see ebay Item number: 7375440490, listed Dec-15-05 21:00:00 PST

Sorry, Its a little late, but I want to respond to alex's message. I play on a lesher. Its been checked over by 3 professionals now. Its a crap shoot. Don't lie, because I know personally they are crap shoots.

Hello Fellow Canadian, jsut thought I'd respond againXD. What I've seen is mainly in Long and McQuade is Moosmann and Selmer Bassoons. in St. Johns I see Lintons and Fox, while in bandstand I see alot of Schreibers.I personally recommend Moosmann and Fox.

I own a Mirafone bassoon (german), bought on e-bay, i was very lucky with this instrument, because the guy who sold it to me, is a professional instrument maker (bagpipes) and he bought the bassoon new in '70s. The instrument is as new condition !! very well cared, no cracks, excellent sound (it needs a small recalibration of the key openings)... I think it was made by schreiber, because of the year of factory ('70s) But really don't know how to chech this out.

Ever hear of a ponte bassoon?

http://www.rachellanders.com/ponte.jpg

It looks remarkably similar to a $1200 Shreiber-made CONN that I purchased from an instrument restorer (and later sold on ebay for $1200 to acquire my Schreiber S16). The Low Bb key mechanism looks a little atypical, which makes me wonder if it had other origins. I would bet this instrument was made in the 70's.

Perhaps anyone of you fine bassoonists have had experience with such an instrument? It sold on ebay for $895.