Hi bassoonists (and others!).

I have been learning bassoon for just under a year on a loaned instrument.

I have recently been offered a bassoon -
- 20 years old
- not been played much (Been in a cupboard lately!)
- its a Louis Mark 3 (from "rudall carte & co Ltd, England")
- it seems to play well, but as I'm only a beginner, I can't really tell how good it is.


Any thoughts? What should I look for/listen for? Any idea how much it is worth?
Many thanks.

Why not ask your teacher to try it out for you? If it's been sat in a cupboard for a number of years, you may find the wood and pads have shifted a bit, and it might even need a repad. Buying a second-hand instrument is fine, but since it's been lying around doing nothing for so long, it would be wise to get it checked over by an expert before parting with your cash.

Thanks Amanda.
My teacher has already arranged for a semi-pro bassoonist to have a look at it and a play. Fortunately the seller is quite happy for me to borrow the instrument for as long as it takes for me to make up my mind!

Petite Jouese, good luck for chosing a bassoon. I would compare this bassoon to other bassoons at a shop near you (as well as it having a check over). Also, comparing to the bassoon you are currently playing on.

Hope your Bassoon shopping is going well Petite Joueuse!
I don't play the Bassoon (yet) but am hopin to persuade my mum into letting me have a try. My sax teacher is actually a bassoonist so I have been won over to the instruments charms. However i hear they are really expensive! What is a reasonable price for a beginner-ish Bassoon? Would you suggest loaning one P. J?
Merci xxx

Beginner bassoons I believe are in the region of £1000+, second hand! Brand new about £4000

Blimey! Almost as much as my sparkling new Saxophone (Selmer II - god, its beautiful!!). Hmm will have to think carefully about this one and find cunning way to persuade the parents. Any ideas lol?
sarah x

There is nothing wrong with trevor james!! hmmmmmmmmmmmm
As for getting a Bassoon can you not get one off county? Judith wont let me have one..... Have a word with Rachel will you *smiles hopefully*