'1he proper handling of.

your bassoon, as described above, is essential in keeping your instrument

in good shape. Nearly all bassoons are made of wood, and are therefore susceptible to changes in
temperature and humidity.
When the instrument is subjected to a dry climate, the wood will often contract, causing the joints of
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being carried or even while being played.
• It is advisable to place a humidifier, sold for this purpose, inside the bassoon case so that the
instrument will be properly humidified while being stored.
• Ifajoint is loose, it is possible to wrap a small amount of waxed dental floss around the tenon to
alleviate this situation. This added wrapping could be removed should conditions change. Seek
help with this whenever possible.
When humid conditions exist, the instrument may swen up and be hard to put together. To facilitate
assembly and disassembly, a little cork grease or petroleum jeny (commonly found in drug stores) can
be applied to the tenons.
The bocal is a fragile part of the instrument and can be damaged rather easily.
• Neverf orce the bocal irito its socket on the tenor joirit.
• If the bocal fits too tightly into the top of the tenor joint, apply a little cork grease or petroleum
jelly to the cork.
• If it is too loose, wrap a small amount of waxed dental floss around the cork.
• The inside of the bocal should be cleaned periodically.
• After taking in a small mouthful of water, blow it througli the bocal from the cork end while
sealingoffthewhisperkeyventwithyour finger.
• Small bocal brushes are sold for this specific purpose. Carefully fonow the directions provided.
It is best to have someone experienced in this process help you.

Repairs and Periodic Maintenance

It is essential to find a qualified professional when any musical instrument is in need of repair or
periodic, professional maintenance. Repair technicians affiliated with local music shops that rent, sell
and repair an types of instruments are seldom qualified to service bassoons beyond the most basic
adjustments. Whenever possible, seek the advice of your teacher or a professional bassoonist to locate
an experienced, qualified technician.

The Bassoon Reed

The quality and condition of the bassoon reed is perhaps the most important concern for bassoonists of
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There have been advancements in the quality of synthetic reeds, but most bassoon reeds are made
fromatypeofcane,Arc4#dodo#¢#.Seektheadviceofyourteacherorotherprofessionalbassooniststo
identify the best sources for commercial reeds or reed-making tools and supplies.
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• Always store reeds in a secure reed case that is weu ventilated in which each reed is held in place
separately. The blades must lie flat with no pressure on them.
• Do not soak the reed in your mouth. Always use fresh water in a container that is tall enough
to allow the reed to be totaHy immersed.
• Rinsing the reed with fresh water after use will prolong its life.
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Bassoon teachers often teach reed making as the student progresses. This subject is too broad to be
included in this book. Fortunately, there are excellent manuals and videos available that teach this
process. Below are some basic adjustments that the less experienced student can accomplish.
• A mandrel, a small pair ofphiers, and a small spool of22-gauge soft brass wire (Fig.11), are
needed to adjust or replace the wires. After the reed has been soaked, these wires should hold
the reed's tube snugly, but not too tightly. To check for proper tension, using your pliers, bend
the wire's knot so that it points up. Grasp the knot with your thumb and forefinger. If the wires
below the knot move when you gently wiggle the knot back and forth, give the knot a slight
twist to tighten it with your pliers. The wires should not become imbedded into the cane. If you
tighten a little at a time, you will not strangle the reed. Use the pliers to bend the knot back to
the reed's surface.
• The reed should go onto the bocal approximately 1/4 to 5/8 inches (6-8mm) and fit securely.
If the opening at the back end of the reed is not round, place the soaked reed firmly onto the
mandrel and, using the pliers, gently press on the tube all around between the second wire and
back end.
• The tube between the first and second wires should be closer to a cylindrical shape, rather than
flatter, i.e. closer to an elliptical shape. Flattening the first two wires a little (using the mandrel
and pliers when the reed i§ wet) will make the reed easier to play. Rounding the wires will have
the opposite effect.
• When soaked, the opening at the center of the two blades should be about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm)
including the thickness of the blades.
• 'Ihe first and second wires affect the reed opening in opposite ways. To widen the tip opening,
gently press on the first wire from the sides and/or press on the second wire from the top
and bottom with your thumb and forefinger or with the pliers. Lessen the opening by gently
pressing on the first wire from the top and bottom and/or pressing on the second wire from the
sides. Only make these adjustments when the reed is soaked.