I recently got a bassoon that is a bit puzzling. The previous owner stated it was made by Kohlert, but they also said that it was about 25 years old, and it clearly has "Made in Czechoslovakia" stamped on it. I was under the impression that Kohlert didn't make any bassoons that late. It has the brand name "Marly" on it, as well as serial number 117. I have taken some pictures and put them in a zip file. www.livingcatskills.com/bassoon.zip

Any ideas would be appreciated!

It looks like a bassoon from the Amati factory. These have appeared with many different names over the years in different parts of the world. The Kohlert company ceased in about 1980.

I agree with contra448 it's an Amati made bassoon. Solidly made but older ones are not good to play.

Alright, thanks, I actually had guessed Amati when I knew it was made in Czechoslovakia and guessed that it wasn't Kohlert, not too many Czech makers out there.

It wasn't terribly expensive, and it came with a BH Bell CC3 bocal, so I'm reasonably happy with it. I'm a complete newb player, so I can't really comment on how good it is, especially since the reeds they sent are terrible, (store bought) and I will be buying some handmade ones soon.

Oh, and does anyone have any ideas as to the real age of the instrument, since the validity of the seller has already been compromised?

I think it is a minimum of 25 years old more likely it was made in 1970s. The later models have a high D key on.