| OUR HOURS |
Monday-Thursday: 9AM - 6PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM
Central Time
We strongly recommend calling ahead for Saturday instrument trial appointments.
|
| BASIC SHIPPING CHARGES |
For Shopping Cart Items
U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50....................$6.50
$50.01-100............$7.50
$Over 100.00........$8.75
Priority Mail Shipments-add $7.00
Shipping Details
(Please call for Express and International rates.)
|
| Looking for rare winds, percussion and stringed instruments? |
 |
| Learn about various hardwoods: |
 |
| Visit IDRS On-line: |
 |
|
 -  - 
  
We are proud to carry the full line of Fox bassoons, from the short-reach student model
up to the professional level 601 and contrabassoon.
We now also carry the model CREST Heckel bassoon, an excellent choice if you want a new Heckel bassoon but don't want to wait
a few years to get it. Püchner professional bassoons are the newest addition to our line of instruments. Please call us or stop by if you would like to compare any of our bassoons!
Each new bassoon comes with a one-year warranty that covers repairs that are necessary under
normal wear, such as pad replacement, mechanism adjustments, etc. To set up a two-week trial,
please call us to discuss the shipping details and to give us a credit card for the shipping costs. If you decide to purchase the instrument,
payment can be made with the same credit card or by check or money order. Please note that you must pay the
shipping costs whether you decide to buy an instrument or not. Up to two bassoons can
be sent for trial at one time. (Shipping cost for one bassoon - $37; two bassoons - $58.) Give us a call if you would like to try one out!
We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover for instrument purchases. *However, please note that MMI offers
a discount for bassoons purchased with a check, money order or cash.
Extended Warranty Policy
In addition to the current one-year warranty on the purchase of new instruments, we are now offering the following:
Additional 1-year: $215
Additional 2-year: $395
These extended warranties are only available at the time of purchase of new instruments.
To see detailed information and a picture of each bassoon, click on each link.
HELPFUL HINTS
Just starting the search for a bassoon ? See our bassoon guide.
Heckel Bassoons
The Heckel CREST represents an economical alternative to the custom Heckel model 41i bassoon.
The CREST was created with expert craftsmanship and the finest materials to produce the sound and playability for which Heckel is renowned. Call for availability! (Price subject to change due to fluctuating dollar value.)
Visit the Heckel website.
Fox Bassoons
 Below the instruments and bocals is an OVERVIEW of the Fox bassoons, written by Alan Fox
and printed here with permission. It gives a good introduction to the different models
available and discusses the differences between Long and Short Bore designs. Visit the Fox website.
|
Regular price |
*Cash/check Discount Price |
| American Thick Wall Bassoons |
| Fox 601 Bassoon (Long Bore) |
$17,845 |
$17,495 |
| Fox 660 Bassoon (Short Bore) |
$17,845 |
$17,495 |
American Symphony Short Bore Bassoons |
| Fox 101 Bassoon - Special order |
$16,930 |
$16,595 |
| Fox 201 Bassoon |
$15,835 |
$15,525 |
American Symphony Long Bore Bassoons |
| Fox Model I Bassoon |
$17,085 |
$16,750 |
| Fox Model II Bassoon |
$16,320 |
$16,000 |
| Fox Model III Bassoon - Plastic, with silver-plated keys, artist case & cover, & reinforced metal bands resembling those on wooden instruments. |
$5,430 |
$5,325 |
| Fox Model IV Bassoon - Plastic, with nickel-plated keys, standard case, no reinforced metal bands. |
$4,615 |
$4,525 |
Renard Long Bore (Artist) |
| Fox Renard 220 Bassoon |
$6,525 |
$6,395 |
| Fox Renard 222D Plus (with 3rd finger ring key) |
$4,920 |
$4,825 |
| Fox Renard 222 Bassoon with high D |
$4,860 |
$4,765 |
| Fox Renard 222 Bassoon |
$4,690 |
$4,595 |
| Fox Renard 41 Bassoon - Plastic |
$3,930 |
$3,850 |
| Fox Renard 51 Bassoon - Plastic, Short-Reach |
$3,775 |
$3,700 |
Renard Short Bore (Artist) |
| Fox Renard 240 Bassoon |
$7,395 |
$7,250 |
| Fox Contrabassoon |
| Fox Model 900 |
$23,590 |
$23,125 |
Fox High Resonance Bells - These are special order items - please have serial number of your Fox bassoon when calling. |
| H.R. Bell for Fox Model I or II |
Call |
| H.R. Bell for Fox 201 |
Call |
| H.R. Bell for Fox 601 |
Call |
Püchner Bassoons
For the last one hundred years the Püchner family & firm, now in the fourth generation of master-instrument makers, have dedicated
themselves to the art and craft of manufacturing the finest hand-made woodwind instruments available. Passed on from generation to
generation, the foundation of their work has been the mastery of manual crafts coupled with the latest technoligical development -
with the aim of conserving the special qualities which are so unique to a Püchner bassoon. Visit the Püchner website.
