Parts of the Bassoon

Below is a picture of a Fox bassoon case. Match the number of each part with the number listed on the right to learn the name of each part of the bassoon. Knowing the name of each part of the instrument will be important for when we talk about putting everything together.

1. Boot
2. Wing/Tenor Joint
3. Long Joint
4. Bell
5. Hand Rest
6. Bocal
7. Seat Strap

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Additional Equipment

Swabs - Have 2 swabs. One longer swab for the wing/tenor and long joint and one weighted swab for the boot joint.

• Midwest Musical Import

Bocal Brush - Brush your bocal monthly. Doing this daily can actually harm the bocal. 

• Midwest Musical Import

Pliers, 6" Metal Ruler and other tools for reed adjustments - This equipment is required when working with your reed and setting it up for your best success.

• Crook & Staple - recommend purchasing the Bassoon Reed Adjustment Kit.​
• The Pliers and 6" Metal Ruler can be purchased at any local hardware store. Use the link above as a reference for which pliers to purchase.

Reed Case - This allows you to keep multiple reeds protected. Maintaining a steady rotation of reeds helps extend the lifetime of your reeds and give you as a performer additional insurance in case a reed cracks/break during a rehearsal or right be a performance.
NOTE: An affordable reed case can be expensive. Below is a link for a DIY Reed Case to help save money.​

• Midwest Musical Import
• Miller Marketing​
• DIY Reed Case Video

Tuner/Metronome - Nowadays you can have a tuner and metronome at all times on your phone. I highly recommend the TE (Tonal Energy) Tuner App. It cost a couple of dollars and is a steal for the quality you get!!

• Tonal Energy

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Recommended Brands

Bassoon Recommendations
Fox/Renard 41, 51, 222, 220, 240

• Link: Fox Products - bassoons

​Moosmann M20, M22, M24

• Link: Moosmann - bassoons

Nobel Bassoons ​

• Link: Nobel - bassoons​

NOTE: Be weary of new bassoons in the $5000-$6000. However, used Fox brand bassoons tend to hold their quality over time. 
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Reed Recommendations
Jones medium soft or medium reeds.

• Link: Jones - reeds

Miller Marketing​

• Link: ​Miller Marketing - reeds​

​​Bocal Recommendations

• Fox 
  • C is the standard.
  • B & T are more expensive. B favors the bass range, T favors the tenor range. 
    • Link: Fox Products - bocals
• Heckel  (good upgrade bocal)
  • Link: Nielsen - bocals

NOTE: The higher the number on a bocal the longer it is. Standard for Fox is 2. Standard for Heckel bocals is 1 number lower than Fox bocals. If you are consistently sharp or flat, check the bocal length.

• Good Used Bocals Brands
  • Forrests Music
  • Midwest Musical Imports
  • Millar Marketing.

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Next Page: The Reed

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