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- 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 redLess expensive cousin to Mountain Maple, having a slightly coarser grain, but similar performance characteristics. maple or
mountainFrom Yugoslavia, the most popular wood. It is of intermediate specific gravity and its warm tone quality places it comfortably in the middle of respected bassoon characteristics. Its main weakness is its relatively high cost, which limits its use to more expensive instruments. It is the standard for all of our professional models. maple, but blackNorth American, derives its original reference in bassoon history to the experiments by Karl Almenrader in the early 1800's. It is heavier than Mountain Maple, resulting in stronger projection with slightly less flexibility. When combined with certain reeds and air columns, the tone quality can be quite lovely, and those who prefer it are usually first chair players. maple is available to order.
German (white ring)
French (metal ring)
Oil varnish, ebony
Oil varnish, light mahogany
Thicker Wall (TW) ShortThe demand for power by modern orchestras has prompted the designs of the two newest models. Both have thicker walls than their earlier counterparts, with longer, larger, more resonant tone holes. Their tone quality is bigger, yet slightly less concentrated than the short or long bore models. They are somewhat more work to play, but they deliver more power when pushed, yet easily handle soft attacks. The Model 660 is slightly shorter, is pitched slightly higher, and is a little more open. Both are designed to accommodate a wide range of mechanical options, with the player being encouraged to select those that are most appealing, including the type of wood.
Nickel silver keys with silver plating
Nickel silver key parts, hinges, and machined parts
Full German system with high D and E keysHigh E keys always involve two keys. The E/F# trill key is a basic key normally found on all bassoons. This also may be called the high Eb key. The high E key connects to the trill E/F# key so that when the high E key is depressed both keys will open. Several variations of high E keys are available. In each case the tone holes involved do not move—only the keys which operate those tone holes are changed.
Right hand whisper key lockA number of mechanisms can be used to control the whisper key. Some of them lock the whisper key in a closed position. Others provide an alternative touch, in addition to the normal touch for the left thumb, with which to close the whisper key. It is recommended that only one whisper key lock be on an instrument. Having both a right and left hand lock can be confusing and might result in one of them being locked when it shouldn’t be. (The whisper key may also be call the “piano key” or the “crook key” and probably many other names as well.)
RollersAll Fox and Renard bassoons include four rollers for the right little finger F/G# keys and the left little finger Eb/C# keys. Many additional rollers are available for Fox models. Renard models 220 and 240 include rollers for the right thumb Bb and F# keys with the crown on the pancake key between them. Additional rollers are not available for Renard models. Rollers are often added to keys to aid in moving between adjacent keys. Most added rollers are for keys operated by the player’s thumbs. The addition of rollers should be done with care as they can, in certain circumstances, be counterproductive. Any key that includes a roller by necessity must be made larger than the same key without a roller. Likewise, the shape of the key must be changed to include the roller, creating a different feel for the player. The combination of a larger key with a different shape can actually inhibit the player instead of aiding them. Finally, if not properly maintained, a roller can be the source of unwanted key noise. In each case, the decision to add a roller or rollers should be taken with the same care that would be used in selecting any option on the instrument. on F, Ab, Eb, and Db
Metal tubes extending into the bore in the finger holes of the wing and boot joints to prevent water from entering the tone holes.
All spring posts are locked with screws
High A Bridge to Whisper Key (Optional)
Right Hand Whisper Key Lock, Type III (Optional)
Left Hand Whisper Key Lock (Optional)
Double High E and F Keys (Optional)
Thumb Ab/Bb Trill Key (Optional)
Right and/or Left Thumb Rollers (Optional)
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