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Moennig Model 208 bassoons were originally made as 'student' bassoons.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