We are looking at a bassoon at a local music store that is labeled as Conn. The store believes it was made by Schreiber.
They do not know the model number or production year.
Does anyone know of a way to find out about this basson or does anyone have one that is similar?
Conn stopped producing their bassoons in 1969. In 1970 Conn was purchased by Macmillan.
Regardless, 'Conn' made very few bassoons, most were made by Lesher, Fox, Riedl, and Kohlert. It is unlikely Fox would make a bassoon for Conn that would be as good as their own. Some aren't bad, but each Conn bassoon really needs to be looked at by a competent bassoon player or repair technician. You mentioned Schriber, do you mean Schweizer? Schwiezer is a Brazillian company that makes three models; a basic, a 'junior', and professional.
Is it wood or plastic? Conn did make their own bassoons at one point (look for tiny grub screws in the posts to hold the pivot screws tight like on some of their saxes). I believe some plastic ones were made by Fox. Wooden ones were produced by a variety of makers including Schreiber in Germany.
It is a wooden bassoon with a reddish finish. The music store said it was made in Germany by Schreiber. Will the manufacturer and location be stamped on the basson somewhere?
All we noticed was the Conn logo but it wasn't a thorough examination. We are new to bassoons.
Assuming it's in good condition ie pads sealing well,no rot in the boot and a decent bocal it should be fine for you. If it is an older Schreiber they were well made and played pretty well. I think that serial # is late 1960's but the factory will tell you if you email them.
My bassoon is stamped Conn on the bell, but was actually made by Kohlert. It has 'Made in Germany' stamped on the butt above the top finger hole, just above the serial number. If the one you're looking at also has this it would at least confirm the country of manufacture.
As to whether it's a good one - there's really no substitute for asking an experienced player to try it for you.
I think the serial #'s on the web site refer to single reed instruments.
Going on your serial #'s they would probably be Schreiber made bassoons from the late 1950's. All the Kohlerts I've seen have had 5 digit #'s.
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