 The Fingering Forum
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Author: candee
Date: 2002-11-24 18:24
ok- i've never played a wind instrument before, and i was wondering if anyone could give me tips about how to use a double reed?
thanks
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Author: oboeguy
Date: 2002-11-25 16:11
This is probably the first time I've heard anyone ever ask about how to use a double reed. but a VERY good question indeed! Most people just ask how to use the oboe/EH/Bassoon without even wondering...maybe it's the reed!?
Seeming as I'm an oboe player, I can only help you with the reed...oboes and bassoons are so different it's not even funny. Anyways, on with the reed.
Your reed should "crow" meaning than when you bring your lips to touch the string(or put the reed in you mouth until most of the wood is covered)your reed will make a sound imitant to a crow. You should typically hear a mulitphonic, as in 2 to 3 sounds at the same time; bagpipe-like. If you only hear one, either your reed is closing up(remedied by GENTLY squeezing the sides) or you have a bum reed. Don't feel apologetic if your reed can't crow, sometimes they just don't, some reeds just suck.
I also assume that you're using store bought reeds. These will do for the first while, but like training wheels on a bike, they have serious limitations. Most store-bought reeds tend to be fairly thick at the tips, which is where they should be the thinnest. I remember when I first switched to hand made reeds, that the quality of the craftsmanship was unlike...and I mean unlike...any reed you could ever buy in the store.
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Author: candee
Date: 2002-11-25 23:01
thanks thats alot better than ive found anywhere else on the internet
is there a very big difference in price between store-bought and hand-crafted reeds? and do they hold up for a long time?
:D
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Author: Royce
Date: 2002-11-26 05:50
I started playing bassoon recently. I would very strongly recommend taking a few lessons when you first start out. When I started oboe a few years ago, I taught myself (bad idea). When I finally started taking lessons, I had to UNlearn so many bad habits I had picked up. A few lessons will start you off on the right foot. A teacher may also be able to direct you to a source for good reeds. Good luck!
Royce
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