I am an old fogie, 78 y.o., wearing hearing aids and have a "plastic" bassoon. I will try to learn to play it, using your videos. I was in radio advertising directing, engineering, producing & writing ads for 10 years in the 1970s. Your DICTION is VERY clear and precise; the best I've heard in years of swimming in the Google/UA-cam pond. Keep up the good work, please. Terry Munn
I doubled on bassoon in college, 20 years ago. I am a clarinet player but fell in love with the bassoon in woodwind methods. I would like to get back into it. This was fairly helpful, I have looked into rental but it is higher than my car payment! I figure if I buy one, a decent one, the resale value will be good if I ever change my mind or need to sell it for whatever reason.
I bought a used Moosmann 100A bassoon, 15 years ago. A college level bassoon teacher (not my teacher) once commented on the beautiful tone of my bassoon. She was a guest director of our band. I was an adult beginner.
I recently came back to the bassoon after not playing for most of my adult life. I played it in high school and college but until now never owned one. I ended up buying a used but well maintained Schreiber from Midwest Musical Imports, a shop in Minneapolis that specializes in double and single reed instruments. They shipped me the Schreiber and a Fox Model 41 for trial. I immediately felt comfortable playing the Schreiber because it was similar to school instruments I played back in the day. I'm happy with the instrument and would recommend dealing with MMI.
I rented before "buying." Our local instrument shop (Brook Mays & H&H Music) is very connected with the local high schools here in Houston. I just looked up what bassoons the music directors were recommending for high schools. Their website recommended the Schott bassoon, which I had never heard of. Turns out it is made out of a type of plastic that works. Also turned out that it is a lot heavier than the wood bassoon I eventually ended up with. Current rental is $75/month. If you rent for 5 years it is yours! And you can return at any time. This is perfect for students who may or may not continue with the instrument. I played the Schott for the first 6 months, then switched to a very old Mönnig that my father bought in the mid-1930s. But that's another story.
Thanks for the video. Looking up the rental costs, it looks like you could own the Fox 240 that I was looking for in a bout 4-5 years of rental payments. Wonder if they have a "Rent to Own" option. Maybe for an added service percentage where it's worth their while, but pushes out the payments a bit but gives the option to buy the one your playing.
Thank you Natalie, this is very helpful. Could you give us your take on what to look for in some of the different bassoon models. For example, in the Fox brand, what are the differences in a 240, 220, Model II, IV , 600 series, etc. I know this is asking a lot, as there are tons of just Fox choices. I have checked the Fox website & read their descriptions of the various models, but I''d just appreciate your opinion. What other manufacturers do you like for an intermediate level bassoon? Also, your opinion of the pros & cons of a synthetic vs wood bassoon. One last thing, I notice you and many professional bassoonists use the hand rest or "crutch". You mentioned in one of your videos that it was personal preference, but are there advantages of using it? Thanks so much! Would love a video(s) on these topics.
If you can find a solid older Puchner for 8-12k USD that's always a solid option outside of a Fox, I've owned and bought and sold several over the years.
My local music sotre has a thing called "better then rent" its were you are basically renting but after a certain amount of times that you've payed you will officially own it
I started on an Amati I purchased after college. Eventually upgraded to a Fox 240. I dream of owning a professional bassoon and playing during retirement.
I am an old fogie, 78 y.o., wearing hearing aids and have a "plastic" bassoon. I will try to learn to play it, using your videos.
I was in radio advertising directing, engineering, producing & writing ads for 10 years in the 1970s. Your DICTION is VERY clear and precise; the best I've heard in years of swimming in the Google/UA-cam pond. Keep up the good work, please. Terry Munn
I doubled on bassoon in college, 20 years ago. I am a clarinet player but fell in love with the bassoon in woodwind methods. I would like to get back into it. This was fairly helpful, I have looked into rental but it is higher than my car payment! I figure if I buy one, a decent one, the resale value will be good if I ever change my mind or need to sell it for whatever reason.
I bought a used Moosmann 100A bassoon, 15 years ago. A college level bassoon teacher (not my teacher) once commented on the beautiful tone of my bassoon. She was a guest director of our band. I was an adult beginner.
I recently came back to the bassoon after not playing for most of my adult life. I played it in high school and college but until now never owned one. I ended up buying a used but well maintained Schreiber from Midwest Musical Imports, a shop in Minneapolis that specializes in double and single reed instruments. They shipped me the Schreiber and a Fox Model 41 for trial. I immediately felt comfortable playing the Schreiber because it was similar to school instruments I played back in the day. I'm happy with the instrument and would recommend dealing with MMI.
they're a great company, I've bought several instruments from them and Nick Ober is genuinely nice.
I was looking to rent from them. Rental is super high, though!
I‘d love to hear your advice on how to work on your posture while playing, how not to strain your neck etc 😊
I started bassoon back in February. I borrow someone's old bassoon from east Germany for free. I was pretty lucky
I rented before "buying." Our local instrument shop (Brook Mays & H&H Music) is very connected with the local high schools here in Houston. I just looked up what bassoons the music directors were recommending for high schools. Their website recommended the Schott bassoon, which I had never heard of. Turns out it is made out of a type of plastic that works. Also turned out that it is a lot heavier than the wood bassoon I eventually ended up with. Current rental is $75/month. If you rent for 5 years it is yours! And you can return at any time. This is perfect for students who may or may not continue with the instrument.
I played the Schott for the first 6 months, then switched to a very old Mönnig that my father bought in the mid-1930s. But that's another story.
I started renting a bassoon and after playing for a time I bought it.
Thanks for the video. Looking up the rental costs, it looks like you could own the Fox 240 that I was looking for in a bout 4-5 years of rental payments. Wonder if they have a "Rent to Own" option. Maybe for an added service percentage where it's worth their while, but pushes out the payments a bit but gives the option to buy the one your playing.
Thank you Natalie, this is very helpful. Could you give us your take on what to look for in some of the different bassoon models. For example, in the Fox brand, what are the differences in a 240, 220, Model II, IV , 600 series, etc. I know this is asking a lot, as there are tons of just Fox choices. I have checked the Fox website & read their descriptions of the various models, but I''d just appreciate your opinion. What other manufacturers do you like for an intermediate level bassoon? Also, your opinion of the pros & cons of a synthetic vs wood bassoon. One last thing, I notice you and many professional bassoonists use the hand rest or "crutch". You mentioned in one of your videos that it was personal preference, but are there advantages of using it? Thanks so much! Would love a video(s) on these topics.
Great ideas, will do this at some point!
If you can find a solid older Puchner for 8-12k USD that's always a solid option outside of a Fox, I've owned and bought and sold several over the years.
Moosmann M bassoon is comparable to a Renard 220/240 and they're solid as well
Hey, should I use a step-up bassoon if I’m a beginner plus where should I get one
I have bought the cheapest bassoon in Chinese Ali. Price was $900. (brand name is Moresky, you can to find it)
does it work
If it works, good...
I wouldn't trust it though.
What is the difference in sound between a $10,000 and $50,000 bassoon? Can you make a video about that?
Three years in I’m still renting. No plans to purchase a bassoon anytime soon.
do your rent payments credit towards an eventual purchase?
My local music sotre has a thing called "better then rent" its were you are basically renting but after a certain amount of times that you've payed you will officially own it
Sounds like a great option!
I tried looking for instruments but didn't know where to start. This helps so much, Thank you!❤
I meant to say bassoon. But still thanks!
I started on an Amati I purchased after college. Eventually upgraded to a Fox 240. I dream of owning a professional bassoon and playing during retirement.
I dream of a Fox 240!