Bassoon of the Week: Fox Model II
October 17th, 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 Model II.
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.
The Model II, like the bassoon we currently have for sale, was Fox’s first professional bassoon, and one of the key foundations for their reputation as makers of top-quality professional bassoons.
The original Model II was designed by Hugo Fox, founder of Fox Products, in the 1950s and its concept was based on a contemporary Heckel bassoon – thinner walled and longer in the bore than more modern examples; and it has a similar tone and performance characteristics to the sought-after Heckel 9000/10000 series bassoons of the time.
The Fox Model II is still in production today – a testament to the success of the original design concept.
This is what Fox say about the Model II:
The long bore design can be identified by a very warm "round" tone, evenly balanced, with excellent intonation throughout the entire range. It is the most secure design and its tone quality fits well into both chamber music and orchestral bassoon parts. Like all Fox bassoons, it features freedom of response, intonation, tonal quality, and projection that will satisfy the requirements of the most discriminating performers.
Oliver Ludlow’s thoughts on this bassoon after having played it extensively are:
"The Model II has long been a favourite of many professional bassoonists; it is particularly ideal for chamber music and smaller ensembles, but can cope well with larger orchestras if required. I really enjoyed playing it, and especially like the warm, rounded tone. This example dating from the middle period of Model II production is in great condition and has been fully overhauled by us including a full re-pad, so it will be a reliable and rewarding instrument for many years in the hands of a new owner."
If you are interested in this Fox Model II just get in touch to arrange either to come here to try it or you can have it sent out to you using our Try Before You Buy service.
