It's that thing that your mouth touches. The REED. Technically 2 reeds attached together. It's the reason your bassoon has been making noise thus far. You've accepted its existence and usefulness thus far, but now it is time to do an in-depth 60 Minutes interview with a bassoon double reed (apparently he just called in sick so I'll have to do this instead).
Reeds are made of Cane, which basically means they are wooden. They are "living" and will change over time and in response to the climate.
To have your bassoon reed maintain that "new car smell" it's longest, follow these simple steps!
- Do not drop reeds or squeeze them too hard.
- Don't eat before you play. The food will migrate to the reed.
- Always soak the reed in water before using it for a minute or so. Don't let it live in water though, the reed will drown!
- Have more than one reed and cycle through them regularly.
- Worn reeds will have unstable intonation, limitied rage, and a thinner tone
- Soft reeds will blow flat, not play high notes, and will be difficult to produce good tone on
- Hard reeds will blow sharp, especially in low register, and are likely to crack notes.
