Contrabassoon Options

Many options are available for Fox Contrabassoons.  We have been a leader in the development of the modern contrabassoon.  Much of that development has been in response to requests from players for keywork that helps them perform better. 

For assistance in selecting options contact chip.owen@foxproducts.com. 

FINISH OPTIONS
The normal finish is a mahogany stain.  A black finish is also available. 

PLATING
The standard plating is silver.  Silver has the advantage that it can be applied thicker than nickel plating.  The extra thickness of silver which we use makes it more durable and also more effective in controlling the porosity that causes problems with other platings. 

Nickel plating is not recommended but is available for those who prefer it. 

DIVORCED LOW E MECHANISM
This mechanism corrects certain tuning and performance problems that have always been a part of playing contrabassoon.  For additional information download “The Divorced Low E Mechanism for Fox Contrabassoons”. 

ALTERNATE VENT KEYS
The availability of alternate vent keys can greatly assist certain notes and passages.  In particular, the simultaneous use of the upper vent key and the C sharp key greatly improves the performance of certain notes.  For additional information download “Alternate Vent Keys for Contrabassoon”. 

Auxiliary C Sharp Spatula by Top Vent: 

Auxiliary Top Vent Spatula below C Sharp Spatula: 

Auxiliary Spatula for Top Vent: 

Auxiliary C Sharp Spatula inset into Top vent Spatula: 

ALTERNATE E Flat KEYS
Accessing the E flat key can be difficult in many passages.  Several positions for alternate E flat keys are available.  For additional information download “Alternate E Flat Keys and Mechanisms.”

Alternate E( for Right Forefinger:  The standard Fox Contrabassoon includes this key.  However, it conflicts with other alternate E flat keys and the E/F sharp trill Key, and must be deleted when those keys are ordered. 

Alternate E Flat Key for Right Hand Thumb: 

Side Key Right Hand E Flat Key: 

Alternate E Flat Key for Left Little Finger: 

Alternate E Flat Key for Left Hand Thumb: 

Articulated E Flat Mechanism: 

E/F Sharp Trill Key
The touch is placed between the first and second finger keys of the left hand, similar to the E/F sharp trill key of the bassoon. 

E/F Sharp Trill Key

E/F Sharp Trill Key with Special Right Forefinger E Flat Key
Normally, the Alternate E Flat Key for Right Forefinger conflicts with the E/F sharp trill and must be deleted.  This special arrangement of the forefinger E flat allows them to coexist. 

RIGHT THUMB G Sharp SPATULA
Traditionally, thumb G sharp keys are not a normal part of contrabassoons.  Players who use the thumb G sharp on their bassoon will should consider including this option on their contrabassoon. 

ALTERNATE FRONT C Sharp kEYS
Some players find an alternate to the thumb C sharp to be desirable for certain passages and fingerings.  This option adds a tone hole to the front side of the instrument.  Two locations for the spatula are available, as well as a combination of both. 

Alternate C sharp for Left Hand Little Finger:  This option places a spatula beyond the low C sharp of the bass joint. 

Alternate C sharp for the Right Middle Finger:  This option places a spatula between the first and second finger spatulas for the right hand.  The B flat trill key must be deleted with this option. 

Alternate C sharp for both the Left Little Finger and the Right Middle Finger:  This combines the two individual alternate C sharp options together. 

ROLLERS AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS FOR THE FINGER KEYS
The standard instrument includes four rollers for the little fingers.  These are for the right hand low F/G sharp and for the left hand low E flat/C sharp keys. 

For additional information download “Finger Key Rollers and Modifications for Fox Contrabassoons.”

Rollers for Left Hand Third Finger C/E Flat Keys: 

Roller for Little Finger F Sharp Key: 

Touch Extension Tab for Right Hand 1^st Finger: 

ROLLERS AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS FOR THE RIGHT THUMB KEYS
Rollers are available in various combinations between the right thumb B flat, low E, and F sharp keys.  In addition, the low E key can be made in other formats.  For additional rollers and information download “Right Thumb Roller Options for Fox Contrabassoons.”

Rollers for B Flat/E, E/F Sharp Keys:  four rollers. 

Roller for B Flat Key:  one roller

Roller for F Sharp Key:  one roller

ROLLERS AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS FOR THE LEFT THUMB KEYS
For additional roller combinations and information download “Left Thumb Key Rollers and Modifications for Fox Contrabassoons.”

Rollers for Low C/D Keys:  two rollers

Elongated Low D Key: 

Rollers for Lower Vent/C Sharp Keys:  Two rollers: 

STRAP RING

Neck Strap Ring:  This ring is placed higher on the instrument and works better with a conventional neck strap . 

Strap Ring on 1^st Bass Joint:  This ring is placed lower and on the smaller joint next to the wing.  It is in a better position for when a strap is attached to the chair.