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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000025.txt from 2003/03

From: "Isaac Bull" <contrareed@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] contrabassoon: sagging Eb
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 22:48:40 -0500

A few suggestions - check the position of the tuning slide - this is a
sensitive area on contrabassoons (ie is it too far out? also check that the
vent key on the tuning slide is opening and closing properly). This may or
may not be a problem if ONLY the Eb is sagging but if you have other
difficulties, it might be more suspect.

Also, try other bocals, if you have any available.

Many contrabassoons, (most later models) have an alternate Eb key for the RH
thumb.

You can also adjust the reed similar to a way you would for bassoon sagging
(middle) e's. Also, take care not to take too much off the heart of the
reed as the middle and even more the upper register can collapse.

Cornelia Biggers book has some good information about reeds, tone production
and general info that might be helpful.

Good luck.

Isaac
----- Original Message -----
From: "William Safford" <williamsafford@-----.com>
To: <doublereed-l@-----.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 2:11 PM
Subject: [DR-L] contrabassoon: sagging Eb

> I've been asked to play contra in a concert next week. I don't play contra
> very often, and don't pretend to be very skilled at it.
>
> My Eb (written 3rd space bass clef) is sagging.
>
> Any idea how to remedy it, either through fingering (preferably), or reed
> modification?
>
> I'm using left hand 1,2, Eb key / right hand open
>
> TIA.
>
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