Fox Bassoons
Fox Bassoons Table Of Contents
Fox Bassoons Overview
List of Fox Bassoon models
About Fox Bassoons
Types Of Fox Bassoons
There are three basic types of Fox bassoons; the long bore, short bore, and thick wall.
Long bore models have a warm sound with even and stable intonation.
Short bore models project better, and have more flexibility.
Thick wall models have longer and larger tone holes for more resonance and power. They take a little more effort to play, but yield the sound needed in a large orchestra.
All Fox bassoons have precision made nickel silver key parts, heavily plated with silver for all models except IV, which is nickel plated. Nickel silver tubes are used in the finger holes.List Of Fox Bassoon Models
- Fox Bassoon model 685
Thick Wall
The Fox Model 685 is built in the style of the 680 but with thicker walls and longer tone holes to produce a darker, more concentrated tone and greater dynamic range.
It is a unique design that provides the performer unlimited power as a soloist or member of a large orchestra while preserving the singing quality and flexibility in the tenor register.
Made of aged Mountain or Red Maple, all of the joints in this bassoon are thick wall.
Standard keywork includes rollers on F, Ab, Eb,and Db, right hand rotary whisper lock, high D and E keys, and a high A whisper bridge.
This instrument comes with two professional B bocals #2 and #3 lengths. An extensive list of optional mechanisms allows players to customize the instrument for their individual needs.
- Fox Bassoon model 680
Designed for versatility, the Fox model 680 combines the power and depth of previous 600-level bassoons with the singing, flexible, and expressive tonal characteristics of the 200-level designs.
The 680 provides a dark, concentrated, clear tone with a wide dynamic range to meet the needs of the most discriminating professional bassoonist in every application.
Standard keywork includes rollers on F, Ab, Eb,and Db, right hand rotary whisper lock, high D and E keys, and a high A whisper bridge.
This instrument comes with two professional B bocals #2 and #3 lengths. An extensive list of optional mechanisms allows players to customize the instrument for their individual needs.
- Fox Bassoon model 660
Thick Wall
The Fox model 660 was first introduced in 1992.
A thick-walled design, it has longer and larger tone holes to produce more power. It has a singing, flexible tenor register ideal for soloists and principal orchestral performers.
Standard keywork includes rollers on F, Ab, Eb,and Db, right hand rotary whisper lock, high D and E keys, and a high A whisper bridge.
This instrument comes with two professional B bocals #2 and #3 lengths.
An extensive list of optional mechanisms allows players to customize the instrument for their individual needs.
- Fox Bassoon model 601
Thick Wall
This model has ensured Fox's presence in American symphony halls.
Valued by performers for its effortless, even scale and focused "sparkling core" of tone, this model has made major inroads in American and international orchestras.
Made of Mountain Maple, Black Maple or Red Maple, it is equally appropriate for chamber groups and solo work.
The standard model 601 includes high D and high E keys, and rollers on F, Ab, Eb and Db.
This instrument comes with two professional B bocals #2 and #3 lengths.
An extensive list of optional mechanisms allows players to customize the instrument for their individual needs.
- Fox Bassoon model 201
Short Bore
This model has long been used by many professional players throughout the world.
Its complete mechanism includes high D and E.
There is a choice of maple species and many optional mechanisms to allow customization to the players preference.
- Fox Bassoon model II
Long Bore
Mechanism includes high D and E.
Its warm tone quality and even scale make it the choice of chambers players, doublers and demanding amateurs.
A choice of maple species and many optional mechanisms.
An excellent choice if you want a more customized key system.
- Fox Bassoon model 460
The Fox model 460 is a Red Maple bassoon patterned after the Fox model 660.
This instrument is a modern "thick-walled" design built as a compact, long bell model.
The 460 can produce the power, projection, great intonation, and resonance associated with professional bassoons.
Standard keywork includes six (6) rollers, right hand whisper rotary lock, high D and E keys, high A whisper bridge, and a crowned pancake key.
This instrument comes with two professional B bocals #2 and #3 lengths. Some keywork customization is available
- Fox Bassoon model IV plus
Long Bore
One of our favorite bassoons because of its good intonation and sound mechanism.
