AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Bassoons for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Thomann BS-100 Children Bassoon ($2,223). Schreiber WS5031-2N-0 Bassoon 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 child's bassoon uses a maple body and silver keys for a solid feel, but fewer keys make it lighter and easier to play. The plexiglas resonator keeps the weight down but sacrifices some traditional depth. It fits young students who need a manageable instrument without the full technical load.
Pros
- Lighter weight due to fewer keys for easier handling
- Easy response for beginners learning finger coordination
- Silver-plated keys for smooth action and durability
Cons
- Plexiglas resonator lacks the resonance of wood
- Fewer keys may limit advanced technical range
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,223 now$2,223€1,998 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
This bassoon is made for players with small hands and for children who are just starting out. It has a standard-size body, so you get a full instrument, and the handles and little-finger grips are adjusted to make playing less tiring. It suits you if you want an instrument that is easier to hold now and that you can keep playing as you grow.
Pros
- Child-friendly key mechanism with extended handles for small hands
- Standard body size, so it is a fully-fledged instrument
- Silvered mechanism with 21 keys and a High D-valve
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,787 now$7,787€6,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a limited special edition bassoon made in Germany. It has a body of aged grenadilla wood and selected sycamore maple, 22 keys including a high D key, and a silver-plated mechanism. If you want a special bassoon that comes with a sturdy gig bag and backpack straps for easy carrying, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Body made of aged grenadilla wood, a classic bassoon material
- Body also uses selected sycamore maple for added build variety
- Features 22 keys, including a high D key for extra range
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,009 now$8,009€7,198 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 ↗ -
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 ↗
All 17 bassoons
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Oscar Adler & Co. 1350 P Bassoon Children ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$5,952€5,349$5,952€5,349Check ↗
- 12
Oscar Adler & Co. 1357/125 Bassoon AnniversaryOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$7,675€6,898$7,675€6,898Check ↗
- 13
Oscar Adler & Co. 1357 Bassoon Standard ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$8,400€7,549$8,400€7,549Check ↗
- 14
Oscar Adler & Co. 1361 Bassoon Orchestra ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$14,908€13,398$14,908€13,398Check ↗
- 15
Amati ABN 41 IV BassoonAmati38Stable$5,952€5,349$5,952€5,349Check ↗
- 16
Amati ABN 36 C ContrabassoonAmati38Stable$22,252€19,998$22,252€19,998Check ↗
- 17
Gebrüder Mönnig 214 Topas BassoonGebrüder Mönnig36Stable$22,029€19,798$22,029€19,798Check ↗
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
Playability
A beginner needs a bassoon that's forgiving. We're talking about a comfortable action, a responsive keywork, and a neck profile that doesn't strangle your airflow. A horn that fights you every step of the way just isn't going to build good habits.
Tone Quality
Forget about 'amazing' tone right off the bat. What we're after is a balanced response - no ice-picky highs or a muddy, undefined low end. A good beginner bassoon will give you a foundation to build on, allowing you to shape your tone as your skills develop. That 'fat midrange honk' is a plus.
Durability
Student bassoons take a beating. Between transport, humidity changes, and the occasional clumsy handling, they need to be built to last. Cheaper horns often use thinner wood or less robust keywork, which means more repairs down the line - and that adds up fast.
Intonation
A bassoon that's consistently out of tune is frustrating, plain and simple. Beginners need a horn that's reasonably intonated to avoid developing bad listening habits. While fine-tuning is always necessary, a wildly inaccurate instrument will just make learning harder.
Complexity
Fewer features are better. Fancy mechanisms and alternate keywork options are for advanced players. A simpler design means less to learn and maintain, and generally, a more stable and reliable instrument.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about picking up a bassoon? Fantastic choice - seriously, it's a ridiculously rewarding instrument. But walking into the bassoon world can be overwhelming, especially for a beginner. This isn't about the Stradivarius; it's about finding a horn that won't make you want to chuck it across the rehearsal room before you even manage a decent low C.
Don't chase the 'deal' - seriously, a cheap bassoon is often a false economy. Renting is a fantastic option to start; it lets you try before you buy and avoids a huge initial investment. Look for a horn with a solid bore and decent keywork; that's where the long-term playability comes from.
Be prepared to spend a little more on reeds - they're the key to unlocking a decent sound, and cheap reeds sound awful.
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 student and an intermediate bassoon?
Student models prioritize playability and affordability, often using less seasoned wood and simpler keywork. Intermediate horns offer improved tone, better intonation, and more advanced features, but come with a higher price tag and steeper learning curve.
Should I buy or rent?
Renting is highly recommended for beginners. It allows you to try different models and avoid a significant upfront cost. Buying becomes more sensible once you're committed and know what you want.
What about composite bassoons?
Composite (plastic) bassoons are more durable and less susceptible to humidity changes than traditional wood models. While they might lack some of the warmth of a wood bassoon, they're a great option for students who travel or play in varying climates.
How important are reeds?
Reeds are everything. A great horn can sound terrible with bad reeds, and a decent horn can sound surprisingly good with the right reed. Experiment with different strengths and brands - it's a constant process.
What's a 'bore' and why should I care?
The bore is the internal shape of the bassoon. It heavily influences the tone and response. A wider bore generally produces a darker, richer tone, while a narrower bore can be brighter and more focused. Beginners often benefit from a more forgiving, slightly wider bore.
