How Much Does a Bassoon Weigh?

A bassoon is a musical instrument of the double reed group and it can weigh anything from 3.5 to 7.5 pounds depending on several factors like the key work and materials used.

In most cases, the material used is the main determinant of the weight but many typical bassoons will weigh around 7.5 pounds (which translates to 3.5 kilograms).

But, a thin-framed French bassoon that is composed of light wood and few keys will not weigh up to this. On the other hand, a German bassoon that is composed of many keys and dense wood can weigh even more than 7.5 pounds – the configuration and material used matters.

A bassoon is one of the double reed musical instruments of the woodwind classification. The others include oboe, piccolo, and cor anglais.

Table of Contents

How Much Does a Bassoon Case Weigh?

The average bassoon case weighs around 4 to 8 pounds. That said, many users are very interested in knowing the weight of the bassoon case. This usually depends on the brand, dimensions, and the material used for it. A good example here is the Protec PB-317 bassoon case offered by Thomann with a three-year warranty.

It is made from a collection of synthetic fibers and its weight is 3.5 kilograms so it is relatively lightweight, even with the should straps. It comes with an exterior compartment.

There is also the Thomann DeLight Bassoon Case which is made from nylon so it is lighter than the one above. Then there is the Thomann Light Case Bassoon BK which is made using a collection of synthetic fibers and the weight comes to around 3.5kg.

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This is also with several accessory pockets, neck pocket, backpack straps, and even the shoulder-carrying strap. The customizations that you also get to do to the bassoon can also add considerably to the weight.

What Makes a Bassoon Weigh So Much?

From the description that has been given above, it is clear that the bassoon and the bassoon case are not that heavy as such.

However, it is common to see bassoon users complain bitterly about the weight and this brings us to the interesting question: what makes a bassoon weigh so much? Well, it is the many tools that are carried around with the musical instrument that add up to all that weight.

As hinted earlier, your regular bassoon can weigh just about 7 pounds and even much of the will come from the metal that it is made from, with the wood contributing relatively little to the overall weight.

If you want to be sure of the difference in the weight due to the contributory materials, you can simply get a scale and take the measurement.

You do so with yourself first holding the bassoon with the case and other accessories then another without the bassoon and other items. You measure the difference between the weights so you can know precisely how much extra load you are carrying.

Hence, the bassoon is relatively light and it is normal to hold it using the belt or an elongated strip of material fixed at one end and fitting into a ring in the base of the instrument.

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The user then sits on the belt while modifying the position of the bassoon until it is at the level of your mouth. At that point, the bassoon is almost supported using the belt and you are free to work on the instruments with your fingers.

It is also normal to suspend the instrument using a strap hanging from the neck in the same manner as saxophones. This involves using a loop that usually comes with the metal band and allows for balance during the performance.

Conclusion

Overall, a bassoon is not that heavy as it weighs just a few kilograms and you can easily carry it with one hand and play away.

Those thinking of really heavy wind instruments should think of the tuba which can weigh almost 14 kilograms. The weight of the bassoon is also determined by the material used.

What makes a bassoon to be heavy is not the instrument itself but the other accessories that are included alongside the casing in some instances. But overall, a bassoon is an instrument that you can lift and easily carry with just one hand.

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