This is a handmade bassoon with a polypropylene body.
The metal finger tubes on the wing joint project into the bore to avoid water problems.
Fox bassoon special version includes high D, right hand whisper lock and a Bb guard, and two double star CVX bocals.
An excellent choice for schools, students and amateurs who need a trouble free instrument at a reasonable cost and with lasting value.
- Renard Bassoons
Intermediate level bassoons made by Fox.
There are two basic types of Renard bassoons; long bore and short bore.
Fox Bassoon Bore Size
Long bore models have a warm sound with even and stable intonation.Short bore models project better, and have more flexibility.All Renard bassoons have precision made nickel silver key parts, heavily plated with silver. Nickel silver tubes are used in the finger holes.
- Renard Bassoon model 220
Long Bore
A well-equipped instrument for demanding amateurs, as well as schools and doublers, who are less concerned with the need for symphony hall projection than the even intonation inherent in Fox long bore bassoons.
The mechanism includes high D and E keys, a crown on the pancake key and an extra roller each on the adjacent Bb and F# keys.
Currently made of Black Maple wood. French style bell, silver plated keywork, and two double star CVX bocals.
- Renard Bassoon model 240
Short Bore
Mechanically this is the short bore equivalent of the model 220.
Greater flexibility and projection make this instrument a good choice for skilled amateurs and students.
Made of Red Maple.
- Renard Bassoon model 222 plus
Long bore
A good choice for amateur players, students and schools who want a good maple instrument in a moderate price range.
The model 222 includes high D key, ring key for the wing C, right hand whisper lock, and a Bb guard.
The metal finger tubes on the wing joint project into the bore to avoid water problems. Made of Sugar Maple.
- Renard Bassoon model 41
Redesigned in 1970, the Renard model 41 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability.
It is built with the full German key system with a short reach plateau key for the left hand ring finger.
The model 41 is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions. T
This instrument includes the full German key system with silver plating, rollers for F, Ab, Eb, and Db.
It comes with two C bocals.
- Renard Bassoon model 51
Redesigned in 1970, the Renard model 51 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability.
Built with a modified German system with short reach keys for both hands, this model is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions.
This instrument has rollers for F, Ab, Eb, and Db. It comes with two C bocals.
List Of Fox Contrabassoon Models
Fox has long been the maker of fine contras for major symphony orchestras and conservatories throughout the world. An extensive list of optional mechanisms is available.
Delivery tends to be lengthy, but the reward is worth the wait.
Fox Contrabassoon model 900
The Fox contrabassoon model 900 was introduced in 1971 and continues to be preferred by the most discriminating performers in premier orchestras, opera companies, music schools and conservatories all over the world.
This instrument is made of aged maple with removable inner U-tubes. Standard keywork includes alternate right little finger F# and right forefinger Eb, rollers for F, Ab, Eb, and Db, and a water key on the tuning slide.
This instrument comes with two Fox Contrabassoon bocals.
Key customization is available.
Fox Contrabassoon model 920
The Fox model 920 contrabassoon was created in the fall of 2016.
Based on the model 900, it features the use of specially processed mountain maple for the body, which enhances the sound and performance qualities of the instrument.
It also includes the divorced low E mechanism as a standard feature.
This instrument is made of aged Mountain Maple with removable inner U-tubes.
Standard keywork includes alternate right little finger F# and right forefinger Eb, rollers for F, Ab, Eb, and Db, a water key on the tuning slide, and a divorced low E mechanism.
This instrument comes with two Fox Contrabassoon bocals.
Key customization is available.
History Of Fox Bassoons
Who founded Fox Products?
Hugo Fox founded Fox Products and played bassoon for the Chicago Symphony for almost 30 years.
While in the symphony, he wanted to improve the instrument that he loved and envisioned a high-quality bassoon made entirely in the United States.
After retiring in 1949, he returned home to make that vision a reality.
Where Are Fox Products made?
Today, we continue to embrace Hugo’s commitment to excellence while keeping production in the same location on the Fox family farm in South Whitley, Indiana, USA.
Who understands the qualities a musician is looking for in an instrument better than other musicians? We are committed to providing instruments that meet your needs.
