Imagine a bassoon trying to sing without its voice. That’s what a bassoon reed is – its heart and soul! But finding the perfect reed can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. So many types, so many brands, and all of them promise a beautiful sound. It’s enough to make any bassoonist scratch their head!
This quest for the ideal reed often comes with frustration. Maybe your reed is too hard to play, or it squeaks when you least expect it. Perhaps it just doesn’t have that rich, warm tone you’re dreaming of. These little pieces of cane hold so much power over your music, and choosing the wrong one can really hold you back.
But don’t worry! By diving into this post, you’ll learn what makes a good reed tick. We’ll explore the different kinds available and help you understand what to look for. You’ll walk away feeling more confident, ready to pick a reed that helps your bassoon truly shine and makes your music sing.
Our Top 5 Bassoon Reeds Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bassoon Reeds Detailed Reviews
1. Bnineteenteam Bassoon Medium Soft Bassoon Reeds Bassoon Accessories Pack of 5
Rating: 9.2/10
Musicians, get ready to elevate your bassoon sound with the Bnineteenteam Bassoon Medium Soft Bassoon Reeds. This pack of five reeds offers a consistent and reliable performance for players of all levels. They are crafted from good quality bamboo, making them strong and ready for your musical journey.
What We Like:
- Made from qualified bamboo stripe, they are solid and firm.
- Each reed is carefully selected for the right diameter and wall thickness.
- The medium strength is perfect for many bassoon players.
- They are assembled by hand and coated with strong lacquer for durability.
- You get five reeds in a pack, so you have plenty to choose from.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions “mechanized steps” but doesn’t detail them.
- The exact type of lacquer used is not specified.
These Bnineteenteam bassoon reeds are a great option for anyone looking for quality and quantity. They are designed to help you play your best.
2. XYW Artist Bassoon Reed with Portable Case
Rating: 9.0/10
The XYW Artist Bassoon Reed with Portable Case is a great choice for bassoonists looking for a quality reed. It’s handmade by a professional and comes with a convenient carrying case.
What We Like:
- Beautiful Tone: The reeds are made from high-quality cane that’s grown in plenty of sunshine. This gives them great vibration and sensitivity, leading to a better sound quality that lasts longer.
- Handmade Quality: A professional bassoonist makes each reed by hand. The blades are symmetrical and finished nicely. The professional also tests and adjusts every reed before it ships.
- Portable Protection: Each reed comes in its own clear case. It has soft sponge padding on the top and bottom to keep the reed safe. This makes it reliable and easy to carry around.
- Versatile Use: These reeds work well for many players, from beginners to pros, and students to teachers. They sound good in different music styles, like classical and jazz, and are suitable for many playing situations.
- Medium Size: The medium size is good for players who have some experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Selection: Players should choose the size based on how long they’ve been playing the bassoon.
This reed offers excellent sound and durability for a wide range of bassoonists. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting to improve their playing experience.
3. XYW Artist Bassoon Reed with Portable Case
Rating: 8.9/10
Embarking on your bassoon journey or looking to enhance your playing? The XYW Artist Bassoon Reed with Portable Case, Medium Soft is designed to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. This reed is specifically crafted for beginners and children, offering an easy-to-play feel that encourages practice and progress. Its medium-soft strength allows for comfortable blowing and clear tone production, essential for developing musicians.
What We Like:
- Easy to Play: The medium-soft reed makes blowing easier, which is fantastic for beginners and younger players.
- Handmade Quality: Each reed is carefully made by a professional bassoonist. This means the blades are well-shaped and balanced for better sound.
- Beautiful Tone: Made from high-quality, naturally grown reeds, this reed produces a lovely sound with good vibration and sensitivity. It also lasts longer than many others.
- Protective Case: The reed comes in a sturdy, transparent case with soft padding. This keeps it safe and makes it easy to carry around.
- Versatile Use: This reed works well for many players, from students learning to experienced musicians. It’s suitable for various music styles, from classical to jazz.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Guidance: While it’s medium-soft, a little more specific advice on choosing reed strength based on playing duration could be helpful for absolute beginners.
This XYW Artist Bassoon Reed is a thoughtful choice for anyone starting out on the bassoon. Its user-friendly design and quality craftsmanship help build confidence and produce a pleasing sound.
4. Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed Medium Soft
Rating: 8.9/10
The Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed Medium Soft is a popular choice for bassoon players. It’s designed to offer a good balance of ease of play and tone quality. Many musicians find this reed to be a reliable option for their practice and performance needs. It aims to make playing the bassoon more enjoyable for a wide range of players.
What We Like:
- Easy to play for beginners and intermediate players.
- Produces a warm and pleasant tone.
- Consistent sound quality from reed to reed.
- Durable construction means it lasts a good while.
- Good value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be too soft for advanced players seeking a very bright or powerful sound.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, making it hard to find.
- Some players might prefer a reed with more resistance.
Overall, the Marlin Lesher Bassoon Reed Medium Soft is a solid choice for many bassoonists. It provides a user-friendly experience and produces a lovely sound, making it a worthwhile addition to any bassoonist’s toolkit.
