How long do bassoon reeds last?
Most bassoon reeds will last on average about 2-3 months. Bassoon players should always own multiple reeds so that they can rotate their reeds and reduce damage, thereby lengthening the life expectancy of their reeds. There are many things that affect how long a bassoon reed will last.
How long do synthetic bassoon reeds last?
between two and six months
The use of a synthetic material ensures the Légère reeds last much longer than their natural counterparts. Players can get anywhere between two and six months of use out of them, depending on intensity of use. With proper care, they could last even longer!
Are reed cases good?
Reed Case. The reed case is the most important. You must remove your reed from the mouthpiece after each playing session and put it away in a reed case. If you don’t, the reed will dry out, warp and lose its playability very quickly.
What does the reed on the bassoon attach to?
Sound waves are produced as the two parts of the reed quickly open and close. However, an oboe reed is attached to a short piece of metal, but a bassoon reed is made completely of the reed itself, and is inserted into the long metal tube of the bocal before being used to produce sound.
Do you soak bassoon reeds?
Soak an entire brand-new reed for five minutes in warm water. Do this for the first five times after the initial purchase. After this, soak the entire reed for about two minutes before putting it on the bocal. We recommend using distilled water which does not contain chlorine and sediment.
Can you over soak a bassoon reed?
A reed can be over-soaked. 2-3 minutes for bassoon reeds or 1 minute for oboe reeds should suffice. Reeds should not be soaked in the mouth or under a water fountain. Reeds should NOT need to be soaked after playing and should be allowed to dry before putting them away.
How do you disinfect synthetic reeds?
The reeds should be cleaned periodically with water and a mild detergent. Germicides such as Sterisol can be used to clean the reeds, but you should not assume that such products will completely sterilize them. As a precaution, we advise against sharing reeds or using reeds that have been played by others.
What humidity should Reeds be at?
Reed Storage When you store them, try and keep them in a humid environment of around 50% humidity. You will want to experiment with this humidity level based on where you live and how much you play. Some musicians like it a little dryer and some a little more wet, but 50% is a good place to start.
Why are bassoon Bocals so expensive?
they’re wood. wood is far harder to work with than brass…you can’t just mold and pound it into shape or manufacture the right allow…you have to select the right individual pieces of wood and then bore them…
How long does it take to break in a bassoon reed?
Break reeds in over a period of two weeks, preferably with a whole week of rest after the first break in. Don’t play on new reed for more than 20 minutes for the first couple of playing sessions. Break the reed in by playing long tones, slow scales, arpeggios, but very little technical, fast music.
How do you break in a bassoon reed fast?
Here is my step-by-step process for breaking in new reeds:
- Wet the reed well, either in your mouth or in a glass of water.
- Play the reed for no more than one minute.
- Allow the reed to dry completely in some sort of a reed storage container.
- Repeat step number 2, increasing the playing time to two minutes.
Why are synthetic reeds so expensive?
So yes, reeds are expensive to buy. But clearly, they’re also very expensive to produce. The process takes years, AND it requires large amounts of land located in a very expensive part of the world. It’s labor intensive and Employees in France actually cost a fortune.
How do you keep reeds from warping?
Rotate Your Reeds The reed has been dry for at least two years before your student even gets it, and this “breaking in” process controls and slows the inevitable warping. Breaking in and rotating reeds will make them last significantly longer, saving parents money and helping students make consistent sounds.
How do you keep reed moist?
Fill a plastic jar with warm water and soak the reeds in the jar for 2 hours. Put the reeds back in their plastic covers. Dump the water out of the jar, but leave just a little bit at the bottom to keep in some moisture. Put the reed covers (with the reeds inside them) in the of the plastic jar and seal the jar.