What ways of picking a bassoon to buy?

Question

is wood or plastic bassoon better?

what should I look for when buying a bassoon?

what is a good brand of bassoon?

any other things?

Answer 1

Definitely go with wood. I'm a Selmer fan so I'm obviously going to say you should think about getting a Selmer. I also suggest calling around to local music stores and asking them to check their inventory for used bassoons for sale. When checking a used bassoon, look first for cracks. Many, many Fox bassoons develop cracks at the socket of the bell joint. Other brands are better about that not happening. If there is a crack and it isn't managed by a tight metal ring, make sure it has been pinned. If the edges are uneven, it hasn't been. If the edges of the wood are level and meet, it may have been pinned. If you run your finger over the wood around the crack, you should be able to feel the head of the pin, rounded and slightly raised. If it hasn't been pinned, don't buy. Also check that all the keys are functioning. Check the cap and tube at the base of the boot. Dents there are not good. Dent removal or replacement of that tube are pricey. Rotting cork there or on the keys can be ignored because that is a relatively cheap repair. Next check the pads. If the instrument is listed as being in playable condition, close all the keys gently and one end on a joint and shine a flashlight into the joint. Check around the pads to see if you see light. If there is a lot of light, it's not in playable condition but is still ok to buy as long as you factor the price of a repad or pad adjustment into the cost. Also check the metal rings (if they are loose, they can damage the joints and most shops don't have the tools to repair loose rings on the bassoon so don't buy) and the thread or cork joints. Fox uses thread joints that really aren't good for beginners. Caring for a thread joint isn't easy. They cannot have any cork grease on them and have to be wrapped just right and waxed. Cork joints come standard on Selmers and most other brands. They are a pretty cheap repair at a good shop so don't fret if the instrument you find needs new tenon corks. Check the bocal for dents or unnatural bends. I'd recommend investing in a good, new Fox bocal no matter what brand you buy. The bocal is very important for tone quality and Fox is probably the best mass-production bocal-maker today. If you can get a seat strap and case in the sale, that's a plus. Neck straps are awful for posture. Lastly, play test if you can. However, if there is a problem with leaking pads or the tubing cork, the instrument won't sound its best or play easily. Leaks cause resistance so it will take a lot of air to play. As far as good brands go, I like Selmer best. Other good brands are Fox, Yamaha, Schreiber, Amati, Puchner, Moosmann. Avoid new Chinese imports like the plague. Most repair shops will refuse to repair them becuase it costs less to buy a new one than to do an overhaul.

Answer 2

It's never too late to start an instrument! Getting to a professional level will be hard though. If you're willing to work VERY hard for the next 3-4 years, you could have a chance of getting into a good music school, the first step in a professional career.

Answer 3

I think wood is considered better than plastic
(years of playing)

http://www.usd.edu/smm/BASSOON.HTM
has a list of makers and a picture

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/instruments/bassoon/index.html
is
"How to buy a bassoon"

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bassoon-Gebruder-Moennig_W0QQitemZ190164682631QQcmdZViewItem
has a bid of a bit over $1,000
(and a picture)

If you have a director or teacher, or other chair in a band,
you might ask them.