Bassoon of the Week: Fox Model 601
September 26th, 2025
Fox bassoons have been made by Fox Products since the 1950s at their manufacturing facility in Indiana, USA. They have made many thousands of bassoons over the years, covering all levels from entry-level student bassoons to top professional models like the 601.
Fox’s bassoons are known for their accurate intonation and build quality, and their professional models have been used in orchestras the world over for decades.
This is what Fox says about the Model 601:
“The Fox Model 601 is a thick wall bassoon which projects a large, rich tone to meet the needs of soloists and orchestral players. A long bore, thick wall bassoon, the Model 601 is known for producing a rich sound with stability and a powerful low register.”
And here are some quotes from Model 601 customers on Fox’s website:
“My Fox Model 601 bassoon has an open quality in both tone and resistance which makes it really sing.”
“I love my bassoon’s ‘baritone-like’ sound capabilities and that it has such a reliable intonation across all the registers which makes my life so much easier.”
“What drew me to it (the Model 601) was its flexibility and presence of sound”
The Fox Model 601 we have for sale is a great example of this impressive instrument. It has been well looked after and maintained. It is fully loaded with keywork, and unusually comes with two bell joints – the original bell joint and an alternative ‘high resonance’ bell joint from Fox which gives extra depth and projection to the sound – providing the owner an additional option when playing in various contexts. The spare bell fits in the top pocket of the Marcus Bonna case.
Oliver Ludlow’s thoughts on this bassoon after having played it extensively are:
“This is a top professional bassoon in perfect playing condition. It is easy to play, with spot-on intonation, and has great projection, but can be played pianissimo as easily as fortissimo when required.”
If you would like to try this bassoon either make an appointment to come here where you can have ample time to try it alongside our other professional instruments; or arrange to have it on trial using our Try Before You Buy service.
