Flicking.

Is it essential to playing bassoon?

Yes they all say. `It makes it easier` they say.

I`ve always had problems with flicking - especially in fast pasages that wouldn`t comply with the range if I don`t use flicking. The source of my problem? My bassoon model. The thumb keys are spread close enough so I can reach them all... but too far apart to make fast movemnts such as flicking. I`ve tried other "better" more "professional" bassoons and flicking came to me as a snap. For reference- I`m not going to buy a new basson.

Any suggestions for my flicking frusterations?

Oh heck!
Apparentley...
I`m the only bassoonist in the world.

Shoot.

i may be switchin to bassoon from flute and i was wonderin if u read bass clef music and if its hard to blow such a big instrument

Yes and partially yes.

It`s always great to know how to read at least 2.. or maybe even 4 clefs. And blowing? Well - #1, a good reed is always hard to blow: but it`s a good reed so keep going on it until it becomes easier. Always try to crow a reed to check if it`s good. Get an experienced bassoonist to physically show you how to crow a reed. N` embouchure is another thing that makes it kinda hard to blow verses flute. Each fingering usually can make 3 consecutive notes (1 really flat, 1 on pitch n` 1 really sharp), so you need really good ears, lots of dedication n` a good memory.

Ya got short fingers? I really don`t want to sound negative - but never go for basson if you still have short fingers. There`s 9 thumb keys on most bassoons. And guess what... you have only 2 thumbs. (the right hand may not rach over the hand rest if you have short fingers as well.)



Bassoon reeds. A whole new catergory. I bet I could help.

woah i never realized bassoon had that many keys. my fingers arent really that short but no way long. are u serious about 6 thumb keys? thats got to be rough tryin to play fast. and if u know how much do the reeds u use cost? any info will be much appreciated

can u help me with care of reed and reed prices?

Ok reeds?

A pretty good reed will sell for about $30 in a music store n` should last for about 2-3 months. Usually made by professional bassoonists n` sold to stores....

But my advice is - make your own reeds. Find someone, a professional bassoonist preferablly - to teach you how to make bassoon reeds. In the long term, it will be cheaper.

Your first 6 or 7 reeds won`t work when first learning. Thas okay. But I strongly advise you not to buy from stores. I`ve had way too many store-bought reeds that were so old that just snapped in half when I tried to play, crow or adjust them. Also - many of my store bought reeds were not adjusted properly for me (they were made for a professional bassoonist`s needs - which of course are different than mine.)

If all else fails n` you buy store reeds - prevent your reed from breaking so easily. Get nail scissor thingys, and on the reed, snip a teeny bit off each corner.

Hope that helps.

"woah i never realized bassoon had that many keys. my fingers arent really that short but no way long. are u serious about 6 thumb keys? thats got to be rough tryin to play fast."

9 thumb keys actually - but don`t let that scare you away from learning bassoon. It`s a truly cool instrument! (lol... now there`s a line to remember: "Bassoon is a truly cool instrument!"....)

Most of the time for most notes you are just using 1 or 2 thumb keys...
So 1-2 keys... 2 thumbs... do the math.

Just when you get into the lower register, your thumbs will be going frantic. Are you in a high school band? Bassoon parts usually don`t remain in the lower registers for long periods of time on fast pieces. (level 5 band music).

Have fun!

how shall i say this...
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!

i started out on a low quality bassoon and had the same problem. the only solution is to practice until it comes naturally, or until you can borrow a better bassoon.

i`ll probably be using a school bassoon. did u use a school bassoon or did u buy one and if u used a school bassoon was it any good?

The bassoon is awesome. I have been playing for four years in my school`s band. I only had trouble with flicking when I first started trying it. After about the first two weeks it wasn`t a problem. I only play high school music(I have never played a piece of music going past a high G sharp), so I don`t know what your definition of "fast" is. I have a nice begginer bassoon(a Fox-Renard, model?)which has always played well for me. I plan on getting a proffesional one in the future. Good Luck!

30$ for a reed? Are you serious, look, I`m from Belgium and even in a store you only pay 15$ (€ in my case) on a perfect reed. I get them from my teacher at the price of 10€ a piece. (and every 2 months a new reed? I don`t know, but either you smash them or play 24/7; even my teacher only uses 5 reeds a year. Don`t ruin the future bassoonists by exagerating the cost of the instrument. It`s not all that bad. But you have to be carefull with reeds nevertheless.

And the care of reeds, well it is important to dry out your reeds; but then not entirely. You do that only to prevent they`ll start to rot. But then it is also good to know that a reed has two lives. After the first life, you put it away in a box that allows air to come in but keeps light outside (a cigarette box is perfect). Keep it there for over a month of 2/3 and then your reed will enjoy a perfect new but shorter life. It`ll last a little less as month after that, but it will play as in its good old days!!!

And whether it is hard to blow such a big instrument. Well it all depends on how good you are at working your diaphragm and embouchure. You do have to fill the instrument with air, but normally it doesn`t cause any problems.
And small hands! Normally they don`t form any problem either, you know, I know a kid of 7 years old playing the bassoon (not having fingering problems nor problems to make it sound very good). He can`t reach these left dumb keys but then again, you can work your way around them. You don`t need them at all!! They only make things easier, so if you can reach them, lucky for you.
And if passages go really fast; cheat! If you play 36th notes, nobody will have noticed that your high C was a bit sharp!

And then again, everybody should try things first. And I can assure you, this instrument won`t only be a try, it`ll rock your world!!

DD
(dmiddern@hotmail.com)

Thanks for the inspiration. I`m getting a used Linton bassoon as a graduation present (I just finished my docotorate) and I can`t wait to start learning. I read some of the messages on this list and I was a little put off by some of the comments but after reading the last message I can`t wait to pick up my bassoon. I`ve heard that mail order reeds are a good way to go, does anyone know any good reputable mail order places for reeds and what brands and strengths would be good for a beginner?

well, i like medium strength reeds, its easier to play low notes, in my case that is, and the high notes aren`t too bad either, and i haven`t been playing the bassoon very long, so i would recommend medium or medium hard, but it`s a different case for everyone.

what is flicking? i might take up bassoon, what do you think?