The Reed

The reed is one of the most important parts of the bassoon. On this page, we will talk about the anatomy of the bassoon reed, when to make adjustments and how to make those adjustments.
It is best to read through this page with the following items on hand: 

• A Soaked Bassoon Reed
  • How to soak a reed: ​Place the reed in water for 1 minutes.
• Pliers
• Metal Ruler 

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Anatomy of the Reed

Blade (not listed): The bassoon reed is made up of 2 blades of cane held together with wire.
Tip: The top part of the reed. This is where you place the tip of your tongue to articulate.
Spine: The center part of both blades of the reed.
Channel/Alley: The area between the center and edge of the reed.
Rail: The edge of the reed where the 2 blades connect.
1st Wire: The top wire.
2nd Wire: The middle wire.
3rd Wire: The lowest wire that is under the string wrapping at the base of the reed. 

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Getting Down to the Wire

All Wires: 

• All of the wires on a bassoon reed should be immobile when the reed is fully saturated with water.
• ​Each wire on a bassoon reed has a specific function, and if the wires are not tight the reed will not vibrate properly.
• To tighten the a wire, fold the wire up, pull the slack of the wire away from the reed, then twist. If you simply twist without pulling, the wire will snap off.
  • This procedure is complete when all of the “slack” of the wire has disappeared. Fold the wire back down when this procedure is completed.    

1st Wire: 

• This wire can loosens over time, mostly due to changes in humidity and regular usage. 
• Be sure to check this wire with a ruler to be sure it is 30mm from the tip of the reed.

2nd Wire:
This wire controls the intonation and response of the reed.
If the reed overall is flat in pitch:

• Gently squeezing the 2nd wire on the sides, making it more rounded in shape and raising the pitch. This will also “darken” the sound somewhat.
  • Note: this will change the aperture of the reed. Squeeze the 1st wire from the sides to correct the aperture. 
    • ​​See below for how large the aperture is when it is correct.​

If the reed overall is sharp in pitch

• Gently squeezing the 2nd wire from top to bottom, making it more oval in shape and lowering the pitch.
  • Note: this will change the aperture of the reed. Squeeze the 1st wire from the top to bottom to correct the aperture.
    • ​​​See below for how large the aperture is when it is correct.​

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Reed Measurements

Here are 2 measurements to check with your 6" metal ruler when making sure your reed is set up for success on the instrument. 

• The distance from the tip of the reed to the 1st wire should equal 30mm.
  • If it is not 30mm, use your pliers to adjust the wire until the distance is 30mm.
• The distance between the center of the 2 blades should equal 1.5mm.
  • If greater than 1.5mm, use the pliers to flatten the blades by squeezing the top wire from the sides.
  • If less than 1.5mm, use the pliers to round the blades by squeezing the top wire from the top and bottom.

Next Page: Assembly

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