That’s why we enlist top artists in the industry to assist our R&D team.
Musicians are involved in almost every step of our process, including play testing each instrument, so you receive the quality you deserve.
How Are Fox Bassoons Made?
We age our own wood.
We plate our own keys.
We mount keys by hand from parts that we make.
We do the little things ourselves to ensure that your instrument is designed to play the way it was intended.
And the best part? The instruments in our Renard line are made with the same care and attention to detail as our professional models.
This allows Fox Products to deliver the same high-quality standards that have become expected of Fox, regardless of the instrument’s price tag.
List Of Fox Artist Endorsers
Here are the performers and educators that play on Fox Products instruments.
Aaron Hill
Assistant Professor of Oboe at University of Nevada, Reno
Aaron Hill currently serves as Assistant Professor of Oboe at University of Nevada, Reno. He is also Principal Oboe with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra.
Albie Micklich
Professor of Bassoon at Arizona State University
Albie Micklich is Professor of Bassoon at Arizona State and Chair of IDRS Gillet-Fox Bassoon Competition. “Micklich’s playing is strikingly moving and compelling, sowing sensitivity, a gorgeous tone…
Ann Shoemaker
Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Baylor University
Ann Shoemaker is known for her varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. She has given guest solo recitals at universities across the country.
The Breaking Winds
Bassoon Quartet
By performing a uniquely twisted theatrical blend of classical and popular music on their unlikely instruments, the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet aims to demonstrate that music is a universal language.
Elizabeth Koch Tiscione
Principal Oboist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Elizabeth Koch Tiscione joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Principal Oboe at the beginning of the 2007-08 season. She currently holds the George M. and Corrie Hoyt Brown Chair.
Hans Agreda
Principal Contrabassoon of the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra
In addition to playing for the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, Hans Agreda teaches contrabassoon at ZHdk (Zurich University of the Arts).
Jonathan Sherwin
Bassoon and Contrabassoon – The Cleveland Orchestra
In addition to playing for the Cleveland Orchestra, Jonathan Sherwin is active as an educator. He serves on the faculties of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory…
Keith Sweger
Professor of Bassoon for Ball State University
Keith Sweger is Professor of Bassoon at Ball State University and is bassoonist with the Musical Arts Quintet. He is also principal bassoon with Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Ballet Orchestra…
Kristin Wolfe Jensen
Professor of Bassoon, Chamber Collaborative Music Division Head for the University of Texas at Austin
“She obviously sees tone quality as the foundation for her fluent technique…It is a ravishing sound, siren-like in its attractive flair…”. Jensen is also on the faculty of International Festival Institute…
Laura Bennett Cameron
Principal Bassoonist of Dallas Winds
Laura Bennett Cameron is Principal Bassoon of Dallas Winds as well as an Assistant Professor of Bassoon at University of Texas-Arlington.
Matthias Rácz
Principal Bassoonist of the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra and Professor at the Zurich University of the Arts
Matthias Racz has been Principal Bassoon for Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra since 2003. He is also a professor at Hochschule for Music and Theatre in Zurich & artistic director for bassoon for The Muri Competition.
Pedro Díaz
Principal English Horn, Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera
Named Solo English Horn with the Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera in 2005, Pedro Díaz’s playing has been described by critics as evocative, eloquent, and expressive.
Peter Kolkay
Associate Professor of Bassoon at Vanderbilt University
Peter Kolkay is an Associate Professor of Bassoon at Vanderbilt University and a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Shannon Lowe
Assistant Professor of Bassoon at University of Florida School of Music
Shannon Lowe is an Assistant Professor of Bassoon at University of Florida. She also serves as Principal Bassoon for the Albany (GA) Symphony Orchestra.
Susan Tomkiewicz
Professor of Oboe at Columbus State University
Susan Tomkiewicz is Professor of Oboe at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. She is also Acting English Horn and Assistant Principal Oboe of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
Simon Van Holen
Solo-Contrabassoon of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Simon Van Holen enjoys a rich musical career made up of performing, recording, and teaching engagements. He currently serves as Solo-Contrabassoon of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Ted Soluri
Principal Bassoonist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Ted Soluri became principal bassoonist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 2015. Before joining DSO, he held the same position with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (11 years) and Santa Fe Opera (9 years).