Schreiber Bassoons
Excellent instrument makers, Schreiber provides a great range of bassoons for players of every level. Please call for more
information.800.926.5587.
|
Regular price |
With cash/check |
| Schreiber 5116 S-16 Conservatory model: high E & D keys, rubber tone hole linings, standard rollers, and right hand whisper lock. SPECIAL ORDER. |
$5,559 |
$5,450 |
| Schreiber 5110 model: high D key, no thumb Ab key, standard rollers, , low C touchplate, left-hand whisper lock, one bocal (KER-1), and gig bag with nylon cover. CHECK AVAILABILITY. |
$4,650 |
$4,560 |
Takeda Bassoons
Takeda bassoons are designed by Yuhiko Takeda, former bassoonist of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra for 16 years. After resigning from the orchestra, Mr. Takeda began developing bassoons in 1995.
Through years of manufacturing and improving his bassoon designs, Takeda has managed to build these high quality instruments at more affordable prices. These unique bassoons are suited for both beginning and
advanced bassoonists and they have a dark, warm sound, with a very comfortable scale and keywork design. Every Takeda bassoon model is made in the "Gentleman's", or compact style, with an evenly
divided bass and bell joint that allows the bassoon to fit in a smaller bassoon case. All Takeda bassoons come with one #2 Takeda bassoon bocal. Visit the Takeda website.
|
Regular price |
With cash/check |
| Model 4 - Professional keywork design. 27 silver-plated keys including high D and E, A octave whisper bridge key connection, double low-C key plate, and extra rollers on thumb Bb, F#, and right hand pinky F#.
All finger holes have hard rubber tubes (f, e, & d protrude into bore to help prevent water running out the tubes), and natural rubber linings in the wing joint and small bore of boot joint. Also includes a balance hanger, one Takeda #2 bocal, hand crutch, compact hard case and cover & reed case. |
$5,350 |
$5,245 |
| Model 2 - Standard keywork design. 26 silver-plated keys including high D, A octave whisper bridge key connection, double low-C key plate, and extra rollers on thumb F# and right hand pinky F#.
All finger holes have hard rubber tubes, and natural rubber linings in the wing joint and small bore of boot joint. Also includes one Takeda #2 bocal, hand crutch, compact hard case and cover & reed case. |
$4,080 |
$4,000 |
Yamaha Bassoons
Yamaha bassoons: Designed together with some of the world's greatest players, and crafted by some of the world's most gifted artisans,
they are setting a new world standard. These professional model bassoons are available in the standard 812 model and the 821 model,
with thinner wall construction similar to "pre-war" models. Yamaha is now offering a 5-year warranty on all of their instruments.
After the first year of ownership, Yamaha will complete all warranty repairs.
