How to Adjust a Bassoon Reed
If your bassoon is off-key, has trouble hitting certain notes or is wobbling in pitch, the problem could lie in the reed. Bassoon reeds are made of two pieces of thin wood, and though they are made to perform well the first time you use them, the natural fluctuations of the materials and personal playing style can affect the overall sound characteristics of the reed. Adjustments at several points on the reed--with a few tools and a bit of trial and error--could mean the difference between throwing away a bad reed or producing a great tone from your bassoon.
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Things You'll Need
- Small flat file
- Plaque
- Utility knife
- Needle nose pliers
- Mandrel
- 350-400 grit sandpaper
- Electronic tuner
Instructions
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1
Moisten your reed and test thoroughly by playing a variety of notes covering the entire range of your instrument. Play the notes loudly and quietly. Notice particular notes and ranges that sound sharp or flat by using an electronic tuner. Note any other problems you find with the reed, including buzzing, resistance to air, poor articulation and the overall ability of the reed to maintain pitch.
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2
Adjust the two wires of the reed. Use pliers to flatten or round the wires. A rounded first wire will open and stiffen the reed, darken the tone, add resistance and sharpen the pitch. The second wire will produce the same effects when flattened. Flattening the first wire will close the tip of the reed, brighten the tone, weaken the reed and flatten pitch. The second wire will produce the same effects when rounded.
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3
Clip the tip of the reed to stabilize it and raise the pitch if flat. Clipping it will also improve the high notes. Place the reed on a flat, hard surface and use a utility knife to cut the tip back one millimeter at a time. Check the stability and tuning between each clipping until you achieve the proper results.
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4
Place a plaque between the two halves of the reed at the tips. Hold the reed against a flat surface and gently sand down the tip with sandpaper or a file to reduce thickness. Sanding will raise the pitch if the reed is flat. Test frequently as you sand down the reed.
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5
Sand or file down the back portion of the reed to reduce buzzing and sharp, unresponsive low notes.
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6
Repeat Step 1 to test your new adjustments, and take note of any further adjustments you may need to be make to your bassoon reed.
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Tips & Warnings
Make only the adjustments you need to achieve the desired results. Often one change--such as adjusting the wires--may solve the problem without the need to clip or sand down your reed. Keep your reed moist throughout the adjustment process. A moist reed will play more truly to its tonal characteristics.
Be very careful when cutting and sanding your reed. The thin wood of the reed is fragile and may break or crack if you apply too much pressure.
