Bassoon of the Week: Schreiber Professional (S71)

October 10th, 2025

The Schreiber Bassoon Model Range

Schreiber has been making bassoons in Germany since 1946. The company is well-known for their student models, particularly the S16 - known previously as the 5016 - on which very many bassoonists start out, including Double Reed’s Oliver Ludlow. 

We always try to stock at least one S16 together with Schreiber’s short reach model, the S13, owing to their solid build quality and popularity, but Schreiber also make well-respected premium bassoons as well. The premium model which has been made for the longest (going back to the 1960s) is the model now known as the S71, previously known as the Professional or 5071, and we have a very nice example for sale currently. 

Schreiber’s other premium models are the S31 (or 5031) which sits between the S16 and S71 in the model range, and the S91 (or 5091) which is priced above the S71 and has a few extra rollers and features such as solid silver tone-hole liners. However, the Professional/5071/S71 has long been the go-to choice for anyone looking for a step up from an S16 or other student bassoon. 

The S71/Professional/5071

The Professional/5071/S71 isn’t just an S16 with extra keys and rollers; it is made with a lot more attention to detail using premium maple, it has improved tone and intonation and is an all-round better bassoon. It is a bit of an under-the-radar favourite of ours, and is also something of a bargain second hand so are well worth considering if budget is a priority. 

The example we have on sale currently has been really well looked after and has been serviced by us to a high standard. With silver-plated mechanism, nine rollers, all the keywork you are likely to need and three crooks it would suit anyone looking to move up from a student bassoon; or indeed anyone looking for high performance levels without the usual price tag. 

Oliver Ludlow’s thoughts on this bassoon after having played it extensively are:

“I have always had a soft spot for Schreiber Professionals/S71s. Whatever age they are they invariably produce a really nice tone and have good intonation, with plenty of useful keywork. This one is no exception and is in really good condition as well.” 

The S31 Short Reach 

If you are looking for a professional Schreiber bassoon with short reach keys we have a very rare Schreiber S31 in stock with a full set of factory-fitted short reach keys. This is a bassoon which has never appeared in the standard Schreiber model list and would provide a great option for anyone needing short reach keys but wanting something much more advanced acoustically than an S13.

If you are interested in either the S71/Professional/5071 or the S31 just get in touch to arrange either to come here to try them or to have one of them sent out to you using our Try Before You Buy service.