Manchester Based Bassoonist
Reeds for Bassoon and Contrabassoon
Contrabassoon Reeds are made with the standard K1 shape from Rieger and 4 wires are used to ensure absolutely no leaks and a good seal with the crook. Rieger and Marion cane are used to form these reeds and provide a clear, stable sound with good response throughout the register of the instrument. Like the bassoon reeds available to order, the contrabassoon reeds can be adjusted specifically to what you may require.
Will studies reed-making with Simon Durnford regular reed making classes, in his lessons with Graham Salvage and this was further enhanced with Simon Van Holen. All reeds are free-blowing throughout the register of the bassoon with flexible sound and stable intonation and can be tailored to individual request i.e, more resistance and strength in the higher register, a brighter sound/darker sound as specified. The standard, most commonly made reeds produced are made with a custom shape similar to that of the Rieger 1A but with slightly wider throat, the tube is also very rounded with no bevelling used so as much cane is left as possible in this area to allow for as many vibrations as possible without needing to remove excessive amounts of material thus affecting the natural way the reed will vibrate. Wider shapes are available for other aspects of bassoon playing such as 2nd bassoon etc. however the standard reeds produced work very well in a supporting role with a slight amount of adjustment. Cane used can vary however at the moment the majority of reeds are produced using Danzi and Rimpl and adjusted to provide as much flexibility as possible.
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