A player with small hands will need a short-reach bassoon.

Standard Reach versus Short Reach Model

The Left Hand

The short-reach bassoon was created to reduce the stretch between the left thumb and ring finger needed to play the second space C.  This note requires the player to press the whisper key with the left thumb while also covering the third hole (C) on the front of the wing joint with the left ring finger. The stretch is reduced by placing a covered key with a tab over the C hole. This ensures the C hole will be fully covered for good response on the C and all successively lower notes.

The standard reach model will have a b-flat trill key which is not included on the short reach model. The distance between the A tone hole and G key is smaller on the short reach model, making it ideal for smaller hands.

                                

NOTE: The b-flat trill key is not commonly used so if your bassoon has one, ignore this additional key for now and be sure your ring finger stays on the G key which is wider and flatter than the b-flat trill key.

Buying a short reach bassoon

Nobel bassoons.

The least expensive short reach models are Nobel bassoons. They are made in China but are available in the US. I’ve used these instruments for music teacher “Come and Play” sessions and was impressed by their quality and price.

Bassoons – Nobel Instruments

Nobel Bassoons are ideal for beginning players who desire flexibility and durability at an affordable cost. These bassoons have been tested and proven by professional bassoonists around the world. These instruments are ideal for starting players, professionals who want an option to play outdoors, or school programs looking for durable, reliable and quality bassoons at a better price point than the competition.

Additional information at Nobel Bassoons

Moosmann bassoons

Moosmann bassoons are generally slightly less expensive than Fox bassoons. They are made in Germany but are available in the US.

Note: I appreciate the flexibility and richness of the tone quality of these instruments. However, with flexibility comes responsibility.  That means the flexibility of tone quality comes with flexibility of intonation.

Moosmann Student Compact Bassoon M20C | Miller Marketing (millermarketingco.com)

Fox bassoons

Fox bassoons are the most expensive student instruments by a small margin.  They are made in the United States (Indiana).

Fox bassoons are consistent and reliable and are the most popular student bassoon in the US.

Short reach bassoons – Fox Products

The Renard Model 41 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability. It is built with the full German key system with a short reach plateau key for the left-hand ring finger. The Model 41 is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions.

The Renard Model 51 provides a unique combination of playability, practicality, and durability. Built with a short reach key configuration for small hands, this model is suitable for beginning or middle school students and for budget-conscious schools and institutions.

Note: Chip Owen wrote an article titled “Bassoon Modifications for Small Hands” for the Fox Products Corporation. It describes the many modifications available on Fox bassoons.