Best
Beginner
Bassoon
Reeds
Bassoon Reed Reliable Bassoon Reed
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Overall: Carefully cut from select French cane using
sophisticated
diamond-cutting equipment. -
Best Feature:
Designed for playing across the basic range of the instrument. -
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Bassoon Reeds
-
Overall: Consistent, durable, and responsive due to its tip thickness, heart, and flexibility.
-
Best Feature: First orchestral-grade synthetic double bassoon reed ever produced
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate
Bassoon
Reeds
Bassoon Reed Hand-crafted
Bassoon Reed
-
Overall: Carefully cut from high-quality
French cane. -
Best Feature: Designed for playing in the standard range of the instrument.
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Are you curious about how long does a bassoon reed last?
Let me share my experience as a bassoon player; I’ve gone through numerous rehearsals, always keeping a supply of reeds handy.
Trust me, the lifespan of these little wooden wonders is a hot topic among bassoon players. Sharing stories about how long reeds last is almost as enjoyable as playing a lively bass line!
Are you eager to learn more?
Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through the basics of caring for bassoon reeds with the same excitement I bring to playing The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Fundamentals of
Bassoon Reeds
Let me walk you through the essentials of bassoon reeds, the main act in sound production, and a real touchstone for comfort while playing. It’s delightful tinkering with something so vital to my instrument!
Reed Materials and Construction
The cane is the heart of the reed, and its transformation from plant to performance is exciting!
A bassoon reed comes to life when it’s shaped into a tube with careful cuts—flats and rounds team up to create its distinctive shape. Wires are crucial, giving the reed structure and an adjustable core.
Getting the reed’s thickness just right is crucial; if it’s too thick, it mutes the sound, and if it’s too thin, it’s as delicate as icing on a biscuit. The scraping of the reed is where the magic happens, balancing the thickness perfectly.
Reed Adjustment and Maintenance
This is where a quick soak and careful adjustments keep the reed performing consistently. Like a cozy bed, I store my reeds in a ventilated case, allowing them to rest and rotate through their duties like diligent soldiers.
A reed’s day begins with a quick soak to add enough moisture to sing. Reed care involves more than just a bath; it’s like a full spa treatment with files, knives, and care.
Then come the adjustments—a little filing here, a gentle scrape—to keep the reed in the perfect balance between delicate and reliable.
Reed Longevity and Performance
Choosing the right bassoon reed can feel like picking a wand at Ollivander’s—each reed has its character and lifespan. Let’s explore how to keep those little charmers making music as long as possible.
Daily Care and Usage
Proper daily care is crucial for a bassoon reed‘s life expectancy.
Submerging our reed friends in lukewarm water before playing helps to wake them up gently, reducing the chance of cracks and splits that could send them prematurely to the great reed case in the sky.
After serenading the neighborhood, I dry them off lovingly and tuck them into a ventilated reed case; it’s their cozy bed.
Alternatives and Enhancements
When it comes to maintaining bassoon and oboe reed, a reed knife is a valuable tool for making precise adjustments to its shape and profile.
Double reeds, such as those used in the oboe and bassoon, require careful attention to ensure optimal performance.
If an old reed no longer meets your playing style or exhibits signs of wear, it’s time to consider trying out new reeds. A pipe cleaner can help remove moisture and debris from the reed’s interior, helping to prolong its lifespan.
Additionally, storing two reeds in a bassoon case allows for easy rotation, extending the longevity of each reed. Using hydrogen peroxide can effectively sanitize reeds, providing a hygienic approach to reed care and maintenance.
Reed Brands and Recommendations
Jones 201MH Bassoon Reed
The Jones 201MH Bassoon Reed is crafted from high-quality cane, providing a consistent and responsive playing experience with a warm, rich tone.
Its medium-hard strength offers excellent control and durability, making it a reliable choice for both students and professional bassoonists.
Jones 201MH Bassoon Reed
FEATURES: Carefully cut from select French cane using sophisticated diamond-cutting equipment.
OTHER INFO: Designed for playing across the basic range of the instrument.
- Tested by a Jones artist in residence to ensure more control.
- It may be too resistant for some players.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed
The Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed is hand-finished with high-quality cane, offering a balanced and rich tone that enhances the instrument’s natural sound.
Its medium strength provides excellent response and control, making it a dependable choice for both students and professional bassoonists seeking consistency and playability.
Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed
FEATURES: Carefully cut from high-quality French cane.
OTHER INFO: Designed for playing in the standard range of the instrument.
- Well-suited for both students and advancing players.
- Limited Customization.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Legere LGBSN-MH Bassoon Reed
The Legere LGBSN-MH Bassoon Reed, crafted from synthetic materials, offers exceptional durability and consistency, eliminating the need for soaking and frequent adjustments.
Its medium-hard strength provides a responsive and stable playing experience, making it an excellent choice for bassoonists seeking reliability and convenience.
Legere LGBSN-MH Bassoon Reed
FEATURES: Consistent, durable, and responsive due to its tip thickness, heart, and flexibility.
OTHER INFO: First orchestral-grade synthetic double bassoon reed ever produced
- Allows you to move from the lower to higher registers easily.
- Higher price point.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How long does a bassoon reed last:
Summary
In my experience with the bassoon, I’ve found the lifespan of reeds quite fascinating.
Understanding how the reed starts and knowing your playing style can help maintain the instrument’s overall performance and longevity.
Typically, they last me about 2 to 3 months when played gently and cared for. You can significantly extend their lifespan by using multiple reeds in rotation, giving them little breaks from playing.
Crafting your reeds adds a personal touch and can make them last longer since you understand their quirks. Additionally, the crowing technique is like having a quick chat with my reeds to understand their feelings.
Keeping reeds hydrated is essential, but finding the right moisture balance is critical.
In conclusion, I view my reeds as companions on my musical journey. It’s a harmonious relationship, indeed!
Before you go…
Discover the factors influencing the cost of a bassoon in this comprehensive article.
While the article offers valuable information, especially for beginners, there seems to be a slight oversight in the discussion around reed alternatives. The article mentions the Legere synthetic reeds but doesn’t fully delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks compared to traditional cane reeds. For instance, while synthetic reeds offer consistency and no need for moistening, they may not provide the same tonal quality some musicians seek. It’s important for readers to consider these aspects when making their choice.
Great breakdown on the fundamentals of bassoon reeds! The attention to detail in reed adjustment and maintenance resonates with my experiences. For those new to playing the bassoon, don’t underestimate the importance of daily reed care as discussed here. It’s crucial for achieving the best performance and longevity from your reeds. Also, experimenting with different brands can be incredibly insightful. I personally found the Marlin Lesher reeds to offer a nice balance for intermediate to advanced players, but everyone’s preference is unique. Thanks for shedding light on this topic, Sarah.
Thanks for the insight, ReedGeek123! Did you find it difficult to initially adjust to creating and maintaining bassoon reeds compared to other instruments?
cool article, Sarah. i’ve been playing the sax for years, thought i’d give bassoon a whirl, ya know? reed maintenance is no joke on any woodwind, but bassoon seems like its own beast. i’m digging the section on daily care – gotta keep those reeds happy. any jazz cats got advice on transitioning to bassoon? keeps it real, folks.
Hey, just started learning the bassoon and figuring things out. This might be a silly question, but how often should I be changing my bassoon reeds? Thanks!