Fox Renard Student Model Bassoons
Renard Model 51
The Renard Model 51 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability. Built with short reach key configuration for both hands, this model is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions.
Standard Features Of Fox Bassoon Model 51
Molded polypropylene body
German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Silver-plated keys
Body lock
Renard Model 41
The Renard Model 41 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability. It is built with the full German key system with a short reach plateau key for the left hand ring finger.The Model 41 is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions.
Standard Features Of Fox Bassoon Model 41
Molded polypropylene body
German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
Renard Model 222
Patterned after the Fox Model II, the Renard Model 222 is the entry level, all-maple bassoon manufactured by Fox. Designed for young players, the 222 can be built in several different configurations to provide a high-quality, durable bassoon suitable for players just beginning through high school.
Standard Features Of Fox Bassoon Model 222
Select aged maple body
German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
Fox Renard Intermediate Model Bassoons
Renard Artist Model 220
A solid performer since its introduction in 1972, the Renard Artist 220 is a popular choice that features consistent range, stability, and a warm even tone. It is acoustically patterned after the Fox Model II. The 220 is a great economical choice for students, hobbyists, and schools.
Standard Features Of Renard Artist Model 220
Select, aged maple body
French (metal) bell ring
Lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
Renard Artist Model 240
The Renard Artist Model 240 has been a perennial favorite since its introduction in 1994. Much like the Fox Model 201, the 240 is flexible, free, and easy to play. It is ideal for players in high school through college, serious amateurs, and hobbyists.
Standard Features Of Renard Artist Model 240
Select, aged Red Maple body
French (metal) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing joint and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
Fox Renard Professional Model Bassoons
Introduced in 1970, the Fox Model IV is patterned after the Fox Model II. The Model IV is built from molded polypropylene for durability and is offered with many additional key options.
Standard Features Of Fox Model IV
Molded, hand-finished polypropylene body
German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
Introduced in 1960, the Fox Model III is patterned after the Fox Model II. The Model III is built from molded polypropylene for durability and features metal bands and many additional key options.
Standard Features OF Fox Model III
Molded, hand-finished polypropylene body
German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Reinforcing bands at joints
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Body lock
The Fox Model 460 is a red maple bassoon patterned after the Fox Model 660. This instrument is a modern “thick-walled” design built as a compact, long bell model. The 460 can produce the power, projection, great intonation, and resonance associated with professional bassoons.
Standard Features Of Fox Model 460
Select aged Red Maple body
Compact model with long German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in wing joint and small bore of the boot
Body lock
The grandfather of Fox bassoons, the Model II is a modern version of the original Fox design. Patterned after the bassoons played by Hugo Fox in the Chicago Symphony, the Model II features a round, clear, dark tone that blends well with other instruments.
Standard Features OfFox Model II
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
First offered in 1968, the Fox Model 201 is light and fits comfortably in the player’s hands. It was designed for principal bassoonists who prefer maximum flexibility and sonority in the upper register. Favoring the middle and upper partials tonally, it is responsive and lends itself to expressive performances.
Standard Features Of Fox Model 201
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
The Fox Model 601 was first offered by Fox Products in 1991. Designed to project a large, dark tone to meet the needs of soloists and orchestral players, it was the first Fox design with thicker walls and larger tone holes. In addition, it has extra length in both the bass and wing joints to produce an even greater depth of sound and more powerful low register.
Standard Features Fox Model 601
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
The Fox Model 660 was first introduced in 1992. A thick-walled design, it has longer and larger tone holes to produce more power. It has a singing, flexible tenor register ideal for soloists and principal orchestral performers.
Standard Features Fox Model 660
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Nickel silver water tubes extending into the bore
Designed for versatility, the Fox Model 680 combines the power and depth of previous 600-level bassoons with the singing, flexible, and expressive tonal characteristics of the 200-level designs. The 680 provides a dark, concentrated, clear tone with a wide dynamic range to meet the needs of the most discriminating professional bassoonist in every application.
