brand, price and age?
Thanks for your help,
Mary
Dear Sir,
I know you are not a fan of Lesher but I as a hobby bassoonist obtained a Lesher 11 yrs. ago. It came with some paperwork and I was trying to find out any other information I could on it and was hoping you might be able to point me in a direction. It is a Lesher LSB model, serial number 1065. Any assistance you could give me would be appreciated. Thank you for your time. Sincerely – kirsten
Hi, i would need to know if schriber-mirafone is a simillar horn that just schriber.in terms of quality of course. Thank you very much.
What do you know about the new Schreiber?
I just purchased a wood (not ABS) linton off ebay. I am only playing for fun, and maybe a couple christmas carols at the family party. Do you have any experience with wood Lintons? If so, positive or negative? Thanks!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. In response to some of the questions:
1. Puchner’s are often fine horns.
2. I’m afraid I can’t help with the Lesher. As mentioned, I do not recommend them.
3. Some of the Mirafones were fairly good horns – but not all of them.
4. I can’t answer the question about the “new Schreiber” – some of the old ones were good horns.
5. Linton’s are horrible instruments – I would never recommend one for any reason (sorry).
Do you know much about the Fox/Renard 240 Artist Model bassoon?
I’m a senior in high school looking to buy a bassoon and from what I’ve read that model is the best for me. I’ve been using my school’s plastic Fox student bassoon. It’s not a bad instrument, although a little damaged. I’ve been playing bassoon for 5, going on 6, years now. I took private lessons for 4 years, and will probably start up again in the next few months before graduation. My private lesson instructor was a professor of double reeds at some liberal arts college, so she really knew her stuff about playing bassoon, but not much about buying bassoons now (she’s in her 80’s and hasn’t stayed up to date). I’ve played in youth orchestras, community bands, and school bands, jazz bands, etc. I’ll definitely be playing in college.
I’ve read a few reviews of the 240 and they were pretty positive. The prices I’ve seen online range from $6,000-$8,000 and I’m working on getting that together. I would never buy one over the internet without being able to try it out first. Is it worth the price, though? I like all the rollers it has, the high D and E keys, the whisper key lock, and how nice it looks (red maple body).
Hi BassoonMan
Is there anything you can tell me about a Fox bassoon which is 50 years old? Are the older Fox bassoons prinicipally recommendable?
Thanks for your answer.
Generally speaking, the Fox bassoons are very good instruments. However, you really need to try each one out prior to spending the money (as you know, even inexpensive ones are very costly). A high D key is almost essential and I would not buy a bassoon without a whisper key lock (or have one installed). It would be best if you could find a professional in your area who could try it for you too and give you a second opinion. Good luck!
Unfortunately, that’s difficult to say without trying the instrument. As it’s fifty years old, you also need to examine what condition it’s in. I wouldn’t say that older Fox bassoons are better. The most important thing is to try it out and, if possible, have another bassoonist try it out too. Good luck!
Can anybody here address the quality of the new Moosmann M24 bassoon? The specs look good, but I am wondering if anyone has experience playing one.
I’m afraid I have not tried one. Wish I could have helped.
Dear Sir: I have an 13 year old daughter who I started in bassoon lessons approximately 4 months ago. She mastered her flicking(?) in this short time which I am told is great. Have no idea. I purchased a conn schrieber bassoon that was made approximately 1955 to 1965 according to the research I have done. It seems to have beautiful tone and needs only a couple of small things done to it. I biggest problem is trying to find a case for the instrument. Can you possibly recommend a case in which this bassoon will fit. The case it came with has serious issues and I want to get it replaced as soon as possible. Thanks for your time. Sharol
It’s great that your daughter is already working on mastering “flick keys” – that’s an extremely important skill to develop early on. I’m afraid I don’t have any recommendations for a case. Often, you can find cases through a double reed store or even on eBay (that might be a good place to start). It sounds as if your daughter has a fine bassoon to start with. Sometimes, it’s possible to have custom cases made but that can be expensive. Best of luck!
Hello BassoonMan:
This is my first year playing the bassoon in high school. I originally played clarinet, and I did for marching band, but since the season is over I don’t really practice it anymore. I was hoping to upgrade my bassoon: the one I am using now is a 7-year old [plastic, student-model] Fox Renard bassoon. It plays all right, but sometimes it cracks and makes a sputtering sound; I don’t know if it’s just my embouchure or the bassoon. Anyways, I’m looking at Fox bassoons with the high d key right now, could you recommend any specific models for me? Thank you very much!
