Is this bassoon okay i was just wondering... it looks alright (well because of the price ) could you tell me if im getting ripped of because i really want to get my own bassoon
Don't want to burst your bubble, but I'd stay away from Amati. Save like 6000 and get a Moosmann or a Fox, if you buy an Amati, you'll regret it, because you'll have to upgrade. I know I bought a piece of garbage bassoon because i really wanted one, and now, I want to set it on fire. Or sell it to an unsuspecting fool >.>
I agree about Fox & Moosmann but there are worse bassoons than the Amati - every instrument from China that I have seen for example. I would add Adler to the list of reasonable instruments.
You might get better value for your money with a used instrument. But you really need to get it checked over by a competent player or repairer (Preferably somebody who is both) before you are committed to parting with your money.
You Americans are always banging on about Moosmann and Fox. As a European I'd go for Huller or Puchner anytime. My first instrument was a (borrowed) professional Puchner and it was so good it almost played itself. When I had to return it I had to find my own instrument and bought a cheap secondhand Amati (Corton). I'm still playing it and it's far better than most people would have you believe. I still hope to upgrade someday (to Puchner, in my dreams) but the Amati keeps me going and makes a good sound.
One thing we will surely agree on, is steer well clear of the Chinese. I'd also hate to play on anything polypropelene too - including Fox.
I'm not from USA but would go along with the Fox Moosmann line. Both are excellently made instruments, even the student level models - it's just a question of which sound you prefer.
I've played a Kreul & Moosmann for 25 years now & only today received a new Moosmann 200 to try. I'm also delighted with my Fox contra.
Yes Puchner are superb as well - the trouble being that all models are in the professional price range.
Huller went out of business a quite a few years ago now - a pity as there bassoons did (do - when looked after well) sound good despite having intonation problems. Also the quality of manufacture & materials was not as good as the others brands mentioned here. Most examples I see have suffered from too many years of beginner & school (mis)use, but I expect there are good, low mileage ones about.
Maybe before you start blabbing on about how I'm such an "American", considering I'm from Canada, you should realize that A: Puchner's are for the most part professional instruments with prices reflecting that quality, and the student models they do make are hard to get ahold of in north america and B: That Huller is no longer in production of bassoons. I'm just trying to list the 2 basic brands which everyone seems to recommend. I know companies like Adler can fit the bill too, but I'm just saying what I would get.
Since you are new on the bassoon (I infer this from your other post, Bassoon Tips) I would certainly not advise purchasing an instrument just yet. You obviously already have the use of a bassoon, so although it is very very tempting to go for a horn of your own now, it is really not advisable until you get so you can play the one you now have. Believe me, your ideas of what you want will change.
All this is assuming the horn you now have is in good repair.
I'd like to hear that as well. What specific problems does it have?
Many people condemn instruments without looking at their condition - is it sealing properly? Are the keys opening the correct amount? Are all the keys operating smoothly & freely but without excess play on the rods & between the pivot screws? Are the joints tight? Does the bocal have a split in it & no major damage? Many keys operate in conjunction with others so need to be regulated correctly - eg on the boot the pad on the ring key must be fully closed when no keys are pressed. Likewise the pad on the C#/D# trill mechanism on the wing joint.
The bocal is almost the most important piece of the bassoon - being the first part after the sound generator (the reed) & at the narrowest part of the bore any dents, kinks etc will adversely affect the performance.
Having asked these questions I will agree that Amatis are not in the same league as other brands mentioned here but a modern one is a serviceable beginners horn. They have improved in the last few years & are still way ahead of any Chinese made one I have seen.
Well The school bought it for me last year
the glue used didn't glue properly and for no particluar reason cork would fall off just by simply fall off. The lower register is so hard to get out it isn't me though. The keys don't seal at the lower octave. My school bought the bassoon for $8,000 it is worth $3,000. I had a plastic fox bassoon which was much better. So for the person who was asking the question don't buy it wait with your old one if you have one until you can afford a better quality bassoon.