Bassoon Bocals
Heckel bocals (C, CC, CCXL, CD, VCD, VCDE, VC & VCC in #1, & 2: nickel, silver, or gold-plated) Heckel Bocal Info.
|
Nickel-plated
|
$905 |
Silver-plated
|
$905 |
Gold-plated - currently out of stock
|
$1,025 |
| Fox C bocal |
$155.00 |
| Fox CVX bocal |
$315.00 |
| Fox CVC #1 bocal |
$285.00 |
| Fox CVC #2 & 3 bocal |
$315.00 |
| Fox *CVX* bocal |
$440.00 Overstock sale (Silver-plated only): $325.00 |
| Fox *CVC* bocal |
$440.00 |
| Fox *CTX* bocal |
$440.00 |
| Fox *CTC* bocal |
$440.00 |
| Fox Bassoon Bocal Details/Specifications |
| Yahama Super Bocals (ENS, PNS, VNS, CNS in #1 or 2) Details/Specs. |
Silver or nickel-plated: $350, Hamilton-plating: $400 |
| Golden Bamboo bocal #2 |
$45.00 |
Bassoon Bocal Specials
Heckel Bocals |
|
Fox Bocals (Overstock - NEW) |
|
CVC #1 only
|
$285 |
Contrabassoon Bocals
| Fox Contrabassoon Bocal - Special order |
$315 |
| Heckel Contrabassoon Bocal |
Special Order |
USED BOCALS
Bocal Trial Information
Bassoon Bocals - We will allow up to four bassoon bocals to be sent out for a 2-week trial. We ship bassoon bocals by UPS GROUND, unless specified otherwise, for a flat
shipping and insurance fee of $15.00 for continental U.S. ($24.00 for Alaska and Hawaii) which is charged to credit card. Please call for availability.
Fox Bassoon Bocals - Bore Descriptions
The C bore stresses resonance and clarity of sound. It is extremely smooth and uniform in tone with excellent slightly-flexible intonation.
It has an abundance of middle and upper middle partials in the sound and its smoothness contributes nicely to chamber music and to instruments with
non-uniform tone and intonation. It is made in brass with nickel plating.
The CV bore is the C bore with a variable wall thickness at some nodal points to reduce resistance. It is generally preferred by
players using very soft reeds.
The CVX bore is similar in proportions to the C and CV bores, but it has more substance in the tone, and
provides better control of the upper and middle registers. It has slightly less resistance in the high notes than the CVC, and is slightly
more open in tone quality. It projects well, and particularly fits the design of the long and short bore bassoons.
The CVC bore stresses the fundamental tones of the instrument, providing a warmer and heavier tone than the CVX. It has a slightly
more resistance in the upper end, requiring more support when playing in the solo registers, but yields more fullness in the middle and lower registers
than the CVX. It fits the design of the thick wall models, and is sometimes helpful in stabilizing wild notes in the older designs.
The Contrabassoon bocal is based on the principal of the C bore bassoon bocal. It is individually matched to the instrument to which it is sold.
Both nickel and silver plating are available on these bocals. Silver plating tends to darken and soften the tone, while nickel plating brightens,
increases resonance and adds to projection.
Fox Double Star Bassoon Bocals
The Fox Double Star CVC and CVX bocals combine the latest advances in materials and design, along with Fox's high level of
hand craftsmanship.
*CVC*
Emphasizing modern tonal concepts, it has a lower pitched upper register along with a very full tone quality throughout its
entire range.
Material: Nickel Silver
Material Option: Brass
Plating Options: Unplated, Nickel, Silver, Gold (Special order)
(Gold plating has an extra charge)
*CVX*
Slightly more open and brighter than the *CVC*, it has a higher pitched upper register and is more
compatible with older bassoon designs. These bocals are included with all Fox Renard Model 240 and 220 bassoons.
Material: Nickel Silver
Material Option: Brass
Plating Options: Unplated, Nickel, Silver, Gold (Special order)
(Gold plating has an extra charge)
*CTX* & *CTC*
The newest additions to the Fox bassoon bocal line are the Double Star *CTX* and *CTC* bocals. These bocals are based on the *CVX*
and *CVC* designs, but have a thinner wall for improved response. These bocals are now included with all of the new Fox professional bassoons.
