Hi i need bassoon tips and i need some questions answered also .
okay first: I can't get my high notes out without pushing the octave key things. Should i practice not doing the octave keys or should i use them?
second: I squeak ALOT! every other note is a squeak. What is the problem?
third: What exactly is the correct embochure for the bassoon! i get told one hundred things and i don't know which is true!
final: What reeds should i get? I just got a designers reed and think its way better than the jones one i got.

1. Those keys are there to be used, either by 'flicking' or holding down for the duration of the note, & do help those notes. I know some people, especially in N America, get very uptight about the use of these keys apart from on the very high notes. After all it seems to bother nobody that we use the low Eb key to improve lots of the higher notes when it wasn't designed for that purpose.

2. Like medical problems it is difficult to diagnose problems from a distance - these are really problems to sort out with your teacher. It could be, amongst other things - a. the bassoon is not functioning correctly (get it checked by a competent repairer), b. the reed, c. your breathing technique &/or embouchure, d. maybe you are not always covering the holes, especially on the wing joint, properly all the time.

3. Sounds like you are getting advice from too many people. Initially go along with what your teacher advises & only when more experienced try other approaches.

4. Reeds are very personal things - you just have to try as many types as you can & find one that suits you. Also no reed even from one maker is the same as another. As above your teacher should help you here.

Hope you get on OK & enjoy playing the best instrument! (Apart from contra bassoon that is)

You have got a teacher, haven't you? If not - you NEED to get one! Don't try to go it alone...

Jones reeds are very good. Those are usually my favorite commercial ones to start with. But you are adjusting your reeds, right? You absolutely need to do that, if not just making them yourself. I agree with the other guys though having a really good teacher is important. Most of the times when I squeaked when i was starting out were because I wasn't covering the holes completely.