Bassoon Reeds
As a bassoonist reeds dominate your life; determining your sound, ease of response & tuning. This is why we handpick the best reeds for bassoon in the UK and even from around the globe for you to play. If you need any help just drop one of our bassoon experts a line or glance at our Q&A's at the bottom of this page!
Are these reeds like other store bought bassoon reeds?
NO! All of our bassoon reeds are handmade (we never sell machine made reeds!) by a very select group of reed makers, with the highest quality cane and wire. Each bassoon reed is tested vigorously and undergo a thorough inspection before being sent out ensuring that every reed you receive is of the highest quality and ready to play...
How can I make my bassoon reed last longer?
Follow these simple steps:
1) Soak your reed in clean water while you are putting your bassoon together - this helps to prevent as much saliva entering the fibres of the reed (Salava breaks down the structure of the cane!)
2) 'Rotate' your reeds (don't use the same reed all of the time) - you need to have a least 3 bassoon reeds. Play one for a day and then switch to a different reed for the next day, so you don't use the same reed continuously. Rotating reeds like this usually dramatically increases the amount of time a reed will last.
3) Finished playing for the day? run some cold water through your reeds - this helps to reduce the build-up of 'gunk' on the reed which will eventually clog up the reed.
4) Leave your reed case out and open each night - this gives your reeds a chance to rest and will help reduce the likelihood of your reeds going mouldy.
5) If you've just eaten and are about to play the bassoon drink a glass of water - food is the worst culprit for destroying bassoon reeds. Try to reduce the possibility of food debris from the mouth getting onto the reed or indeed into your bassoon!
I want a freeer bassoon reed (softer bassoon reed)
Try our Crook and Staple student bassoon reeds which are designed to be very free blowing and softer than most of the other bassoon reeds.
I'm just starting bassoon, which reed should I get?
We suggest you try our Crook and Staple student bassoon reeds which are designed specifically for the needs on the beginner bassoonist until you reach about grade 4 bassoon and made in the UK. They have a thicker tip which means they are less likely to be damaged accidentally, respond very easily making a free-blowing pleasant tone and they last for a long period. We offer either individual student bassoon reeds or can offer a '6 month package' which works out a lot cheaper, whereby you pre-order 6 bassoon reeds and each month we send out one bassoon reed to you. You don't need to worry about buying more bassoon reeds as you always know another one is on its way! If you do happen to need an extra student bassoon reed, no problem, we can offer the extra reeds at the same great price!
I'm a university student / music college student / professional bassoonist, which reed do you suggest?
Our two favourite reeds for music college students and professionals are our Crook and Staple Professional Bassoon Reeds and the Urbach Professional Bassoon Reeds. Both of these reeds have excelent response through all dynamic ranges, help to create a very warm full sound and last for a long time!
I need a flatter bassoon reed (lower pitch)
Try our Crook and Staple Professional Bassoon Reeds which tend to be a fraction flatter than most basssoon reeds. Buying a flatter bassoon reed will help ensure that your lower notes are in tune.
I need a sharper bassoon reed (higher pitch)
Windeler bassoon reeds (BD2) tend to be very slightly sharper than the other bassoon reeds as they are made in Germany where all musicians play sharper than in the UK (they play at A=442Hz instead of A=440Hz in the UK) and so they are designed to play a little sharper.