 The Bassoon BBoard
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Author: Surprenant
Date: 2012-08-26 15:15
My new bassoon has a whisper key lock, which is operated by my right thumb. I never use the lock (at least, thus far) but I often find that I have to unlock it because my thumb inadvertently bumped it into lock position (probably playing a B-flat). So, after a few failed attempts to play a D in the tenor range, I'll realize that the key is locked, so I slide it to unlock. This is such a hassle, so I just removed it with a screwdriver. My teacher said this should be ok. However, I'm just wondering if anyone else had had this frustrating experience, or are my thumbs just out of control? Thanks!
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Author: Ian White
Date: 2012-08-27 11:38
The type of right thumb lock I see most often is too far out of the way to get knocked during playing - too far out of the way to use easily when needed!
Any variety is easily locked on while assembling or handling the bassoon - this a common reason for ruining the pad when fitting the bocal/crook. But it is a useful fascility to have & worth getting the thumb trained to avoid it.
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Author: Surprenant
Date: 2012-08-27 14:33
I'm playing on a Moosmann 98A, not sure if that matters. The right thumb lock doesn't seem very far away from other keys, but my hands are relatively large. Thanks for the advice regarding handling...in fact, I have attempted to remove the bocal on several occasions when I suddenly realised that the lock was on and I could have seriously scratched up the pad!
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Author: Ian White
Date: 2012-08-27 16:08
I'd be interested to see a picture of the lock - I have only seen the LH one on Moosmann bassoons but I know Bernd does all sorts of variations to suit various areas - players in US seem to favour the RH one in various designs. (Fox do 3 versions).
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2012-08-27 16:33
I have a Fox Type II sliding RH whisper lock on both of my bassoons, and rarely have a problem hitting it.
You're better off to keep the lock, and get used to having it there. When you need one, you really need it.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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