Brands

Throughout its history, Fox has sought to find and develop technical expertise and has been receptive to modifying its instruments to suit the needs and tastes of its customers. It supplies a broad base of bassoonists around the world. During the 20th Century, the bassoon has undergone a steady evolution in its 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 characteristics of projection and flexibility, while meeting sophisticated standards for intonation, tone quality and resonance, they 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 five different woods employed in the manufacture of their 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.

Fox Model 601:

The demand for power by modern orchestras prompted the introduction in 1991 of the Model 601 bassoon, which featured thicker walls than earlier designs. This results in longer, larger, more resonant tone holes, and a tone quality that is bigger, yet slightly less concentrated than the short or long bore models. The Model 601 is the longer version and is slightly flatter with a warmer tone quality. It is somewhat more work to play, but it delivers more power when pushed, yet can easily handle soft attacks. It was designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model 660:

The demand for power by modern orchestras prompted the introduction in 1992 of the Model 660 bassoon, which featured thicker walls than earlier designs. This results in longer, larger, more resonant tone holes, and a tone quality that is bigger, yet slightly less concentrated than the short or long bore models. The Model 660 is the shorter version and is pitched slightly higher with a more open tone quality. It is somewhat more work to play, but it delivers more power when pushed, yet can easily handle soft attacks. It was designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model 101:

Introduced in 1968, the short bore model of instruments features a tone quality that is more "open" than the long bore. It is voiced to permit the performer to open up and "sing" in solo register, and its tone quality lends itself to solo performance. It was designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model 201:

Introduced in 1968, the short bore model of instruments features a tone quality that is more "open" than the long bore. It is voiced to permit the performer to open up and "sing" in solo register, and its tone quality lends itself to solo performance. It was designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model I:

Originally designed by Hugo Fox, for 27 years principal bassoon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the long bore design can be identified by a very warm "round" tone, evenly balanced, with excellent intonation throughout the entire range. It is the most secure design and its tone quality fits well into both chamber music and orchestral bassoon parts. It was redesigned and developed in 1970 with higher resonance levels under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. The Model I has more deluxe keywork than the Model II, including a left hand whisper key and extra rollers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model II:

Originally designed by Hugo Fox, for 27 years principal bassoon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the long bore design can be identified by a very warm "round" tone, evenly balanced, with excellent intonation throughout the entire range. It is the most secure design and its tone quality fits well into both chamber music and orchestral bassoon parts. It was redesigned and developed in 1970 with higher resonance levels under the supervision of Alan Fox in conjunction with prominent bassoonists in major symphony orchestras. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers. This series is in normal production in red maple or mountain maple, but black maple, big leaf maple and sugar maple are available to order.

Fox Model III:

Originally introduced in the early 1960s, the Fox Model III bassoon's long bore design can be identified by its very warm "round" tone, with even balance and excellent intonation throughout the entire range The secure acoustical design and the durable, cosmetically pleasing polypropylene body make this a popular choice with military groups, university music programs, schools, individuals seeking a second instrument, and first time buyers interested in a high level of acoustical and cosmetic refinement combined with durability.

Fox Model IV:

Originally introduced in 1965, the Fox Model IV bassoon's long bore design can be identified by its very warm "round" tone, with even balance and excellent intonation throughout the entire range. The secure acoustical design and the durable polypropylene body material make this an economical choice for schools, university music programs, and individuals seeking a second instrument. Budget conscious purchasers of a first instrument also find this a popular choice.

Renard Model 240 Artist:

Introduced in 1994, the Renard 240 (short bore) features a tone quality that is more "open" than the long bore. It is voiced to permit the performer to open up and "sing" in solo register, and its tone quality lends itself to solo performance. Frequently chosen by aspiring bassoonists, it has also been utilized in symphony orchestras around the world.

Renard Model 220 Artist:

Introduced in 1972, the Renard 220 (long bore) can be identified by a very warm "round" tone, evenly balanced, with excellent intonation throughout the entire range. It is the most secure design and its tone quality fits well into both chamber music and orchestral bassoon parts. Like all long bore designs, it features an intonation guarantee that makes it very popular with students and schools.

Renard Model 222:

Introduced in 1971, the Renard Model 222 bassoon's long bore design can be identified by its very warm "round" tone, with even balance and excellent intonation throughout the entire range. The reasonable price and durable wooden body make this instrument a popular choice for new bassoonists and school music programs looking to add a wooden bodied instrument to their bassoon section.

Renard Model 41:

Originally introduced in 1965, the Renard Model 41 bassoon's long bore design can be identified by its very warm "round" tone, with even balance and excellent intonation throughout the entire range. The reasonable price, the secure acoustical design (and the intonation guarantee that come with it), along with the durable polypropylene body, make this a very popular choice for school music programs and beginning bassoonists.

Renard Model 51:

Originally introduced in 1965, the Renard Model 51 bassoon's long bore design can be identified by its very warm "round" tone, with even balance and excellent intonation throughout the entire range. Like the Model 41, this instrument has a durable polypropylene body and a secure acoustical design. In addition, this model features a compact key mechanism that makes it a popular choice for middle school music programs, those starting on bassoon at a young age, and beginning players with smaller hands.

Also available to special order:

Fox Model 900 Contrabassoon

Visit the official Fox website for more information.