Yamaha Bassoon Bocals
Yamaha offers four types of bocals to match the widest possible range of musical requirements:
C Type - This configuration has a smooth, consistent feel from the lowest to highest tones for excellent playability.
The C type bocal features extremely accurate intonation with rich tonal character. This is the "standard" Super Bocal model, and
is an ideal choice for all-around playing.
E Type - The E type bocal combines comfortable breath resistance with a beautiful round tone which is constant throughout
the instrument's range. Pianissimo low-notes are especially easy to play with this bocal. An excellent match for the symphony
orchestra, chamber orchestra, or other ensemble.
P Type - Outstanding high-range playability and tone make this bocal ideal for the soloist or first-chair orchestra player.
In addition to high register security, the P-type bocal also offers a strong midrange with well-balanced low tones.
V Type - The V type bocal combines many of the best properties of the C, E, and P types. It features easy playability,
outstanding expressive capability, and an exceptionally well-defined tonal core. Excellent clarity for both classical and modern compositions.
Material
Bassoon bocals are normally constructed from either brass or nickel silver. Nickel silver is the standard Super Bocal material because of its
well-controlled resonance and superior projection characteristics. Nickel silver is also highly resistant to corrosion for extended life and
durability. Brass, available as an option, offers outstanding playing comfort with a soft, fluid timbre.
Finish
Yamaha offers a choice of three types of finish to match individual musical requirements: Silver plate (standard), Hamilton plate, and nickel plate.
The standard silver-plate finish produces a soft, warm tone with versatile expressive capability. Hamilton plate - an alloy of gold and nickel -
is extremely resistant to wear and discoloration, and delivers a powerful tone with excellent projection. Nickel plate is an ideal match for brass
bocals, giving the overall sound added clarity and definition.
Heckel Bocal Information
Perhaps the most integral part of the bassoon is the bocal. Using a high quality bocal on even an intermediate instrument can
greatly improve every aspect of the bassoon. For many many years, Heckel has supplied bassoonists the world over with bocals
specifically suited for each individual instrument. There are thousands (literally!) of combinations for Heckel bocals,
and it is important to know what you are looking for in tone, intonation, and compatibility with your 'set-up' (reeds,
instrument, etc.).
First of all, the type of bore is available in two different thicknesses: 0.5mm & 0.6mm. Bocals with the D
marking designate the thinner walled bocals (0.5mm). The normal thickness of 0.6mm usually compliments better the conical design
of the bassoon. The B or BB mark is designed for easy response, especially for the higher register, but sometimes
causing difficulties in the middle and lower registers. An E marking denotes a smaller tip opening. V type bocals
are designed for better response in the high register and a more balanced mid-range. Alongside of the V and E type, the
newer XL bocals are specifically designed for response and better resonance in the higher notes. These types (V, E,
and XL) have proven very compatible with older Heckel instruments.
The letter above the cork denotes the type of 'basic metal'. Heckel bocals can be made from two different German silver
alloys, the harder marked with a Z and the softer being N. The thicker walled bocals are designated CC (typically made with soft German silver 'N')
and the thinner, D, are usually best made from the harder alloy (Z). However, there is available the C bore in hard
German silver ('Z').
Goldbrass (G) alloy is the most popular composition in bocals, and is most applicable in chamber settings. These
bocals have a softer sound.
Bocals marked with S above the cork are made from sterling silver 935 and is somewhat alike to the goldbrass crooks,
with a slightly brighter tone quality.
Gold bocals are marked with AU and described as having a 'medium hard' sound.
Because of recent concerns for allergies associated with the German silver alloy, Heckel has discovered a substitute alloy,
that of Palladium, marked as PD. This metal produces an excellent sound, however, the cost of the raw material is
reflected in the cost of the bocal.
Heckel bocals are available without plating, but also in nickel-, silver- or gold-plate. Also, they come in lengths of 00, 0,
1, 2, 3, & 4. Bocals at a length of 1 are pitched at A 442. Special 'bends' can be made with proper illustration and explanation, depending on the requirements of the musician.