Congratulations on taking up the bassoon! I started on clarinet too (bassoon is a lot more fun – but I’m biased)! I would recommend playing the bassoon(s) you may be interested as that’s the best way to determine which one you may like. As a rule, Fox bassoons are very good (including their plastic models). If you are buying one, I would recommend that you find a bassoon that has a high D key as well as a whisper-key lock (I’ve seen many that do not have these). I prefer whisper key locks for the left thumb. BTW, do you have access to a bassoon teacher? If so, try to find one who is a bassoonist (not a doubler) as the bassoon is a very difficult instrument. A real bassoonist will be very helpful. Best of luck!
Hello Mr. Bassoon man, upon cleaning up our home, I ran across a Linton Bassoon that we paid a lot for , used, 480.00, when my son was still in high school 10 years ago. I know it is not worth anywhere near what we paid, but I was wondering if you could tell me how to find the model number so I could maybe sell it or donate it to a school. The only markings it has on it, are Linton Elkhart Ind USA. It is black with polished silver finger pedals. If you wouldn’t mind emailing me directly, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks in advance, Don
Moosman M24 – Yes the M24 is a quality bassoon. We purchased it for our daughter who obtained a nice scholarship auditioning with the Moosman M24. She had played a couple other Fox bassoons before and she thinks the Moosman is of at least as good quality. Her private instructor, approved of the Moosman M24 (we tried it for 30 days prior to purchase) and he has been a Fox player for decades. Professional Bassoon players have their preferences for various reasons, but we have had several bassoon players approve of the Moosman M24 for semi-advanced student play and regional orchestra performance… Essentially, if you see a bassoonist playing a Fox 240 in an orchestra or training situation – then the Moosman M24 will do well in a side by side comparison with features and sound. Some may think it is superior – especially for the price. Idea – try it before you buy it.
Don L – would be interested in purchasing your bassoon if you haven’t sold it.. My son is just starting and we are borrowing one from a University at present.
I have an 8th grader on her rid year playing bassoon, she want to continue through college and needs a bassoon that won’t bankrupt me. I found a Kholert Graslitz bassoon marked L.P. with a star on it.
It is in poor shape, the bell part is cracked and it appears the wood might be as we’ll. there is a piece that needs to be reattached.
My question is for $500 would it be worth to attempt a rescue operation on this instrument?
Thank you
Hello BassoonMan,
I inherited a Zuleger bassoon. It is made of wood and not plastic. I can’t find much information on this instrument. Can you give me rough idea of value and quality level of this instrument? It is in good shape with no cracks. Of course it will need new pads. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hello,
I’m afraid I haven’t heard of a Zuleger bassoon before – wish i could have been of more help.
I was wondering you have ever heard of the tempest professional spline maple bassoon, there is a recording on YouTube and its sounds great to me(Iv been playing for 3 year now and I am first chair of my schools philharmonic) I was just wondering if you have heard anything about it. Thanks
I’m afraid I haven’t heard of it before. I looked on YouTube but couldn’t find it. Just the same, it’s very cool that you’re playing the bassoon!
It would be very difficult to determine this unless you could find a bassoonist to play it first. It probably isn’t worth much but it’s hard to say without actually seeing and playing it. Wish I could have been of more help.
Hello bassoonman,
I’m currently a senior in high school and I’m looking for a bassoon that’s relatively cheap. I’ve played for about 3 1/2 years now and I’d like to major in music education. Sadly due to my financial circumstances playing bassoon has been a hassle since the beginning. I’m really interested in the Chinese manufactured bassoons for the simple fact that they’re so cheap,(as your article also stated) and beautiful! I’d like to know if your opinion has changed at all, because I discussed this with my band director (a clarinet player) and she claims that I should never attempt to order an instrument online (so that I may test it to my personal specifications) especially Chinese manufactured because they use such cheap wood. I’ve also had bad experiences with the wood that Chinese manufactured reeds use. I ordered 10 reeds on Amazon for $40 (a steal!) and after I got them they were like blocks of wood, I had to file the absolute crap out of them. They also developed black and white mold in the cases they came in quickly (legit the next morning after I filed all of them, they ALL had developed some if not a lot of mold). I’ve been alone in this cause because neither of my band directors can play the bassoon, and I can’t afford a tutor (though I’ve been doing well so far). I’d really appreciate any advice you have on this matter :] Thank you!!!
