Bassoon Reed Information

    
Bassoon Reed Information    16:38 on Saturday, November 12, 2011          

Kaydekay
(1 point)
Posted by Kaydekay

Hi, I am a new bassoon player and I would like some information about bassoon reeds.
How long do they normally last?
When should I get a stronger reed?
Any other info would be welcome.
Thanks!


Re: Bassoon Reed Information    13:39 on Friday, November 18, 2011          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

A bassoon reed will last a really long time if you do not play on it every day and let it dry out thoroughly in between playing. Make sure you have at least 3 reeds if possible and alternate them. Rinse them out in water after you play on them and let them air dry outside the reed case or with the case open. After you do all this, expect your reeds to last more than a month or two, or four, or more. If you play on one reed every day it will get soggy immediately and you probably won't get a month on it. Don't leave them on the bocal any more than you have to because someone will come along and smash into them (or you will do it yourself - very easy to do!)


Re: Bassoon Reed Information    13:40 on Friday, November 18, 2011          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

On reed strength - bassoon reeds are not like clarinet reeds. You do not work up to stronger reeds. If you start with a medium soft or medium reed you may stay there forever. Most people do.


Re: Bassoon Reed Information    04:50 on Tuesday, December 20, 2011          

SnowSonata
(3 points)
Posted by SnowSonata

I'm in high school and play my bassoon probably 4 times a week and I have 3 reeds, 2 are medium soft and 1 is medium.
They are very easy to break and I have smashed mine into walls and doors while leaving them on the bocal so don't do that! And they are also quite expensive compared to other reeds.
For me, mine last quite a few months because I alternate between them and if you take good care of your reed it should last months as well but if you don't let it dry or break it then you could go through them per week so the main thing is just to be careful with them.


   




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