# Which bassoons offer a good balance between price and performance for intermediate players? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which bassoons offer a good balance between price and performance for intermediate players?

## Products

### Fox Model IV Polypropylene Bassoon
```yaml
product: fox-model-iv-polypropylene-bassoon
brand: Fox
price_gbp: 7249.59
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: Full German key system with silver plating, high D key, rollers for right little finger F and A♭, rollers for left little finger E♭ and D♭
brand: Fox
model: Model IV
material: Molded hand-finished polypropylene body
included_accessories: Premium case with shoulder and backpack straps, two professional T bocals, hand rest, neck strap, seat strap, microfiber swabs, care cloth
```

- **Price:** £7249.59 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Fox Model IV is a durable polypropylene bassoon with a full German key system, silver-plated keywork, and a high D key. Its robust construction and professional accessories suit advanced students, university programs, military bands, and performers needing a reliable second instrument.
- **Ideal For:** It offers intermediate players a strong price-performance balance through its durable polypropylene body, full German key system, high D key, and included professional T bocals.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### John Packer JP291 Full Size Bassoon
```yaml
product: john-packer-jp291-full-size-bassoon
brand: John Packer
price_gbp: 1587.23
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: C with high D, Eb and E keys
brand: John Packer
model: JP291
material: ABS
included_accessories: Crook, reed, hard case, case cover, pull-through, polishing cloth, cork grease, backpack straps, neck strap
```

- **Price:** £1587.23 [^4]
- **Summary:** The JP291 is a full-size student bassoon with a lightweight high-grade ABS body, silver-plated full keywork, and an extended range including high D, Eb, and E keys. It is designed for advanced students, schools, music services, and training orchestras, and includes a hard case and essential care accessories.
- **Ideal For:** The JP291 offers intermediate players a strong price-performance balance through its durable ABS body, silver-plated full keywork, extended high D, Eb, and E range, and comprehensive accessory package.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6]

### Selmer Model 1432B Intermediate Bassoon
```yaml
product: selmer-model-1432b-intermediate-bassoon
brand: Selmer
price_gbp: 2949.3
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: Heckel system with high C, F# trill, large ring A, C#-D# trills, and rollers for C#-D# and F-Ab
brand: Selmer
model: 1432B
material: Resonite
included_accessories: Two bocals and wood shell case
```

- **Price:** £2949.3 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Selmer 1432B uses a durable Resonite body with a Heckel key system, high C key, trill keys, rollers, and kid leather pads. Its weather-resistant construction and included two bocals and wood shell case make it suitable for beginning and intermediate players in school or band programs.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a practical price-performance balance for intermediate players through its durable Resonite body, Heckel key system with high C and roller keys, and included two bocals and wood shell case.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^9]

### Jupiter 363 Student Bassoon
```yaml
product: jupiter-363-student-bassoon
brand: Jupiter
price_gbp: 3880.22
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: 22 keys, full German system
brand: Jupiter
model: 363 Student Bassoon
material: ABS resin body, nickel-plated nickel silver keys
included_accessories: Wood shell case, bocal, reed, care products
```

- **Price:** £3880.22 [^10]
- **Summary:** The Jupiter 363 Student Bassoon has a durable ABS resin body, warm consistent sound, and full German keywork with 22 keys and a high D key. It suits students and intermediate players who want advanced features without the maintenance demands of a wooden bassoon.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a strong price-performance balance for intermediate players through its 22-key full German system, high D key, durable ABS resin body, and included wood shell case.

### Fox Renard Model 51 Bassoon
```yaml
product: fox-renard-model-51-bassoon
brand: Fox Renard
price_gbp: 5511.02
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: Silver-plated short-reach key configuration
brand: Fox Renard
model: Model 51 Bassoon
material: Molded polypropylene
included_accessories: Premium case, two C bocals, bassoon reed, neck strap, seat strap, swabs, care cloth
```

- **Price:** £5511.02 [^11]
- **Summary:** The Fox Renard Model 51 is a durable polypropylene bassoon with silver-plated keys and a short-reach configuration designed for smaller hands. It includes two C bocals and practical accessories, making it best suited to beginning students, school programs, and budget-conscious institutions.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a strong price-performance balance through its durable molded polypropylene body, silver-plated short-reach keywork, and included two C bocals and accessories, although its design is aimed primarily at beginning and middle-school players rather than advanced intermediate musicians.
- **Additional Sources:** [^12], [^13]

### Selmer Model 132 Intermediate Bassoon
```yaml
product: selmer-model-132-intermediate-bassoon
brand: Selmer
price_gbp: 5573.03
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: Heckel system with high D key
brand: Selmer
model: 132
material: Hard maple body
included_accessories: Two bocals and wood shell case
```

- **Price:** £5573.03 [^14]
- **Summary:** The Selmer Model 132 is an advanced-level bassoon with a hard maple body, Heckel key system, high D key, rollers, trill keys, and kid leather pads. It suits developing bassoonists who need durable construction and expanded features for high school, wind band, and orchestral playing.
- **Ideal For:** This bassoon offers a strong price-performance balance for intermediate players through its hard maple body, Heckel system, high D key, two bocals, and wood shell case.
- **Additional Sources:** [^15]