Hi BassoonMan, I have an older Linton bassoon. Would you be able to approximate it’s value? I noticed you don’t think highly of the Lintons, but someone else might? It is a 5K . Thanks in advance, Don L, San Francisco
The Double Reed Society lists the Zuleger as being manufactured by Schreiber of Germany.
http://www.idrs.org/resources/makers/recordlist.php?-skip=0&-max=50
Hi, I’m looking to purchase a bassoon (budget is $8,000 tops around not set in stone). I looked at the Fox Model 220, and Model 240. I also looked at the M24 bassoon, and a couple of used Fox 201s. Could somebody recommend me a bassoon? I’ve been playing for about five years, and am a freshman in high school, I plan on playing the bassoon through college, but sadly parents are not letting me pursue a career in music. Finally, has anyone heard of a Reinhold Lange/Stritter bassoon?
Thanks for writing! It’s always a good idea to be able to try out bassoons first. Ordering instruments from China can be a very risky task. Unfortunately, the bassoon is a very difficult, but wonderful instrument to play and if you don’t have access to a teacher (in other words, a real bassoonist), things are even more difficult. Wish I could have been of more help.
I want to sell my old
Moennig bassoon.
Value??
Hi Mr BassoonMan, i was wondering do you know where can i find a bassoon that isnt that expensive because im from South Africa so everything is 10x! im was looking on ebay for cheaper bassoons and the Chinese ones keep popping up. i know you have already said that they’re not good, but where did you purchase the unnamed one?? the 2 that I like doesn’t have names either(so I’m hoping maybe the same) Thanks x
You’re best bet would be to find a bassoon repair person or a professional bassoonist who can evaluate the quality and condition of the instrument.
Thanks for writing. I’m afraid I can’t give you any suggestions on your situation. If possible, I would strongly recommend that you find a bassoonist, especially a professional one, in you part of the world who can assist you.
I have been playing the bassoon since the late 1960’s, learning in junior high school. During my time playing I have been blessed with some great teachers that helped me so much. As I went into the educational field, I hardly got a chance to play but I still managed a church gig or a musical to keep my chops going. My son is now playing my “horn” in college and I am wondering the origin of my instrument. It is a Miraphone bassoon with a serial number of 3430. Since I cannot find serial sequence numbers anywhere for Miraphone (or Puchner or any other bassoon)I am hoping that you can help me.
If you can’t afford a Heckel, there is Puchner and Moennig and Walter. then there is Wolf and Moosman.
If I couldn’t afford a Heckel I would buy a Fox in a heartbeat. Great instruments and you will recover almost all of your money when you sell. Try that with an Adler.
I play a 240 Fox/Renard professionally (Symph, Opera,junk and teach) No one has ever complained and I find it very easy to use as a replacement for the Heckl 9K that I sold.
It’s hard to say given that Miraphone’s were manufactured by others. I believe that Schrieber and Adlder were both contracted to make them but others may have also done so.
Amen on the Linton bassoons. I played one years ago in high school. Those things are horrible.
I recently bought a Monnig bassoon that is approximately 50 years old for my daughter. She plays a student Fox plastic bassoon at school and was ready for something better. The man who sold it to us has been restoring instruments for 40 years and did a complete overhaul on it. It looks and plays great. We paid $3000 for it with 6 weeks to return it if we are not happy and a year of free adjustments. There is the number 4345 on the bassoon. Not sure if this is a model number or serial number. Do you know anything about what the value or history of this instrument is? I can’t seem to figure out if that is a good price although I suspect it is. He is also doing a small overhaul on my other daughters flute at no extra cost. Thanks for any input!
Generally speaking, Moennig bassoons are good horns. I would assume that the number you mentioned is the serial number. Unfortunately, I can’t give you much more information than that other than Hans Moennig made his own bassoons – here’s one link about him: http://www.marvinroth.com/bassoonists.htm Best of luck!!
Dear BassoonMan
I must say that I am impressed by your answers. I have a Huller bassoon, professional instrument with solid silver keys, that was probably made in the 1930’s It used to be the principal bassoonist’s in a Romanian orchestra’s instrument and is in pristine condition.
I have given up playing the bassoon a couple of years ago, and would like to sell the instrument for somebody else to enjoy. I live in South Africa and wondered where I could get the bassoon valued, or would you have any ideas about how much it would be worth.
Susan
Thanks for the question. I’m afraid I can’t provide an answer. It would be best if you could find a professional bassoonist in South Africa who may be able to refer you to someone you can. Wish I could have been more helpful. Best of luck.