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Buy Bassoon Online at the Best Price

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument, easily recognizable by its tube bent into a U-shape. Its sound is deep and rich in harmonics, often compared to the human voice. If you're thinking of buying a bassoon online at the best price, at La Musa Instrumentos, we offer a wide variety of models.

The bassoon's tone makes it suitable for lyrical or comical passages, which is why it's often called the "clown of the orchestra." Because of this, many people associate its sound with circus music.

In 1831, at a factory in Biebrich-Wiesbaden, Joham Adam Heckel and Carl Almenraeder created, based on the dulcian, the instrument now known as the Heckel bassoon or German system bassoon. Sixteen years later, Buffet-Crampon and Jancourt developed in France a model with 22 keys, now called the Buffet bassoon or French system bassoon.

Bassoon Characteristics

The bassoon is made from a wooden tube (preferably maple) with a total length of 254 cm. It is divided into four main parts:

• Bell: A tube of varying diameter located at the end of the instrument, topped with a ring that serves both as protection and decoration.
• Wing joint or tenor: The tube that connects the bell and the boot.
• Long joint or bass: The tube that connects the bell and the bocal that holds the reed.
• Boot: The elbow-shaped piece at the bottom of the bassoon where the tube changes direction.

The German system bassoon has 24 keys, some equipped with small rollers to facilitate finger movement. A part called a hand rest, located on the boot, helps support the right hand and ease performance.

Despite its relatively large size, it is very comfortable and easy to play. With the help of a bassoon strap that attaches to the boot, it can be played with great agility. Its color varies according to the type of dye and varnish used, with brown and red being the most common.

The Bassoon Family

Although the bassoon is similar to the oboe and English horn due to their double reeds, it is not considered part of the same family. In fact, the bassoon family consists of the following instruments:

• Bassoon: The most commonly used member of the family.
• Fagottino: A miniature, higher-pitched bassoon tuned to G. It is mainly used for teaching children.
• Contrabassoon: The contrabassoon is larger and tuned an octave lower than the bassoon.

In our online store, you can buy the bassoon, fagottino, or contrabassoon you need at the most competitive prices. You can also find all the bassoon accessories and other instruments from this family to enhance your performance.

What is the Function of the Bassoon in the Orchestra or Band?

Modern orchestras usually include two to four instruments from the bassoon family, with one bassoon often serving as the soloist in specific pieces. It also typically functions as the bass in solos for other double reed instruments, like the oboe and English horn. It particularly shines in Baroque pieces, where it often plays the basso continuo or serves as the principal soloist.

In chamber music, the bassoon is often used as a bass in almost any combination of woodwind instruments. Thanks to its rich harmonics, there are now many successful bassoon quartets composed of instruments from this family.

Its use in jazz is limited, though bands like those of Chick Corea and Yusef Lateef included it in some pieces. In Spain, renowned bassoonist Niño Rubén has recently incorporated it into flamenco music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a Bassoon Sound Like?

The bassoon's tone is very rich in harmonics, giving it a unique color. Within its range, its staccato notes are ideal for humorous and caricature-like effects.

The characteristic bassoon sound is produced by its lower notes, which are thicker and heavier than the higher ones. The higher notes have fewer overtones than the lower ones, which is why this instrument is mainly used for high-pitched sounds.

What is the Difference Between the German and French System Bassoons?

The German and French system bassoons are constructed differently, resulting in variations in their sound and fingering. The French bassoon produces a brighter, more agile, and flexible sound than the German bassoon.

How Difficult is it to Learn the Bassoon?

The main difficulty in playing the bassoon lies in the fingering, although compared to other wind instruments, it is simpler. Those who already play keyboard or string instruments often find learning the bassoon easier, although it is not a requirement.

For children, the bassoon is often too large and its fingering too complex, so a fagottino is preferred for learning. In our online store, you can buy the Fagotino GARA GSB-11 in F, an ideal instrument for this purpose.

How Much Does a Bassoon Cost?

The price range of bassoons is wide, depending on the quality of the materials used. For example, a beginner bassoon, like the La Musa E-1 A. Reig Bassoon, costs around €1,200. A luxury professional bassoon with silver-plated mechanisms, sterling silver tubes, and gold-plated rings, such as the GEBR. MÖNNIG 214 Diamant Bassoon, costs over €20,000.

Where to Buy a Bassoon?

At La Musa Instrumentos, we offer an unbeatable selection of bassoons from the best manufacturers, such as Schreiber, Arnolds & Sons, Takeda, and Oscar Adler. We also offer a line of affordable bassoons under our own brand, La Musa, which are ideal for beginners.

Are you worried about buying a bassoon online without testing its sound first? With our satisfaction guarantee, you have 14 days to return the instrument if it does not meet your expectations.