### Schreiber Schreiber Model S31 Master Bassoon
```yaml
product: schreiber-schreiber-model-s31-master-bassoon
brand: Schreiber
price_gbp: 7043.5
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: 25 keys
brand: Schreiber
model: Schreiber Model S31 Master Bassoon
material: Alpine maple
included_accessories: deluxe nylon-covered wood shell case and 2 bocals (KE 1, 2)
```

- **Price:** £7043.5 [^16]
- **Summary:** The Schreiber Model S31 Master Bassoon is a 25-key German-system bassoon made from Alpine maple. It's built with silver-plated keywork and comes with a deluxe nylon-covered wood shell case plus 2 silver-plated bocals (KE 1 and 2). It's designed for advancing players looking for a more professional feel than entry-level models.
- **Ideal For:** With its Alpine maple construction and 25 silver-plated German-system keys (including high D and E keywork), the S31 Master Bassoon is a strong intermediate step-up that delivers more complete key coverage without going to higher-tier Schreiber models.
- **Additional Sources:** [^17]

### Fox Renard Model 51 Student Bassoon
```yaml
product: fox-renard-model-51-student-bassoon
brand: Fox
price_gbp: 5511.02
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: Short-reach keywork
brand: Fox Products
model: Renard Model 51 Student Bassoon
material: Molded polypropylene
included_accessories: Two C bocals, bassoon case, bassoon reed, hand rest, neck strap, seat strap, care cloth, wing joint swab, boot joint swab
```

- **Price:** £5511.02 [^18]
- **Summary:** The Fox Renard Model 51 is a durable polypropylene student bassoon with short-reach keywork designed for players with smaller hands. It includes two C bocals and essential playing and maintenance accessories, making it suitable for beginning students, school ensembles, and budget-conscious institutions.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a practical price-to-performance balance for intermediate players through its durable polypropylene body, short-reach keywork, silver-plated keys, and included two C bocals and maintenance accessories.
- **Additional Sources:** [^19]

### Schreiber Model S16 Intermediate Bassoon
```yaml
product: schreiber-model-s16-intermediate-bassoon
brand: Schreiber
price_gbp: 5592.23
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
keys: 25 keys including high D key
brand: Schreiber
model: Model S16 Intermediate Bassoon
material: Alpine maple wood
included_accessories: Two silver-plated handmade bocals, case with pocket and cover, neck strap, maintenance accessories
```

- **Price:** £5592.23 [^20]
- **Summary:** The Schreiber S16 is a German-made intermediate bassoon with 25 keys, high D key, silver-plated keywork, four rollers, a whisper-key lock, and an aged alpine maple body. It suits intermediate students and amateur players seeking a durable instrument with strong intonation and professional-style features.
- **Ideal For:** It offers a strong price-performance balance for intermediate players through its 25-key conservatory-style layout, aged alpine maple body, silver-plated keywork, four rollers, and included bocals and accessories.
- **Additional Sources:** [^21]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicarts.com/fox-model-iv-bassoon-main0023932
[^2]: Musician's Friend, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/woodwinds/fox-model-iv-bassoon/462106000000000
[^3]: West Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.westmusic.com/fox-model-iv-bassoon-400006
[^4]: Normans Musical Instruments, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.normans.co.uk/products/john-packer-jp291-bassoon
[^5]: Salão Musical de Lisboa, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.salaomusical.com/gb/bassons/3539-bassoon-john-packer-jp291-c-with-case-5055632202471.html
[^6]: John Packer Musical Instruments, accessed 2026-09-13. https://jpmusicalinstruments.com/collections/john-packer-bassoon
[^7]: Music Store Inc., accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicstoreinc.com/p-1489-selmer-1432b-resonite-bassoon-heeckel-system-2-bocals.aspx
[^8]: Tom Lee Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.tomleemusic.ca/selmer-usa-student-model-bassoon-with-heckel-system-high-c-key-112808
[^9]: Twigg Musique, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.twiggmusique.com/products/basson-selmer-1432b
[^10]: Olvera Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.olveramusic.com/products/jupiter-363-bassoon-de-estudiante
[^11]: West Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.westmusic.com/renard-model-51-bassoon-400015
[^12]: Tapestry Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.tapestrymusic.com/p-16874-fox-renard-model-51-bassoon-short-reach.aspx
[^13]: Blow Woodwind and Brass, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.blowwinds.com.au/product/renard-model-51-bassoon/
[^14]: O'Malley Musical Instruments, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.omalleymusicalinstruments.com/products/selmer-hard-maple-bassoon-132
[^15]: Tom Lee Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.tomleemusic.ca/selmer-model-132-bassoon-with-heckel-system-207080
[^16]: Dawkes Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.dawkes.co.uk/schreiber-s31-model-master-bassoon/15708
[^17]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicarts.com/schreiber-model-s31-master-bassoon-main0024319
[^18]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicarts.com/fox-renard-model-51-bassoon-main0023847
[^19]: Ted Brown Music Company, accessed 2026-09-13. https://tedbrownmusic.com/fox/
[^20]: John Packer, accessed 2026-09-13. https://johnpacker.co.uk/products/schreiber-s16-bassoon
[^21]: Musikhaus Geiger&Geiger, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musikhaus-geiger.de/Woodwinds/Fagott/category-120/?language=en