Instruments

Defining the Bassoon

Bassoons
Written by Alan Fox
During the 20th Century, the bassoon underwent a steady evolution in performance characteristics, responding to long-term trends in the pitch of orchestras as well as to the demands of larger concert halls and the varying tastes of performers and audiences throughout the world. In an effort to provide instruments with maximum projection and flexibility, while meeting sophisticated standards for intonation, tone quality and resonance, we have reviewed (and in some cases, resurrected) many of the earlier methods, materials, and acoustical designs that are currently in use in professional orchestras. The results show up in four different woods employed in the manufacture of our instruments, each of which has been combined, experimentally, with most of the acoustical designs, the most interesting ones being offered as options to the appropriate models.
Read more...

Fox Model 660 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Thick Wall (Short)

Thick wall bassoons are known their bigger and more resonant sound. The model 660 is voiced for use around A:442. This provides a more open tone quality compared to lower pitched models. It also provides a sense of greater flexibility to the player.

Fox Model 101 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Symphony Bore (Short)

Accoustically, the 101 is identical to the model 201 bassoon. The difference between them is in the addition of ten rollers for the right and left hand thumbs.

Fox Model I Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Symphony Bore (Long)

The model I bassoon is acoustically identical to the model II bassoon. The difference between them is in the addition of ten rollers for the right and left hand thumbs.

Fox Model IV Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Symphony Bore (Long), Polypropylene Body

The model IV was the original Fox plastic bassoon. Standard keywork includes a high D key and a ring key. With its plastic body it is an ideal choice for a well-equipped, low-cost bassoon.

Renard Artist Model 220 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

(Long Bore)

Mechanically identical to the Renard model 240 bassoon. The tonal warmth and scale of the long bore gives a good choice between the 240 and the 220. The secure performance and superior intonation of the long bore design will provide excellent performance for advancing school bassoonists.

Renard Model 41 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Polypropylene Body

An ideal instrument for middle school use or budget-conscious high schools. Good sound, excellent intonation, durable body and keywork. It's a perfect choice for college methods classes.

Fox Model 900 Contrabassoon

Contrabassoons

Back

Front

Introduced in 1971, the Fox Contrabassoon was designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent contrabassoonists from major symphony orchestras around the world. A continuing research and development program, conducted by Alan Fox, Chip Owen, and numerous professional players, has lead to the use of the Fox contrabassoon in many of the world's major symphony orchestras, opera companies, and music schools and conservatories.

Fox Oboe Model 800

Oboes

Front

Select Grenadilla body with metal lined tenon sockets and silver plated posts, bands, and bell ring. Stainless steel arbors and wire springs. Nickel silver keys with nickel silver hinge tubing and heavy silver plating. Handmade full conservatory mechanism including split ring E(flat)-E trill key, F(sharp) key tab, third octave key, low B(flat) vent key, left hand F, alternate C, articulated C(sharp), and bell key adjusting screw. Cork pads on low C and above. Adjustable Thumb Rest. Teflon tipped stainless steel adjusting screws.

Fox Oboe Model 450

Oboes

Front

Select Grenadilla lower joint and bell. High quality plastic resin upper joint. Metal lined tenon sockets and silver plated posts, bands, and bell ring. Stainless steel arbors and wire springs. Nickel silver keys with nickel silver hinge tubing and heavy silver plating. Handmade full conservatory mechanism including split ring E(flat)-E trill key, F(sharp) key tab, third octave key, low B(flat) vent key, left hand F, alternate C, and articulated C(sharp). Cork pads on low C and above. Teflon tipped stainless steel adjusting screws.

Renard Oboe Model 330 Artist

Oboes

Front

High quality plastic resin body. Bore hand reamed and finished by Fox craftsmen. Silver plated posts, bands, and bell ring. Stainless steel arbors and wire springs. Nickel silver keys with nickel silver hinge tubing and heavy silver plating. Handmade modified conservatory mechanism including left hand F, alternate C, and articulated C(sharp), with the exception of the split ring E(flat)-E trill key, A(flat)-B(flat) adjustment mechanism, 3rd octave key, and low B(flat) vent key. Cork pads on low C and above, F(sharp) key tab, Teflon tipped stainless steel adjusting screws.

Model 500 - Fox English Horn

English Horns

500 English Horn

Select Grenadilla body with metal lined tenon sockets and silver plated posts, bands, and bell ring. Stainless steel arbors and wire springs. Nickel silver keys with 18% nickel silver hinge tubing and heavy silver plating. Full conservatory system plus third octave key and low B vent key. Cork pads on low C and above. Teflon tipped stainless steel adjusting screws. Each instrument comes with two standard Fox Model XL English horn bocals (numbers 2 & 3).

Model 520 - Fox English Horn

English Horns

Front

High quality plastic resin body. Bore hand reamed and finished by Fox craftsmen. Silver plated posts, bands and bell ring. Stainless steel arbors and wire springs. Nickel silver keys with 18% nickel silver hinge tubing and heavy silver plating. Full conservatory system plus third octave key and low B vent key. Cork pads on low C and above. Teflon tipped stainless steel adjusting screws. Each instrument comes with two standard Fox Model XL English horn bocals (numbers 2 & 3).

Fox Model 601 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back

Thick Wall (Long)

Thick wall bassoons are known for their bigger and more resonant sound. The model 601 is voiced for use close to A:440 which gives it a warmer tone compared to higher pitched models. This design can deliver more power when pushed; yet can still easily handle soft attacks.

Fox Model 201 Bassoon

Bassoons

Front

Back