Standard Features Of Fox Model 680
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
Silver water tubes extending into the bore
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Compact model: four-piece (long bell) or five-piece (divided bass joint with additional metal band) design
The Fox Model 685 is built in the style of the 680 but with thicker walls and longer tone holes to produce a darker, more concentrated tone and greater dynamic range. It is a unique design that provides the performer unlimited power as a soloist or member of a large orchestra while preserving the singing quality and flexibility in the tenor register.
Standard Features Of Fox Model 685
Select, aged Mountain or Red Maple body
Silver water tubes extending into the bore
French (metal) or German (white synthetic ivory) bell ring
Natural rubber lining in the wing and small bore of the boot
Compact model: four-piece (long bell) or five-piece (divided bass joint with additional metal band) design
Fox Bassoon Serial Number Look Up
Fox Bassoon Resources
Fox Bassoon Resources For Parents And Teachers
Bassoon Instruction Guides
Bassoon Informational Guides
Fox Products Manufacturing Videos
Fox Products Bassoon Family Manufacturing Video
Fox Products Overview - Handcrafted Double Reed Instruments
People also ask
Bassoon FAQ's
Are Fox bassoons good?
What Fox bassoon is good for a beginner?
For the beginning bassoonist, we recommend the Fox 41, 51 or 222. These bassoons are made with fewer advanced features and polypropylene or less select wood in order to keep the price more reasonable for a beginner.
What size are bassoons?
The bassoon is an unusually long instrument, nearly four and a half feet in length. Since the tube of the instrument has a folded shape, it would reach almost twice that if extended to its full length!
How much do bassoons cost?
What's the cost of a bassoon?
A new bassoon can have a list price ranging from under $5000 to over $20,000. Many popular models are discounted by dealers and a bit of shopping around can be worth the effort. Used instruments can cost from about $2000 to as much as a new instrument.
What is the role of a bassoons?
The modern bassoon plays an important role in the orchestra due to its versatility and wide range. The bassoon plays the role of tenor and bass in the orchestral double reed section (the oboe and English horn play soprano and alto, respectively).
How high can a bassoon play?
The range of the bassoon begins at B♭1 (the first one below the bass staff) and extends upward over three octaves, roughly to the G above the treble staff (G5).
Why bassoon is the best instrument?
It has a unique sound. From the rich, growling timbre of its low notes, through the stately, lyrical sweetness of the middle, and up to the penetrating highs, the bassoon has one of the most characterful, complex and flexible sounds of any instrument.
What makes the bassoon unique?
Obliquely cut tone holes.
That most of the tone holes are not perpendicular to the surface of the instrument's body but are instead cut obliquely is one characteristic feature of the bassoon, and it could probably also be said that the structure also contributes to the unique timbre produced by the instrument.
Why is the bassoon called the clown of the orchestra?
The bassoon has been called the “clown of the orchestra” because of its ability to produce a bright staccato sound and the jovial and comedic quality of its low register.
What do you call a person who plays a bassoon?
A musical instrument consisting of a long wooden tube that you hold upright and play by blowing into a thin metal pipe that holds a double reed. It can produce very low sounds. A bassoon is a woodwind instrument. Someone who plays the bassoon is called a bassoonist.
Is bassoon the hardest instrument?
The bassoon is one of the most difficult instruments in the orchestra to play, but people just don't take it seriously. That's not surprising when you get a glimpse of the thing: It's a double-reed instrument that looks like someone turned a bong into a saxophone.
Which is harder oboe or bassoon?
The bassoon is harder than the oboe due to its very complex fingering system, larger size, and lack of control in the higher range. On the other hand, the oboe's tiny reed makes the embouchure harder than the bassoon. Both are quite challenging with regards to intonation and producing good sound.
Can you tune a bassoon?
To tune the bassoon, the bocal can be changed. Also, when a high pitch is sought, aside from switching to a longer bocal, it is also possible to pull the bocal out from the tenor joint a little.
Are bassoon players in demand?
You will be in demand since conductors are looking for bassoonists. 7. If you are thinking about music in college, many colleges are looking for bassoonists and offer nice scholarships. See Bassoon Scholarships
How heavy is a bassoon?
Bassoons weigh about 7 1/2 pounds.