Bassoons equipped with hole covers for “E” and “C” can help smaller hands. There are models specially made to accommodate small hands, although these may not be as readily available.
Reeds can break easily. If you care for them well and handle them gently, a good reed can last about a month. If you take a reed out carelessly, it can chip before you ever get the chance to use it. You want to make sure that you keep your reeds inside a special bassoon reed case so that they can be protected from being bumped but still dry out. Also when you use a reed it’s good to alternate between 2-3 reeds so that they have time to dry out before their next use. Bassoons come in wood or plastic material. You may be able to achieve a warmer tone with a wood bassoon. Plastic versions tend to be less expensive.
If you plan to love your instrument regardless of other people’s comments and opinions, the bassoon may be right for you.
You may want to split up your practice time. For example, two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
Try premade reeds when you’re just starting out. You don’t want to invest the time it takes to learn about making your own reeds (and invest in the necessary equipment) if you end up deciding not to be a bassoonist. If you’ve decided to stick with the bassoon, consider making your own reeds. You can purchase reed making kits. Alternately, you can gather the materials for finishing your own reeds by acquiring a reed knife, mandrel, reamer, plaque, small rat-tail file, fine flat file, fine sandpaper, small pliers, small block of hardwood, and cane. Some of these items can be found in hardware stores, and others you can look for at local music stores or online.
Look for a reed case that can store at least three reeds and has mandrels for mounting them. Wood or tin cases that hold reeds securely work well.
For example, a small lidded plastic container, an empty pill container with a lid, or an empty film canister will all do the job. If you’re playing in a school band, you might be required to have a reed soaker on hand. Check with your instructor.
Avoid wool swabs which shed fibers and can get stuck in parts of your instrument. [8] X Research source Silk swabs are a good choice. Don’t use long “pipe cleaner” swabs. For instance, a paint brush that is one inch wide will work as a dusting brush.
Cut the buckle off the belt. Use pliers to insert a metal coat hanger through one of the belt holes. Bend the wire until it is the shape of a hook.
Check for cracks in the body or pieces missing. Ensure that all of the pads seal, particularly the pads close to the bell. Check the bocal for dents and fissures.
Make sure to align the bridge key mechanism well or the lower register won’t function.
If you’ll be standing, use a neck strap instead of a seat strap. Connect the neck strap to the hook at the top of the boot joint. [14] X Research source
Your upper lip should almost touch the first wire. Keep your chin muscles stretched downward and your cheeks smooth. [16] X Research source Practice in front of a mirror to make sure your embouchure is correct.
If you are playing very fast, there is a special method for that called “double tonguing. ” Repeatedly make the noises of the letters “d” and “g” in succession inside your mouth, up against the reed.
If you want to play sheet music, you’ll need to learn music notations. You can learn how to read music and play the bassoon simultaneously by taking lessons.
Practice vibrato. Vibrato is when you add pulsing to notes. Try not to use pressure from your jaw to make a vibrato effect. Use your abdomen primarily and your larynx secondarily to create vibrato pulsations. [18] X Research source
Polish silver keys monthly. You should have a professional repair person buff nickel keys annually. If your instruments’ keys frequently tarnish despite regular cleaning, discuss it with the manufacturer of your bassoon. The climate you play in and the way you play your instrument may be contributing factors. For bassoons with a plastic finish, you can also use soap and water.
For cork wound tenons, wipe off any old coating of grease. Then apply a thin layer of cork grease every two weeks. For thread wrapped tenons, warm a cake of canning wax in your hands until it softens. Then add a thin coat of wax onto the threads. Never use cork grease on thread wound tenons.
Fix a soft reed by opening the first and second wires carefully with needle-nose pliers. Gently slide the reed through 600 grit sandpaper. Then use 240 grit sandpaper lightly on both sides of the front half. Fix a hard reed by slightly closing the first and second wires with needle nose pliers. Gently sand both sides of the reed with 600 grit sandpaper. Then use 240 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the back third of of the reed on both sides, while focusing on the reed’s center.
