Hello. I was wondering if anyone who has knowledge of bassoons could help me.

The other day I played my bassoon and had trouble playing low F through B flat but I can play all the other notes fine. This is very weird because a few weeks ago I was able to play these notes just fine. I was wondering if this is due to embasure or is my bassoon broken?? When I play the low F, it sounds all shaky and hardly comes out. I know I am using proper air support because my other notes sound fine.

Also, I was wondering if you know of any place where I can rent a bassoon?

thanks

Check your bassoon very carefully to see that:
1. your whisper key is not stuck down (or up)
2. look at the mechanism each key uses and make sure all the keys work properly and that the pads close and that there is not something stuck open (or closed)
3. Make sure your low E right thumb key is closing properly and that it closes against the vent on your bocal.

Sounds like you have an instrument problem.

My number one suspect is the low G# key (on the player's side of the bassoon) having got knocked & the pad no longer covering the hole properly - this is very common. Strangely the G can sound OK but try anything lower & there are problems.

Ian