5. Emerald EBM Bassoon Reed – Medium
Rating: 8.7/10
The Emerald EBM Bassoon Reed – Medium is a great choice for bassoon players. It’s made with care and tested to make sure it plays well. Many music teachers recommend this reed. It’s a medium strength, which works for many players. This reed helps you make beautiful music.
What We Like:
- Carefully made for a good sound.
- Thoroughly tested for quality.
- Teacher recommended, so you know it’s good.
- Medium strength is versatile for many players.
- Helps you produce clear, consistent notes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability might be limited sometimes.
- Price point might be a bit high for beginners.
- Some players might prefer a different reed strength.
This Emerald EBM Bassoon Reed – Medium offers reliable performance for dedicated musicians. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to improve their bassoon playing.
Choosing the Right Bassoon Reed: Your Guide to Great Sound
Finding the perfect bassoon reed can feel like a quest! A good reed makes your bassoon sing, while a bad one can make it sound like a grumpy frog. This guide will help you pick the best reeds for your playing.
Why Reeds Matter
The reed is the heart of your bassoon’s sound. It’s the part you vibrate with your breath to make music. Different reeds have different sounds and feel. Choosing the right one helps you play your best.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for bassoon reeds, keep these things in mind.
1. Strength (Resistance)
Reeds have different strengths. This is how hard you have to blow to make a sound.
- Soft Reeds: Easier to play. Good for beginners or players with less air support. They can sound a bit breathy.
- Medium Reeds: A good balance. They offer enough resistance for a full sound but aren’t too hard to play. Most players use medium reeds.
- Hard Reeds: Require more air and control. They produce a strong, focused sound. Best for experienced players.
2. Tip Opening
This is the space between the two pieces of cane at the very top of the reed.
- Wider Tip Opening: Lets more air through. Can make the reed easier to play and sound brighter.
- Narrower Tip Opening: Restricts airflow. Can make the reed harder to play but give a more focused, darker sound.
3. Blade Shape and Scrape
The “scrape” is how the cane is shaped. This affects how the reed vibrates. Different shapes can give different tonal qualities. Some reeds have a thinner scrape for easier response, while others have a thicker scrape for more power.
Important Materials
Bassoon reeds are almost always made from one material:
- Cane: This is a type of grass that grows in specific regions. The quality of the cane is super important. Good cane is well-seasoned (dried properly) and free of cracks or defects. Different types of cane can have slightly different sounds.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many things can make a reed great or not so great.
- Craftsmanship: How well the reed is made by hand or machine matters a lot. A well-made reed has balanced blades and a good scrape.
- Cane Quality: As mentioned, good cane is key. It needs to be healthy and properly treated.
- Storage: Reeds need to be stored correctly. Keeping them in a reed case helps them last longer and prevents them from drying out or getting damaged.
- Playing Time: Reeds wear out with use. The more you play, the more the cane will soften and change.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses bassoon reeds and why?
- Beginners: Often start with softer reeds. These are easier to get a sound out of and help build confidence.
- Students: As they progress, they move to medium reeds. This helps them develop better breath control and tone.
- Professionals: May use a variety of reeds depending on the music they are playing. They might choose a harder reed for a symphony orchestra and a softer one for a chamber group.
- Ensembles: Different musical groups might call for different sounds. A reed that sounds great in a solo might not blend as well in a large orchestra.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bassoon Reeds
Q: What is the most important part of a bassoon reed?
A: The most important part of a bassoon reed is the cane. The quality of the cane greatly affects the sound and playability of the reed.
Q: How do I know if a reed is too hard or too soft?
A: If a reed is too hard, you will struggle to make a sound, and your tone might be forced. If it’s too soft, the sound might be breathy, and you won’t have much control over your pitch.
Q: Can I make my own bassoon reeds?
A: Yes, experienced players can learn to make their own reeds. It takes a lot of practice and skill.
Q: How long do bassoon reeds usually last?
A: The lifespan of a reed varies. With regular playing, a reed might last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Q: Should I buy handmade or machine-made reeds?
A: Handmade reeds often offer more consistency and better tone, but they can be more expensive. Machine-made reeds are more affordable and can be good for practice.
Q: What is a “staple” on a bassoon reed?
A: The staple is a metal tube that the cane is wrapped around. It helps the reed attach to the bassoon and affects the sound.
Q: How should I store my bassoon reeds?
A: Always store your reeds in a reed case. This protects them from damage and helps them maintain the right moisture level.
Q: Can I adjust a bassoon reed?
A: Yes, experienced players can make small adjustments to reeds to improve their sound or playability. This is called “working” the reed.
Q: What does “breaking in” a reed mean?
A: “Breaking in” a reed means playing on it for a while so it adjusts to your embouchure and playing style. This helps it reach its best sound.
Q: Where can I buy bassoon reeds?
A: You can buy bassoon reeds from music stores, online music retailers, and directly from bassoon reed makers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!