AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bassoons for Professional 2026
The top pick is Amati ABN 36 C Contrabassoon ($22,408). Guntram Wolf Bassoon S 2000 gives you the most for the money at $8,514. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 17 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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$22,408 now$22,408€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$22,184 now$22,184€19,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight2.9 kg
The Guntram Wolf S 2000 is a seriously refined instrument, built for the professional or advanced student who demands exceptional intonation and a responsive, warm tone. The meticulous construction and adaptable mechanics make it a joy to play across a wide range of repertoire – it's a workhorse bassoon built to last.
Pros
- Sycamore maple provides exceptional warmth and resonance.
- CNC manufacturing ensures precise intonation and repeatability.
- Frosted resin finish offers robust protection against wear and tear.
Cons
- The robust finish may feel less 'traditional' to some players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,514 now$8,514€7,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The S 2000 Plus is a serious instrument for the seasoned bassoonist who demands top-tier response and a refined, complex tone. Guntram Wolf's attention to detail – from the wood selection to the innovative LCBearing system – truly elevates the playing experience; it’s an investment in a lifetime of musicality.
Pros
- Sycamore maple provides exceptional resonance and tonal complexity.
- LCBearing-System eliminates rattles and maintenance, a significant upgrade.
- 3D-adjustable piano lid caters to diverse player preferences and neck profiles.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a substantial investment for most players.
- The specialized wood treatment may require specific humidity conditions.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$12,044 now$12,044€10,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber WS5016-2-0 is a solid choice for serious intermediate to advanced bassoonists looking for a reliable, well-sounding instrument. It's built with quality materials like sycamore maple and silver-plated keys, offering a great balance of responsiveness and tonal depth. This is a workhorse bassoon designed to support years of musical development.
Pros
- Sycamore maple provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Whisper key lock improves response and intonation accuracy.
- Standard key system offers familiarity for established bassoonists.
Cons
- High-end price point makes it a significant investment.
- Sycamore maple can be susceptible to humidity changes requiring careful maintenance.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,962 now$8,962€7,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber WS5017-2-0 is a beautifully crafted instrument, clearly designed for serious students and professionals. The plateau key and extended mechanics offer a significant upgrade for players seeking greater control and a more comfortable playing experience, especially those with smaller hands. It’s a premium-priced bassoon, but delivers a quality sound and feel that justifies the investment.
Pros
- Sycamore maple provides a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Extended little finger mechanics enhance agility and reach.
- Lengthened keys improve accuracy and a more comfortable feel.
Cons
- The silver-plated mechanism requires regular polishing to prevent tarnish.
- Sycamore maple can be susceptible to humidity changes, requiring careful maintenance.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,522 now$9,522€8,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Schreiber WS5031-2N-0 is a seriously refined instrument, built for the seasoned professional or advanced student seeking a responsive and tonally rich bassoon. The ergonomic design and included bocals make it remarkably versatile, and the German craftsmanship shines through in every detail. It’s a workhorse that’ll serve a player incredibly well for years.
Pros
- Exceptional sycamore maple provides rich, complex tonal color.
- Silver-plated nickel mechanisms offer incredibly smooth, responsive action.
- Dual handmade bocals (KER1 & 2) offer tonal flexibility.
Cons
- The instrument’s weight can be fatiguing during extended performances.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$14,509 now$14,509€12,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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$15,012 now$15,012€13,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The 1357 is a seriously well-built bassoon, offering a warm, resonant tone that’s fantastic for orchestral playing and solo work. It’s a step up for intermediate to advanced players who want a reliable, high-quality instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag. The included bows are a nice bonus, making it a complete package.
Pros
- Bosnian sycamore maple provides exceptional tonal warmth and projection
- High-gloss silver-plating ensures smooth key action and durability
- Comprehensive keywork (24 keys, 5 rings) offers advanced technical capabilities
Cons
- The instrument’s weight, typical of professional bassoons, can be tiring for younger players
- Premium-priced, representing a substantial investment for many musicians
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,459 now$8,459€7,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The WS5010-2-0GB is a serious instrument for the advanced student or professional. The aged grenadilla gives it a rich, complex tone that’s hard to beat, and the German system keywork is precise and responsive—a fantastic choice for players seeking top-tier performance and a beautiful, traditional sound.
Pros
- Aged grenadilla offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- Sycamore maple contributes to responsive keywork and vibration.
