All Things Bassoon

From this page you can shop our range of Bassoons from all the best brands including Adler and Schreiber. We sell a variety of Bassoon related items from small accessories and reeds up to beginner and professional instruments.

Bassoons

• Bassoons
• Used Bassoons

• Bassoon Maintenance
• Bassoon Reed Making
• Bassoon Reeds
• Bassoon Reed Cases
• Bassoon Accessories

• Bassoon Straps
• Bassoon Stands
• Bassoon Cases
• Bassoon Accessories

The bassoon is a double reed instrument of the woodwind family. It is also one of the largest woodwind instruments at an average 1.34 meters (4 ft 5 in). The bassoon is thought to have been first developed in the early 18th century, whilst only appearing in its more modern form in the 19th. Musician Carl Almenräder is one of the players credited with the bassoon's creation and design. Known for its impressive range and musical agility, the bassoon is found as a part of orchestras, chamber music and as part of concert bands - making it a versatile and unique instrument with a recognisable and desirable sound. The bassoon is one of the lowest of the main woodwind instruments and shares the most in common with the oboe (another double reed instrument). The double reed of the bassoon makes it a difficult choice for players (known as bassoonists) as the technique can take time and practice, but the instrument is an iconic and a rewarding one to play too.

Did you know?

The first ever International Bassoon Day was celebrated on 11 October in 2018 by musicians at the Royal Albert Hall in an attempt to popularise the instrument.

How is the Bassoon played?

Like most woodwind instruments the bassoon is played by holding it upright and blowing through the reed (in this case, the double reed). This air inside the bassoon travels down the tube and curves back on itself in a u-turn, up and out of the top of the instrument. Similar to the oboe both hands are needed to change the pitch. This is achieved by pressing the keys to open and close the holes along the body of the instrument.

It's seen to be one of the hardest woodwind instruments to play and one of the least common pieces of the orchestra.

• There are usually two to four bassoons in the 50 people of a symphony orchestra.
• In an orchestra a basson has a range that is most similar to a cello.
• As a woodwind the bassoon sits behind the violas and oboes in an orchestra.
• In the orchestra the bassoonists are normally in the section right of the conductor.
• They are normally paired next to the clarinet.
• The bassoon was first played in orchestras of France, and later in Italy.

Famous Bassoon players and music

Bassoons are popular instruments amongst orchestral musicians, especially as the instrument offers such a unique sound and is so unique in approach and style. Some of the most famous bassoon players include Albrecht Holder, Carl Almenräder, Klaus Thunemann, Milan Turkovic, Gustavo Núñez and Antoine Bullant.

Bassoon Rental

Our Instrument Rental Scheme is perfect if you're not sure that you wish to purchase an instrument just yet. For example, you may have a young beginner and you want to see how they progress or you may be an adult adding another instrument to your collection. Our 'Start Right' rental scheme is flexible, affordable and you can use some of the money spent on the rental towards the cost of a new instrument. We offer both the Short Reach and Standard key configurations on bassoon. The Short Reach model is advisable for younger players who may need help with the fingering – if in doubt please check with the teacher beforehand. Any teenagers or adults would be fine using a standard size Bassoon and we offer the Schreiber on a monthly rental.

If you’re looking to purchase a bassoon, whether you're a beginner or an expert, here at Dawkes we can help you make the right decision and choose the right model for you. Our musical experts will be on hand to help answer any questions or queries you have about the instrument or making your purchase.