There are 3 levels of bassoons. Student level, intermediate level, and professional level. Evaluating which category aligns with your playing style will aid in narrowing down your choices.

Talk to the shop where you buy your bassoon and tell them about your goals to help make the best decision.​

You need to verify whether:

None of these points are necessarily deal-breakers but bear in mind the inconvenience and cost of making repairs post-purchase.

Test the intonation and pitch against a tuner (the crook and the reed can affect the pitch, as can adjusting the crook’s insertion into the wing joint).

Play the bassoon (or have a salesperson play it) from the highest to lowest note. Understand that no bassoon, even a brand-new one, possesses perfect intonation; certain notes will be marginally too sharp or flat. While the more you invest, the better the intonation should be, some compromise is inevitable. However, a well set-up bassoon, regardless of age, should offer decent intonation at the least, without compromising your ability to perform to the required standard.

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the layout of the keywork and the specific traits of the bassoon, as every bassoon is unique. This could require several hours of playing depending on your experience.

Once you’ve adapted to the bassoon and any differences in key spacing, etc., verify that you can play it comfortably. If the keys require too much of a stretch, try adjusting the hand-rest. If it’s heavier than you’re accustomed to, try a seat strap or harness. Ultimately, if you can’t achieve comfort with the bassoon

Examine each joint of the bassoon individually by sealing all keys and open tone holes. Cover one end with your hand and blow air into it. If you hear the sound of air escaping, it might indicate that one or more pads are worn out, or improperly positioned (or there’s an unsealed crack, or in the butt joint’s case, the U bend might be improperly seated). Any air leaks could significantly hamper the bassoon’s playability.