Schreiber S10 Bassoon Review

The Schreiber S10 bassoon can best be described as a more affordable Schreiber S16 bassoon but without compromise on quality. It is a Schreiber full size bassoon, identical in every way to the Schreiber S16 bassoon for sale currently, but sold with one crook instead of two, and with some lesser used keys removed to reduce cost. It still has a high D key, and all of the other keys that most people use regularly.

Schreiber S10 bassoon

• Key-work included on this bassoon are: high D key, four rollers, extra low C key, extra RH little finger F sharp key, E-F sharp trill key
• Keys included in the S16 bassoon but left off this bassoon are the whisper key lock, C sharp trill, extra B flat for RH third finger, extra G sharp for RH thumb

If you are looking for a second hand Schreiber 5016 bassoon, take a look at the used Schreiber S10 bassoon we have for sale as well.

 So what's the build quality of this Schreiber S10 bassoon like?

We have completely disassembled this bassoon in our workshops (during its pre-sale service) and inspected it very closely. As far as we can tell, the bore and tone hole dimensions are identical to the Schreiber S16 bassoon, the S10's more expensive brother. We felt that the Schreiber S10 has a lovely build quality about it. The silver plate is thick and durable, with a bright shine. The key work feels solid and fits on the instrument well. We especially love the matt varnish, which Schreiber has started using recently, instead of the high gloss varnish they have traditionally been using. The matt finish gives it much more natural look, and it reminds us of the old oil based varnish that Heckel used to use which ages beautifully. We are also told by bassoon manufacturers we have spoken to that the matt varnish has a positive effect on the sound of the bassoon. The matt varnish is slightly softer than the traditional, brittle acrylic varnish used on bassoons, and it is slightly less inhibiting on the resonances of the wood when the bassoon is played.

How does it play?

Our first impression when playing the Schreiber S10 bassoon is of a surprisingly powerful sound. It is pleasantly free blowing. Then, listening more closely, the intonation is accurate and the tone quality is smooth, with plenty of resonance. The key work feels the same as the S16 - comfortable to the touch. The lesser keys that have been removed to reduce cost aren't really missed, but that depends on your personal preference. This is certainly a super bassoon for the money, and we highly recommend it.

Double Reed Ltd. are bassoon specialists and we love to talk about bassoons. If you have a question or query, leave a comment on this blog or contact at us at our Website

Top 5 Rock Song Covers (Played On The Bassoon)

The bassoon may not be in the same category as the electric guitar or drumkit when it comes to the genre of rock music, but that hasn't stopped numerous musicians from covering their favourite rock songs on the bassoon and uploading the results onto YouTube.

Here are our Top 5 rock songs covered using bassoons...

1) Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Four bassoonists from University of Wisconsin-Madison - Brian Ellingboe, Dave Wells, Theresa Koenig and Marc Vallon - play a cracking rendition of arguably Freddie Mercury's band's finest musical moment.

2) The Who's "Baba O'Riley"

Jeff Burke is a Canadian bassoonist who busks in Toronto's subway stations. In addition to playing a number of unusual covers on the bassoon, including songs by Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against The Machine, he's been filmed playing a wonderful rendition of The Who's "Baba O'Riley" (famous these days for its appearance as the theme music for the TV show CSI: New York), which seems to work really well on the bassoon.

3) Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train"

At only 13-years-old at the time that this video was recorded (in 2011), YouTube user jmurphy1719's only contribution to the video sharing site is this cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," which the infamous Ozzy recorded and performed after he left Black Sabbath.

4) Coldplay's "The Scientist"

YouTuber bassoonarama recorded a number of bassoon covers a couple of years ago - mostly pop songs including songs by Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson. While Coldplay are not quite pop music (but about as close to pop as you can get), we really like this cover of "The Scientist." There's a bit of a long intro, so if you want to jump straight to the music, you'll want to fast-forward to around the 1:25 mark.

5) Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'"

Last but not least is the only video in our Top 5 to include other instruments beside the bassoon. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar and a keyboard being used as a drum machine, these guys rock the Journey classic, which achieved a revived fame a few years ago when it was covered on the TV show Glee.

And that's it! What's the best rock song that you've heard covered on a bassoon? Please let us know in the comments below.

Old Moennig Bassoons - Best Buy or Best Avoided?

Wowzers! The Gebrüder Mönnig 208 bassoon. What can we say? It is one of the most well known bassoons ever made. It has become a classic, and with its accurate intonation and free blowing sound it is easy to see why.

The original Moennig Brothers! Hans and Fritz Mönnig

The makers of these bassoons really knew what they were doing. Did you know, instrument making in the Mönnig family goes back to Johann Karl Friedrich Mönnig, born in 1789? Gebrüder Mönnig (In English - The Moennig Brothers) took over the firm in 1906, but their father Heinrich had been making bassoons since 1875!

Incidentally, Hans Mönnig Jr., the son of Hans Mönnig of The Moennig Brothers (photographed here - smile!), moved to America in 1923 and set up business as a repairer. He soon became one of the most respected bassoon technicians in the world, described by Marvin Roth, who knew him, as a legend.

Moennig Model 208 bassoons were originally made as 'student' bassoons. This means that they are at least suitable for an aspiring bassoon student in need a bassoon he/she can rely on. Actually, it may be a surprise, but these bassoons have been, and still are, played professionally by some British players. 

The old model 208 Moennig bassoons are no longer made but they can be exceptional instruments. If you are considering buying one, be sure to choose a nice example, as some of these bassoons were bought by schools and were not well looked after. Here is a picture of a near perfect condition Moennig bassoon we have in stock currently, which sounds quite exceptional for a bassoon that is usually classed as a 'student' instrument. 

Best Buy? I should think so!

Used Moennig Model 208 Bassoon - Double Reed Ltd.

Double Reed Ltd. are bassoon experts. For advice on anything bassoon related, find us at  www.DoubleReed.co.uk