AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Bassoons for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Oscar Adler & Co. 1361 Bassoon Orchestra Model ($14,908). Guntram Wolf Fg 5 Quint-Bassoon gives you the most for the money at $4,061. Amati ABN 36 C Contrabassoon leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 17 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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This Oscar Adler 1361 is a serious instrument built for the dedicated orchestral player. The maple body delivers a rich, focused tone that really cuts through an ensemble, and the comprehensive keywork makes complex passages far more manageable. It’s an investment that pays off in performance and longevity.
Pros
- Bosnian flamed maple body provides exceptional tonal warmth and resonance
- High-gloss silver-plated keys offer smooth, responsive action and durability
- Extensive keywork, including High E and Double Eb, expands playing range and versatility
Cons
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for most players
- The extended keywork might present a learning curve for less experienced players
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,908 now$14,908€13,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a professional bassoon made in Germany, with a sycamore maple body, 25 keys and two handmade necks. It suits a serious player who wants a well-built instrument with a sturdy case that has a backpack carry. Because it is a professional model with a high price, it is a big step if you are just starting out.
Pros
- Specially selected sycamore maple wood body
- 25 keys with 4 rollers and a High D key
- Permanently closed piano mechanisms with high-gloss, silver-plated nickel mechanisms
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,408 now$14,408€12,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Amati ABN 36 C is a serious contender for seasoned professionals needing exceptional low range and responsiveness. Its build quality is superb, and the keywork feels refined – a real workhorse for orchestral and solo performance. This is an instrument built for the dedicated contrabassoonist focused on achieving maximum tonal depth.
Pros
- Exceptional low-end extension reaching sub-contra Bb, a significant advantage.
- The matte lacquered maple provides a warm, resonant tone and visual appeal.
- Silver-plated keys offer smooth action and a bright aesthetic.
Cons
- The sheer size and weight will demand significant physical strength and stamina.
- Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for many aspiring contrabassoonists.
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$22,252 now$22,252€19,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a solid workhorse bassoon for players who want reliable performance without extra bells and whistles. The flamed maple body sounds warm and the extra strong plating stands up to heavy use. It suits intermediate players and pros who need a dependable instrument for their daily repertoire.
Pros
- Long seasoned flamed maple body ensures warm resonance
- Extra strong high-gloss silver-plating resists daily wear
- Fine adjustment screws allow precise key tuning
Cons
- Basic model lacks some high-end features
- No specific wood grain or tone color described
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$22,029 now$22,029€19,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a bassoon made from long-seasoned sycamore maple, with a special dipping treatment on the wood and a silk matte lacquer finish. Its mechanics run on a protected, wear-free bearing system, so you won't need to readjust them, and it comes with a bag and two necks. This one suits you if you want a carefully built instrument with a lot of accessories included.
Pros
- Made from long-seasoned sycamore maple from slow-growing locations
- Specially selected woods give the instrument its individual sound characteristics
- Mechanics use a protected wear-free LCBearing system with no readjustment needed
Cons
- Weighs approximately 3 kg, which is heavy to carry and hold for long sessions
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$11,960 now$11,960€10,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.9 kg
You get a bassoon with a body of long-seasoned sycamore maple, cut on CNC machines for accurate repeats. The keys are silvered, the springs and screws are stainless steel, and the finger holes have rubber sleeves. It comes with a bag and a nickel-silver silvered neck, so it suits you if you want a complete instrument with a lot of key work and hardware built to last.
Pros
- Body made of long-seasoned sycamore maple from slowly growing layers
- Body is cut on CNC machines for high pass and repeat accuracy
- Wing and first hole are filled, making them fully moisture-resistant
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,454 now$8,454€7,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you have small hands, this bassoon is worth a look. Its keys are extended for both little fingers, and it has a large key guard and a balance holder to help you hold it steady. It comes with a gig bag, two necks, and a shoulder strap, so you have what you need to get started and take it to lessons or rehearsals.
Pros
- Based on the 5016 model with a flat flap for the left ring finger
- All keys extended for both little fingers, particularly suitable for small hands
- Silver-plated key system with a large key guard and a balance holder
Cons
- German system layout, which differs from other bassoon key systems
46AudioFu
Index↓ 10.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$9,456 · Aug 17$8,454 now$8,454€7,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a standard-size German system bassoon made from sycamore maple, with 25 keys, a High D key, and two S-bends. It comes with a case and accessories and is made in Germany. It suits you if you are a student or player who wants an instrument with room to grow, since it has a whisper key lock, a second ring-finger B key, and a C# trill key.
Pros
- Sycamore maple wood body
- 25 keys including a High D key
- Silver-plated mechanisms
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,899 now$8,899€7,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.95 kg
If you already play bassoon and want a higher-sounding member of the family, this quint bassoon is worth a look. It uses standard bassoon fingering, so the switch is easier for you. It is especially suitable as a children's instrument, and it comes with a case.
