I bought an old Conn Bassoon at an estate sale this past weekend. It appears that someone attempted to rebuild it and then gave up.

All the rods and keys seem to be here (most were removed) and the body doesn't seem to have any cracks in it. Honestly I cannot tell if it is wood or not. It looks like it.

The big problem is that the bell is missing.

I don't really know how to proceed. I am considering selling it as a parts horn or maybe make a lamp out of it!

Any ideas or suggestions? I thought if I was lucky enough to find a replacement bell off another old Conn, the value would go up.

Thanks!

Conn bassoons are usually Schreiber bassoons that have been re-named. If you can find a Schreiber bell, it should also fit.

I have actually seen bells sold separately on eBay. You have to keep checking every day and it may take weeks, but heck, you've already had the horn for weeks, haven't you? Often people put a horn on ebay for parts as well, and you might check out that idea. This is because many people do buy old horns and rebuild them and are always on the lookout for good pieces.

Thanks for the suggestions and replies. Much appreciated.

There are some Conn US made ones around - these can be identified by the headleass pivot screws which are locked in place with tiny grub screws.