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Forrests Music Inc
1849 University Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94703
USA
email: sales@forrestsmusic.com
phone: 510-845-7178 800-322-6263
Store hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00AM - 5:30PM PST
Sat: 10:00AM - 5:00PM PST
Sun: Closed
It is 7:42 AM on Tuesday September 16th, 2025. We are closed now.
Closed for New Year's day, Martin Luther King day, President's day, Memorial day, Independence day, Labor day, Thankgiving, Christmas, & Inventory
We offer financing through United Midwest Savings Bank for instrument purchases.
Model 601
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.
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 customised 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. Forrests 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.
Model 240
Renard Bassoons
Intermediate level bassoons made by Fox. There are two basic types of Renard bassoons; long bore and short bore.
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. Forrests' special version of 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. 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.
Model 601
Fox Contrabassoon
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.
Most new and used instruments in stock are available for a one week trial (within the United States, subject to conditions).
Please call Forrests at 800-322-6263 to arrange a trial.

Please call us at 800-322-6263 for current instrument prices and availability.

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