Best
Overall Double Reed Instrument
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Overall: Made from the highest quality woods
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Best Feature: Fully customizable, with options for tone hole placement, keywork, and other specifications
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TedScore: 10/10
Best
Oboe for Beginners
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Overall: Made with ABS resin body
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Best Feature: With a semiautomatic, simplified conservatoire system
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TedScore: 9/10
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Student Bassoon
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Overall: Made with a red maple body for an exceptionally rich and resonant tone
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Best Feature: Boasts a full German system with high D and E keys
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TedScore: 9/10
Bassoon vs Oboe – have you ever found yourself confused when trying to tell the difference between a bassoon and an oboe? Don’t worry. You’re not alone!
These two woodwind wonders might look similar (from afar), but they each have their own unique qualities that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the world of bassoons and oboes. Get ready to discover the similarities and differences between these two fascinating instruments. It’s time to unravel the mysteries of these two wind instruments!
Brief History of the Bassoon and Oboe
The bassoon and oboe are both members of the woodwind family of instruments.
The oboe is thought to have originated in France in the 17th century, while the bassoon has been around since the 16th century.
The bassoon was originally known as the fagot and was made from a single piece of wood with a double reed attached. On the other hand, the oboe was made from boxwood and had a single oboe reed.
Over time, both instruments evolved into the forms we know today. The bassoon became longer and more complex, with a U-shaped bend in the tubing, while the oboe became smaller and more refined. Today, the modern oboe and bassoon are used in various musical genres, from classical to jazz to pop.
Differences Between the Bassoon and Oboe
Physical Characteristics
The most obvious difference between the bassoon and the oboe is their size. The bassoon is a larger instrument, measuring almost four and a half feet long. Attached at its tip is a fine metal tube called the bocal to connect the bassoon reed to its body.
On the other hand, the length of the oboe is a mere 26 inches. The bassoon is also curved, while the oboe is straight. The bassoon also has a wider bore, contributing to its distinctive sound.
Sound Production
While both instruments are made of wood and use a double reed to produce sound, their sound is quite different. The bassoon has a rich, deep, and mellow tone. It’s a bass clef instrument (sometimes tenor clef) found in the key of C.
While the oboe, another treble clef instrument, is always found tuning in the key of C. It has a brighter, more nasal sound. The bassoon’s larger and wider bore contributes to its lower range, while the oboe’s smaller and narrower bore gives it a higher range.
Range and Repertoire
The bassoon has a larger range than the oboe, spanning over three octaves. It can also produce a wider variety of sounds, from soft and mellow to loud and brassy.
Conversely, the oboe has a more limited range, spanning just over two octaves. However, it’s a highly versatile instrument in various musical genres, from classical to jazz to pop.
Similarities Between the Bassoon and Oboe
These two instruments are members of the woodwind family and share several similarities. Both the bassoon and oboe have a conical bore, which means that the diameter of the tubing gradually increases from the reed to the bell.
They also use a double reed made of two thin pieces of cane that vibrate against each other to produce sound. The key system of the bassoon and oboe is quite similar, with both the oboe and bassoon featuring a complex system of keys and levers that the player must manipulate to produce different notes.
Another similarity between the bassoon and oboe is that they can produce a wide range of notes, from soft and delicate to loud and powerful. Both instruments require great skill and practice and are often used in orchestral and chamber music settings.
Best Bassoon Brands on the Market
Best Bassoon for Beginners
DESIGNED FOR: ensemble players
FEATURES: Made with maple body for warm, bright tones
OTHER INFO: With four rollers for a comfortable key transition
Schreiber S10 Bassoon
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has an expertly filed sound hole for accurate intonation
- Provides dynamic playability
- Has a natural finish for a stunning look
- Only has one crook instead of two, which may limit the range of playing options
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore.
