Bassoons come with price tags you may not want to take on unless you plan on going the long haul. Buying a bassoon is a serious investment that requires you to answer important questions before deciding.
Among the matters these questions address is whether or not you actually need to buy the instrument. You will also want to look into purchasing second-hand instruments and how are bassoons for students different. Here are some must-knows for beginners looking to purchase their first bassoon.
Considerations for Buying a Student Bassoon
Bassoons are not cheap. Even if your budget allows you to buy one, it’s vital to think long and hard before making a purchase. Consider how you really feel about the instrument and whether it would be more practical to rent instead of buy one. Leave no stone unturned so that you’ll end up having no regrets.
There’s also the fact that most schools provide bassoons for their students. If you deem your school’s provisions satisfactory, it would be a good idea to hold off purchasing an instrument of your own. After all, time may yet tell if yours is a lasting interest or a passing fancy.
That said, consider buying your own bassoon if the school’s supplies are subpar at best. If your passion for playing burns bright early on, possessing your own instrument could benefit you significantly. Here are other essential matters to address as you go about your bassoon-playing journey:
The Needs of a Student
A young learner often isn’t developed enough to identify the problems of his instrument. He might attribute his poor playing to his issues instead of the instrument’s. For a bassoon to be considered student-appropriate, it must aid in his progression and not block his development.
A poor instrument could discourage a student from continuing when he’s having trouble. Similarly, an instrument too advanced for a young player could leave him with too much to take on too early in his journey. Yet again, this may lead to discouragement and a loss of interest in playing.
Bassoons Provided by Schools
Don’t expect all school instrumental programs to be able to afford to provide their students with first-class bassoons. And, let’s be honest; if they did prioritize instruments, bassoons wouldn’t likely be among them.
In most cases, students encounter old and neglected bassoons in their school’s band or music rooms. And if the instruments aren’t desperately in need of repair, they are otherwise unsatisfactory. You’d be fortunate to be handed an instrument that is in good condition.
If you end up with a bad instrument, consult a professional to know whether or not it would be worth having it repaired. Schools don’t normally have the budget for fixing such problems or hiring a technician specializing in bassoon repairs.
Bassoons for Rent
Musical instrument rentals are pretty common for popular or sought-after instruments. Unfortunately, bassoons don’t happen to be one of these.
Bassoon-playing is not a road frequently traveled, so you’re unlikely to find a player who rents out his instrument to beginners. Renting also goes against the economics of instrument rentals; they are simply too expensive.
Used Bassoons
Bassoons are usually long-lasting instruments, as you would expect them to be, given their price. Thus, buying a used bassoon would be a good idea if it was under careful selection. If you’re still a student, have a professional join you in assessing the instrument’s state and performance. There’s no doubt he could save you from potentially regretting your purchase.
Bassoon Cost
An average bassoon could easily set you back somewhere around the mid-four-digit range. And a first-class one? That could break the bank to the tune of $20,000 at least. Don’t be in a rush; shop around for a bit. Some of the more recognized dealers may offer discounts on their instruments, making the canvassing all worth it.
A used instrument in excellent condition might also cost as much as a new one, depending on the model. However, you should find some options on the lower two-thousand range with more research.
Cheap is never the way to go when it comes to bassoons. If the price is too good to be true, then it likely is. That isn’t saying that bargain prices don’t exist because they do. The problem is, they can be difficult to come by and still tend to be on the more expensive side.
Wood or Plastic
Where students are concerned, plastic might actually be the better choice. The material tolerates neglect and abuse better, and it also handles being passed around fairly well. So, yes, it’s great for beginner players who may not know any better about maintenance. It also tends to be less expensive than its wood counterparts.
On the other hand, wood instruments call for private ownership. To an extent, it could be due to people viewing plastic as an inferior material. While that is the case generally, both plastic and wood can make for high-quality bassoons.
A Good Brand Makes Things Easier
If you’re serious about playing, chances are you won’t mind investing more in an instrument that’s built for versatile playing. While it may cost you more, aim for a recognized brand or a trusted bassoon maker if you decide to purchase your own student bassoon.
Leave a Reply