Pros
- Sounds one fifth higher than a conventional bassoon, covering a different range
- Especially suitable as a children's instrument
- Sycamore maple body with natural rubber lining
Cons
- At 84.5 cm long, it is smaller than a conventional bassoon
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,061 now$4,061€3,650 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight1.2 kg
This is a fagottino in F, a smaller bassoon that sounds a fourth higher than the regular model. It suits children and smaller players who want to learn the bassoon. It comes with a case and accessories, so you can get going right away.
Pros
- Sounds a fourth higher than the regular bassoon, a good fit for young players
- Sycamore body with a natural rubber lining
- Modern key system with a piano lever and F, F# connection
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,294 now$4,294€3,859 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 17 bassoons
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Schreiber WS5013-2-0 BassoonSchreiber41Stable$7,787€6,998$7,787€6,998Check ↗
- 12
Schreiber WS5010-2-0GB BassoonSchreiber41Stable$8,009€7,198$8,009€7,198Check ↗
- 13
Oscar Adler & Co. 1350 P Bassoon Children ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$5,952€5,349$5,952€5,349Check ↗
- 14
Oscar Adler & Co. 1357/125 Bassoon AnniversaryOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$7,675€6,898$7,675€6,898Check ↗
- 15
Oscar Adler & Co. 1357 Bassoon Standard ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$8,400€7,549$8,400€7,549Check ↗
- 16
Amati ABN 41 IV BassoonAmati38Stable$5,952€5,349$5,952€5,349Check ↗
- 17
Thomann BS-100 Children BassoonThomann36Stable$2,223€1,998$2,223€1,998Check ↗
Bassoons by the numbers
Measured across all 19 models we track, not a sample.
Median $8,009 — half of all bassoons here cost less.
median of 5 models · 0.95 kg–1.2 kg
How to choose the best bassoons
Response & Articulation
Advanced players need immediate, nuanced response. A sluggish horn will bury you in an orchestra or make solo passages feel labored. We're looking for a horn that sings effortlessly, with clean articulation across the range, not just a general 'good sound'.
Tonal Complexity
Forget a one-dimensional tone. We want a bassoon with richness and depth, capable of producing everything from a warm, woody low register to a focused, almost vocal upper register. The ability to shape the tone - to coax out that fat midrange honk or a brighter, more cutting edge - is vital.
Keywork Ergonomics & Action
Playing complex passages demands flawless keywork. Sloppy action, awkward lever placement, or a neck profile that fights your embouchure will slow you down and introduce unwanted errors. It's about feeling like the horn is an extension of your own body.
Dynamic Headroom
A pro-level bassoon needs to handle a huge dynamic range - from whisper-quiet passages to full-throttle orchestral swells. Limited headroom will result in a muddy, compressed sound when pushed, and that's no good for any serious gig.
Intonation Stability
Let's be honest, student horns are often all over the place. Advanced players demand consistent intonation across the entire range, even when playing at different dynamic levels. Subtle adjustments are expected, but a horn that requires constant tweaking is a pain.
Buying guide
Alright, so you've been wrestling with a student bassoon and you're finally ready to step up your game. It's a big jump - the nuances you've been glossing over start to matter. We're talking about instruments that respond to your breath with a level of detail that'll surprise you, and frankly, make your old horn feel like a toy. This isn't about finding something 'nice sounding'; it's about finding a tool that lets you really express what's in your head.
Don't chase the 'expensive' label. A pricier horn doesn't automatically equal better playability. Pay attention to the bore - it's the biggest factor in tone.
Used instruments are your friend - you can often find fantastic horns at significant discounts, but be prepared to have a tech check them over. The action is critical - don't be afraid to walk away if it feels off, even if the tone is beautiful.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 19 bassoons from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a German and French bassoon?
German horns generally have a darker, more powerful sound, favored in orchestral settings. French horns tend to be brighter and more agile, often preferred for solo work and chamber music. It's a tonal preference, not inherently about quality.
Should I consider a bocal upgrade?
Absolutely. The bocal dramatically affects response and tone color. A well-chosen bocal can make a surprisingly big difference, even on a decent horn. Experiment - different metal alloys and bore designs will have a noticeable impact.
How important is bore oil?
Essential. Wood expands and contracts with humidity, and bore oil helps maintain stability and prevent cracking. Neglecting it is a recipe for disaster. Regular maintenance is key.
I'm having trouble cutting through the mix - what can I do?
Beyond the horn itself, check your embouchure and reed. A brighter reed and a more focused airstream can make a world of difference. Sometimes it's about technique, sometimes it's about the horn, and sometimes it's a combination of both.
What's the deal with undercut tone holes?
Undercut tone holes are designed to create a more complex and responsive sound. They allow for a more gradual change in pitch and volume, resulting in a more even and controlled tone. They're common on higher-end instruments, but require a skilled player to fully exploit.