- Silver-plated mechanism ensures smooth, reliable action for years.
Cons
- Aged grenadilla bassoons command a premium-priced investment.
- The weight, typical of grenadilla instruments, can be tiring for younger players.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,065 now$8,065€7,198 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$7,841€6,998$7,841€6,998Check ↗
- 12
Guntram Wolf Fg 4 Plus Quart BassoonGuntram Wolf · 2 finishes64Stable$4,592€4,098$4,592€4,098Check ↗
- 13
Oscar Adler & Co. 1357/125 Bassoon AnniversaryOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$7,729€6,898$7,729€6,898Check ↗
- 14
Oscar Adler & Co. 1350 P Bassoon Children ModelOscar Adler & Co.40Stable$5,994€5,349$5,994€5,349Check ↗
- 15
Amati ABN 41 IV BassoonAmati38Stable$5,994€5,349$5,994€5,349Check ↗
- 16
Guntram Wolf Fg 5 Quint-BassoonGuntram Wolf · 2 finishes64Stable$4,090€3,650$4,090€3,650Check ↗
- 17
Thomann BS-100 Children BassoonThomann36Stable$2,239€1,998$2,239€1,998Check ↗
Bassoons by the numbers
Measured across all 19 models we track, not a sample.
Median $8,065 — 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
A professional bassoon needs immediate, clear response across the entire range. Sloppy articulation in the low register is a dealbreaker - you need that low-end thump to anchor the ensemble, but it can't be muddy. The ability to execute rapid passages cleanly is vital.
Tonal Complexity
Forget a one-dimensional tone. We're talking about a bassoon that offers a range of colors, from a dark, woody warmth to a more focused, almost reedy character. The ability to manipulate the tone with subtle embouchure adjustments is paramount; you need headroom to shape your sound.
Keywork Ergonomics & Reliability
Professional gigs aren't the place to be wrestling with sticky keys or a poorly designed layout. Key placement needs to be intuitive, the action consistent, and the mechanism robust enough to handle constant use. A frustrating keywork will impact your performance.
Wood Quality & Stability
The type of wood (Grenadilla being the gold standard) and its seasoning are crucial. A bassoon needs to be stable - minimal cracking, consistent intonation across temperature and humidity changes. This directly impacts the sustain and overall tonal quality. Cheap wood just won't hold up.
Intonation & Adjustment
A professional bassoon shouldn't require constant tweaking. While adjustments are always necessary, a well-made instrument should be reasonably close to perfect right out of the case, and respond predictably to adjustments. Consistent intonation across the range is non-negotiable.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a serious bassoonist. You're past the student models and you're looking for something that'll actually respond to the nuances of your playing and hold up under gigging pressure. Let's be honest, a bassoon isn't just an instrument, it's a commitment - a hefty one. This isn't about finding something 'nice sounding'; it's about finding a tool that lets you shape your tone and cut through a full orchestra or a loud rock band without choking out.
Don't be swayed by marketing hype. A bassoon is a long-term investment, so buy used from a reputable dealer who specializes in wind instruments. A well-maintained older model from a respected maker (Moores, Schreiber, Heckel) often represents better value than a brand-new, less-established instrument.
Be prepared to spend money on a good reed setup - it's the most critical factor in your tone, and cheap reeds will expose any shortcomings in the instrument.
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 'professional' and 'advanced student' bassoon?
The construction quality, wood type, and keywork complexity are vastly different. A pro bassoon offers a far wider tonal palette and better response, while an advanced student model will still be limiting your potential.
Are Heckel bassoons really worth the price?
They're the benchmark for a reason. The tonal consistency, responsiveness, and overall feel are exceptional, but they're an investment. Consider a used model to make it more accessible.
What about Moores bassoons? Are they a good alternative?
Moores are fantastic - often considered to have a slightly darker, more focused tone than Heckels. They're incredibly well-made and a popular choice among professionals, and often available at a lower price point.
How much should I expect to spend?
Realistically, you're looking at $4,000+ for a decent used professional bassoon. Expect to spend more for a Heckel or a newer model. Factor in the cost of reeds, a good case, and potential repairs.
Should I consider a hybrid bassoon (e.g., a wooden body with a synthetic neck)?
Hybrid models can offer some benefits in terms of stability and maintenance, but you'll generally sacrifice some tonal complexity and warmth. They're a decent option for gigging situations where you need something reliable, but a full wood bassoon will always offer the most expressive potential.
