Order Bassoon Reeds
In general reeds have a warm, vibrant sound with great response making them easy to control. During the finishing process, reeds are adjusted to bring them towards balanced performance characteristics over the range of the bassoon:
- control over a large dynamic range
- control of intonation
- control of articulation
Reeds are doubly graded: reeds are sorted by the way they respond when play-tested and by their relative tone color. Reeds are available in blue, red, or green thread.
Comparing Student and Advanced Reeds
The table below compares the Student and Advanced Reeds. The main differences are that Advanced Reeds are play-tested three times instead of once, have a slightly higher range, and play slightly softer on low notes. Both levels of reeds are also graded for sound characteristics. For a detailed description of the grading system, see the Reed Grading page.
Bassoon Reed Comparison Table
Student Reeds
Student reeds demonstrate control over dynamics, intonation, and articulation for a large range of the bassoon.
Student Bassoon Reed - Moderate, $7 |
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| Student Bassoon Reed - Dark, $7 The darkest tone color available. Slightly less responsive low end and slighly smaller dynamic range. Available: Blue x0, Red x0, Green x0 |
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| Student Bassoon Reed - Bright, $7 The brightest tone color available. Excellent low end and dynamic range... but bright. Available: Blue x0, Red x0, Green x1 |
Advanced Reeds
Advanced reeds demonstrate control over dynamics, intonation, and articulation over a larger range of the bassoon. Reeds are play-tested from a piano low B-flat to an articulated high D (individual results will vary1).
| Advanced Bassoon Reed - Moderate, $10 Recommended. Excellent tone color - neither too dark nor too bright. Available: Blue x1, Red x5, Green x0 |
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| Advanced Bassoon Reed - Dark, $10 The darkest tone color available. Slightly less responsive low end and slighly smaller dynamic range. Available: Blue x1, Red x0, Green x0 |
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| Advanced Bassoon Reed - Bright, $10 The brightest tone color available. Excellent low end and dynamic range... but bright. Available: Blue x0, Red x0, Green x0 |
Reed Blanks
Bassoon reed blanks are ready to have the tip cut open. The tube has been reamed, and the first wire is still standing. Most blanks will yield a moderate tone color. Performance characteristics will vary but most can be worked to achieve the Advanced Reed qualities.
| Bassoon Reed Blank, $5 Available: Blue x3, Red x4, Green x1 |
1 Preference and Variation
When considering an order, keep in mind that the response of reeds varies both from reed to reed and from bassoonist to bassoonist. While all reeds are play-tested, they may not be preferred by some players.
First Purchase
If this is your first reed purchase with Dynamic Reeds, consider just buying one reed to see if the style is what you prefer. If you have been playing one or two years, it may be sufficient to order a Student Reed. Otherwise if you have been playing longer and require flexibility from the reed, consider an Advanced Reed. The Moderate tone color grade is recommended.
Inventory
Available quantities are listed for each reed and are updated daily. If you wish to purchase more reeds than are typically available, please contact me, and I will work with you to make the desired number of reeds available as quickly as possible.
Please note that the PayPal shopping cart only considers available inventory when you go to checkout, and it may mislead you about what is available before going to checkout. I apologize for any inconvenience, but please understand that I can charge lower prices by using their free shopping cart software.
Payment by Check
Payment by check is only accepted for US orders and from US banks. Please mail a letter with your check to communicate your order. If you include your email address in the letter, you will be emailed when your order has shipped. An order only ships once the check has cleared.
Return Policy
Reeds may only be returned for exchange for the same type. Email or call to initiate an exchange. Return shipping is at the customer's expense; shipping of the replacement reed is at Dynamic Reeds' expense.
