Bassoons

Bassoons for Sale

What Is a Bassoon?

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument that is played using a double reed — two pieces of cane (or synthetic material) that vibrate against each other to produce sound. It is a large, distinctive-looking instrument with an unforgettable tone that is strikingly clear, focused and lyrical. The bassoon plays primarily in the tenor and bass ranges — it is among the lowest woodwind voices — and is celebrated for its wide range and versatility. In orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles and chamber groups, the bassoon often serves as a bass voice, but composers also use it to add color and texture or to feature it in expressive solos enhanced by a voice-like vibrato. Bassoonists primarily read music in the bass clef, but they also use the tenor clef and occasionally the treble clef.

What Are the Parts of a Bassoon?

A bassoon is made up of six main parts, including the double reed. The bell sits at the top of the instrument. The long joint (or bass joint) connects to the boot joint (a.k.a. the double joint or butt joint), which is U-shaped and folds over at the bottom of the instrument. The tenor joint (or wing joint) extends from the boot to the bocal (or crook), to which the double reed attaches.

Shopping for a Bassoon

If you’re looking for bassoons for sale, Music & Arts offers options for students, intermediate players and professionals. Explore our selection to find the right bassoon for your experience level and musical goals.

Music & Arts also offers comprehensive guides on purchasing and maintaining the bassoon, as well as selecting and caring for bassoon reeds.

Bassoon Buying FAQs

What is a double reed instrument?

As opposed to a single reed instrument, such as the saxophone or clarinet, which generates sound when a single piece of cane or synthetic material vibrates against a mouthpiece, double reed instruments use two pieces of cane (or synthetic material). These two pieces are bound together and vibrate against each other to generate sound.

Are double reed instruments hard to play?

Double reed instruments require a precise, well-formed and consistent embouchure, as well as strong, controlled breath support. In addition, the double reeds themselves must be carefully adjusted and maintained, and sometimes require skilled customization to suit the individual player.

What are the other double reed instruments?

In addition to the bassoon, double reed instruments include the contrabassoon, the oboe and the English horn.

Why are bassoons costly instruments?

Bassoons are complex instruments, crafted with painstaking detail — and in low quantities — by gifted artisans. While some bassoons for beginner or intermediate players are made of durable polymers such as ABS resin, professional bassoons are made from carefully seasoned maple. The elaborate keywork and careful tuning of the instrument further contribute to its high price.

Do they make bassoons for students?

Absolutely. Music & Arts offers affordable bassoons from brands like Fox and Thore, built with ABS resin for dependable durability and solid, consistent tone.