Buy Contrabasson

Buy Contrabassoon Online at the Best Price

The contrabassoon is a wind instrument from the woodwind family, easily recognizable by its unique design. Its long tube, measuring approximately six meters and folded three times upon itself, gives it the ability to produce very low-pitched sounds. At your online store, La Musa Instrumentos, you can buy the contrabassoon online at the best price you need to stand out in your orchestra or bassoon quartet.

The contrabassoon produces very low sounds, tuned an octave lower than the bassoon. Its sound is very powerful and rich, producing the lowest notes available among the wind instruments in an orchestra.

Like the bassoon, there are two systems used in its construction: the Heckel bassoon or German system bassoon, and the Buffet bassoon or French system bassoon. It originated from the evolution of an instrument known as the dulcian.

Characteristics of the Contrabassoon

The contrabassoon is one of the heaviest woodwind instruments (about 10 kg) and has the longest development or length (588 cm). It consists of several straight sections made of wooden tubes that fit into metal joints (or culots) shaped like a U.

Contrabassoons feature a somewhat simplified key system compared to the bassoon, replacing the latter's open chimneys with keys and pads. Due to its weight and shape, it is played while resting on a stand, sometimes complemented with a neck strap for additional support.

The Bassoon Family

The contrabassoon, like the bassoon, shares some design similarities with the oboe and the English horn, as they all use double reeds. However, it belongs to the bassoon family, which includes the following instruments:

• Bassoon. The bassoon is the most well-known member of the family, producing a higher-pitched sound than the contrabassoon.
• Fagottino. A miniature version of the bassoon, it is the highest-pitched instrument in the family. Due to its smaller size, it is primarily used for educational purposes, particularly for children.
• Contrabassoon. The largest instrument in the family.

All instruments in the bassoon family can be purchased at the best market prices in our online store. We offer everything from affordable musical instruments suitable for learning to high-end models intended for professional concert performers. You can also find accessories such as bassoon straps, reeds, cases, and stands, among others.

What is the Role of the Contrabassoon in an Orchestra or Band?

In orchestras, it plays a complementary role and is most often found in larger symphonic works, typically doubling the bass trombone or tuba an octave lower. There are very few pieces where it takes on a solo role, and it is generally used as reinforcement for the lower registers. It is also used to add a dark and gloomy tone to the music.

Outside the orchestral setting, its use is very limited, appearing only occasionally in bassoon quartets or chamber music.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Contrabassoon Sound?

The contrabassoon’s tone is rich in harmonics, and its sound is extremely powerful and low. It has a dark, raspy quality, and is generally used to provide a foundation for the woodwind section.

Which Contrabassoon System Is Most Commonly Used?

Most contrabassoons in use today follow the German system.

How Difficult Is It to Learn to Play the Contrabassoon?

Due to the instrument's large size and weight, learning to play the contrabassoon can be challenging. It is recommended to first master the bassoon (for adults) or the fagottino (for children) before progressing to the contrabassoon.

For children's learning, the Fagotino GARA GSB-11 in F is an excellent choice, and it can be purchased at an unbeatable price from our online store.

How Much Does a Contrabassoon Cost?

The price range of contrabassoons varies according to the quality of the materials used in their construction. For example, a mid-to-high-end bassoon, like the Takeda Contrabassoon, costs around €11,200. A luxury professional bassoon, like the Oscar Adler & CO 1369 Contrabassoon, exceeds €20,000.

Where to Buy a Contrabassoon?

At La Musa Instrumentos, we offer an unbeatable selection of contrabassoons from top manufacturers such as Takeda and Oscar Adler. We also provide all the accessories you need for the instruments in the bassoon family, including straps, reeds, cases, and covers.

You can buy your contrabassoon online and try its sound at home. With our satisfaction guarantee, you have 14 days to return the instrument if it does not meet your expectations.