Bassoon reeds

[Carl H.]

I know some of you do your own reeds, as a proper bassoonist will, but some aren't quite so gifted (or don't have the time).

A friend of mine in the local orchestra needs some reeds but doesn't know who is making the good ones.

Has anybody done a study of which reeds give the most bang for the buck? I'd like to help her out with a source of good quality affordable reeds and would appreciate any relevant info you could share on the subject.

Thanks,
Carl

[bpimentel]

The best way to buy bassoon reeds is face-to-face from a real live bassoonist. If you are near a university with at least a medium-sized music department, look up the bassoon professor on their website and send them an email. If they aren't selling reeds themselves, they ought to be able to recommend a graduate student or even a talented undergrad (who will be eager to please and badly in need of the cash).

That way you get reeds made for your altitude and climate, which can be quickly and easily adjusted for your embouchure and instrument right before your eyes.

It's usually cheaper than buying retail, too, even before you calculate for shipping.

Bret

[tjontheroad]

Carl, you have a PM