The new XL bend has been specially developed for response and tone quality of the upper register of the bassoon. This bocal
is available in the CC bore type and the usual lengths and plates.
Because each bassoon is specific in character to its player, there are many variables to consider when trying bocals. As well,
every instrument will react differently with different bocals-even those of the exact same designation. Because of these
differences in technique, reeds, perception and approach to the instrument, it is wise to try as many bocals as is possible
(even if they aren't from the same manufacturer).
We offer many different bocals from Heckel, Fox, and Yamaha. They can be available for a 2 week trial period, with a credit
card for freight and security. Please call for availability and questions.
"Defining the Bassoon" - an overview of Fox Bassoons
During the 20th Century, the bassoon has undergone a steady evolution
in its performance characteristics, responding to long-term trends
in the pitch of orchestras as well as to the demands of larger concert
halls and the varying tastes of performers and audiences throughout
the world.
In an effort to provide instruments with maximum characteristics of
projection and flexibility, while meeting sophisticated standards
for intonation, tone quality and resonance, we have reviewed (and
in some cases, resurrected) many of the earlier methods, materials,
and acoustical designs that are currently in use in professional
orchestras. The results show up in five different woods employed
in the manufacture of our instruments, each of which has been combined,
experimentally, with most of the acoustical designs, the most interesting
ones being offered as options to the appropriate models.
There are currently four acoustical variations in the design of Fox
bassoons. Each has a distinctive tone quality and each presents
variations in the compromise between security and flexibility.
The oldest design is the "Long Bore." It is identified by a very warm
"round" tone, evenly balanced, with excellent intonation throughout
the entire range. It is the most secure design and its tone quality
fits well into chamber music as well as orchestral second bassoon parts.
It is currently used to make Fox Models I, II, III, and IV and Renard
Models 220, 222, 41, and 51.
The most flexible design is the "Short Bore." It is characterized by
a tone quality that is more 'open' than the long bore. It is voiced
to permit the performer to open up and sing in solo register and its
tone quality lends itself to solo performance. Fox Models 101 and 201
and Renard Model 240 are "Short Bore" bassoons.
The demand for power by modern orchestras has prompted the designs
of the two newest models. Both have thicker walls than their earlier
counterparts, with longer, larger, more resonant tone holes. Their
tone quality is bigger, yet slightly less concentrated than the short
or long bore models. They are somewhat more work to play, but they
deliver more power when pushed, yet easily handle soft attacks.
The Model 601 is the slightly longer version. It is slightly flatter
and has a slightly warmer tone.
The Model 660 is slightly shorter, is pitched slightly higher and is
a little more open. Both are designed to accomodate a wide range of
mechanical options, with the player being encouraged to select those
that are most appealing, including the type of wood.
Five wood types are used in the designs:
Mountain Maple (Berg Ahorn) from Yugoslavia is the most popular wood.
It is of intermediate specific gravity and its warm tone quality places
it comfortably in the middle of respected bassoon characteristics. Its
main weakness is its relatively high cost, which limits its use to more
expensive instruments. It is the standard for all of our professional
models.
Black Maple comes from North America, and derives its original reference
in bassoon history to the experiments by Karl Almenrader in the early
1800s. It is heavier than Mountain Maple, resulting in stronger projection
with slightly less flexibility. When combined with certain reeds and
air columns, the tone quality can be quite lovely, and those who prefer
it are usually first chair players.
Big Leaf Maple is the lightest of the woods we use, resulting in the
most flexible instruments. It is preferred for second chair orchestral
parts because of the ease with which it blends with the other instruments.
Red Maple is a less expensive cousin to Mountain Maple, having a slightly
coarser grain, but similar performance characteristics.
Sugar Maple is the most durable of the woods. It was the primary
choice of our earlier professional instruments, and it is still
used in models that are popular with public schools. Its tone quality
is slightly brighter than the other woods, and it combines most favorably
with the darker qualities of the long bore design. It has excellent
projection but is somewhat less flexible than Mountain Maple.
|
|
|
