Bassoons Buying Guide
Buying a can be a significant investment, especially if you purchase a new model. But before you run out to your local music 
shop or start surfing the web for deals, you should ask yourself several questions to make sure you get a product that will provide a beautiful sound and last a lifetime.
Some Considerations
- Who is the bassoon for? Students, amateurs and professional players all have different needs. Some schools will provide a bassoon for lessons or offer a rental plan. A professional player may prefer a wood bassoon over plastic because it offers a richer sound and a high quality look.
- What's your budget? The amount you have to spend will help you determine the materials your bassoon is made out of, whether or not you should consider buying a used instrument, and if you will be able to purchase the necessary accessories. Essential accessories may include sheet music ,reeds and cleaning products .
- What do you need to know about the anatomy of the bassoon? From assembly to different keys, you'll need to learn the basics before you can make an informed buying decision.
Types of Bassoons
- Student Bassoons : These models are designed for beginners. They are usually made with plastics, so they are both durable and economical.
- Intermediate Bassoons : These are designed for students who have established the fundamentals of good playing, but are still practising a great deal. Intermediate bassoons allow the student room for musical growth.
- Professional/Artist Bassoons : These bassoons are designed and constructed with the professional musician in mind, usually made from high quality woods like maple. Professional musicians may also enjoy artisan bassoons, which are hand-crafted and require special care.
Construction
- Plastic is used exclusively for student-level bassoons, particularly because it is so tough. It is not affected by humidity or temperature, and it can stand up to rough handling.
- Maple is often the wood of choice when constructing bassoons because it produces as sound that is more resonant than plastic.
- Long bores offer rounder sounds that blend well, making them particularly suited for orchestral playing.
- Short bores offer a more open, bright sound, which works well for solo playing.
- Look for certain key features, like whisper keys for note ventilation.
Major Manufacturers
These brands are known for producing high quality student and professional bassoons.
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