Woodwind · Product Review Specification and market analysis
Fox Products Model 900
The industry-standard professional contrabassoon, built by the world's largest bassoon manufacturer since 1971. There is no student or intermediate equivalent — this model (or its step-up sibling, the Model 920) is the realistic starting point for any institution or established bassoonist acquiring a contrabassoon today.
Sold through authorised dealers
This instrument is not sold online or through general retailers. The manufacturer supplies it exclusively through its authorised dealer network, which is normal at this tier — a dealer sets the instrument up, handles warranty work, and can usually arrange a trial before purchase. Find an authorised dealer.
Key specifications
| Manufacturer | Fox Products |
|---|---|
| Product status | Current |
| Body | Aged black maple, acrylic enamel finish (mahogany or ebony) |
| Key System | Full German (silver-plated), with alternate right forefinger E-flat key |
| Additional Keywork | Right little finger F and A-flat rollers; divorced low E mechanism |
| Bocals Included | Two, lengths #2 and #3 |
| Reeds Included | Two Fox contrabassoon reeds |
| Case | Aluminum shell case, plus end pin and fingering chart |
| In Production Since | 1971 |
| Model | 900 |
| Introduced | 1971, designed and developed under the supervision of Alan Fox |
| Finish | Acrylic enamel in mahogany or ebony |
| Keywork | Full German system |
| Standard key features | Alternate right forefinger Eb; right little finger F and Ab rollers; left little finger Eb and Db rollers; divorced low E mechanism |
| Plating | Silver-plated keys, posts, bands and bell |
| Bocals | Two Fox contrabassoon bocals |
| Other fittings | Water key on tuning slide; adjustable end pin; adjustable left hand support |
| Tenons | Individually fitted to their receiving sockets; joint connections and metal reinforcing bands sealed with silicone |
| Retail availability | Dealer network only — Fox has no affiliate programme and no direct online purchase route |
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