If you’re just starting out on bassoon, you probably don’t need to buy one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most school music programs\u2014whether you’re in middle school, high school, or university\u2014have bassoons available for students to borrow or rent for a relatively small fee. This is usually the best way to get started. You can learn the instrument, figure out whether you enjoy playing it, and gain enough experience to understand what you actually need from an instrument before making a major purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bassoons are complicated, specialized instruments, and unfortunately, this is one area where trying to save money can end up costing you more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a general rule, I<\/strong> do not recommend purchasing a new or used bassoon for less than about $7,000<\/strong>. Very inexpensive bassoons can have serious problems with materials, construction, keywork, pads, or adjustment. Even if an inexpensive instrument technically plays, it may be difficult to keep in good working condition\u2014and a beginner can have a hard time telling the difference between a problem with the instrument and a problem with their playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars right away. In fact, renting or borrowing an instrument through your school is often the better choice<\/strong> while you’re developing your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve reached the point where you want to purchase your own bassoon, don’t shop for one by yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work with a professional bassoonist or teacher who can help you find and evaluate an instrument.<\/strong> A good teacher or experienced player can help you identify reputable instruments, evaluate their condition, and determine whether an instrument is appropriate for your current level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important when buying a used bassoon. Two instruments that look similar online can be dramatically different in condition and playability. An instrument that seems like a bargain can become very expensive if it needs extensive repairs or adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your teacher or another professional player may also be able to recommend reputable dealers and help you try several instruments before you make a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For your first bassoon, rent or borrow whenever possible<\/strong>. Use that time to learn the instrument and decide whether you want to make the investment in your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re ready to buy, don’t try to find the cheapest bassoon you can. Plan on spending at least around $7,000 for a quality instrument, and work with a professional to help you choose one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A bassoon is a significant investment. Getting good advice before you buy can save you a lot of money\u2014and a lot of frustration\u2014later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you’re just starting out on bassoon, you probably don’t need to buy one. Most school music programs\u2014whether you’re in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[50],"class_list":["post-771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learners","tag-new-to-bassoon"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-150x150.png","medium":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-300x200.png","medium_large":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-768x512.png","large":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-1024x683.png","1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM.png","2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM.png","colormag-highlighted-post":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-392x272.png","colormag-featured-post-medium":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-390x205.png","colormag-featured-post-small":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-130x90.png","colormag-featured-image":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-800x445.png","colormag-default-news":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-150x150.png","colormag-featured-image-large":"https:\/\/www.bassoon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17-2026-04_55_21-PM-1400x600.png"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"Jessi","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b2b132aa2209ddbe6a108edb49f592dd49518128b96f042416b4fb1e8569a87?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"If you’re just starting out on bassoon, you probably don’t need to buy one. 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The Bottom Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n