About Us

Fox UK was launched in April 2007 by bassoonist Tom Simmonds, and is the sole UK distributor for Fox and Renard double reed instruments and accessories. Fox instruments are a very well respected brand and have been distributed in the UK since the early 1970's. They are renowned for excellent intonation and superior sound quality throughout their entire product range.

Tom, now 33, has played the bassoon for 22 years, starting at Wellingborough Music School, Northants with teacher Helen Armstrong. He initially wanted to be a flautist but Miss Armstrong recognised the bassoonist in him and, besides, there was a bassoon sitting in the instrument cupboard, doing nothing. The teacher put the instrument together and Tom picked out a tune on it straight away without knowing what notes he was playing or what the fingerings were.

He quickly progressed to Northampton Music Service where he played in the County Youth Orchestra and County Youth Wind Orchestra during his formative years. His teacher for this period was Lyndon Hilling, who is now the Head of Woodwind at the Service.

From 1995 to 1999 he studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire where he gained his Bachelor of Music (Hons) degree. During this period he was under the tutelage of Andrew Barnell, Gareth Newman, and John Schroeder. He then started a postgraduate course at the same institution, receiving lessons from Martin Gatt.

On returning from Birmingham he was offered the position of double reed specialist with a well-known woodwind and brass retailer. He enjoyed 7 years with this company before leaving in March 2007. It was during this period that he became acquainted with the Fox range of instruments and was able to compare them with other manufacturers. He soon realised that Fox instruments were among the best in the country.

Tom currently plays principal bassoon in the Hatfield Philharmonic (The Philharmonic at U.H.) and freelances in and around the London area. He is also a member of the Marsyas Wind Group and The Unfaggotable Bassoon Quartet.

If you are interested in trying any Fox or Renard instruments then please contact us on 01476 570700 / 07809 687430 or email enquiries@foxproducts.co.uk. We can arrange to come to your home with instruments for you to try.