In bassoon performance, the quality of tonguing is heavily influenced by the condition of the reed. Tonguing is not the act of striking the tongue against the reed, but rather the technique of channeling airflow at the precise moment the tongue releases from the reed. Whether the reed responds instantly to this delicate "release" action is the minimum requirement of a good reed. When using a reed with sluggish response, articulation becomes delayed or notes burst out explosively, making control extremely difficult. Especially in soft passages (piano), it is essential that the reed tip is neither too thin nor too thick, possessing an appropriate degree of flexibility. Value the sensation of the sound rising smoothly the instant you release your tongue, matching the image in your mind. Choosing a reed is not merely selecting a consumable item -- it is the act of choosing a partner that supports your musical expression. In your daily practice, become sensitive to changes in reed response and always stay aware of the feel that is optimal for you.
Furthermore, the characteristics required of a reed change depending on the type of tonguing used. For example, when performing a soft "lu-lu-lu-lu" tonguing used in lyrical melodies, the tongue is used broadly and released gently from the reed. If the reed is too sensitive in this case, the attack becomes overly pronounced; conversely, if the reed is too sluggish, the sound becomes blurred. On the other hand, passages with frequent staccato and accents require using the tip of the tongue narrowly and releasing it with force. Finding a "versatile reed" that can accommodate such diverse articulations is the key to expanding your expressive range. Make a habit of clearly defining what kind of tonguing you want to achieve, and remember the feel of a reed that can withstand -- or even assist -- those demands. Through ongoing dialogue with your reeds, draw out the full richness of expression that the bassoon has to offer.
Learning to gauge the lifespan of a reed is also indispensable for maintaining performance quality. Even if a reed responds well when new, the wood grain changes with use -- it may lose its resilience or, conversely, become too stiff to vibrate properly. When you notice that "releasing the tongue feels heavier than usual" during tonguing, it may be time to replace the reed. Keeping several reeds in rotation and avoiding dependence on any single reed is a practical strategy for maintaining a consistent playing feel. Success in reed selection means finding that one reed which brings out the best in your technique, but to achieve that, you first need a clear vision of your "ideal sound" and "ideal touch." From here, let us look in detail at specific selection criteria and checkpoints. Use these guidelines to help you find your ideal reed.
Success and Failure in Reed Selection: The Criteria That Shape Bassoon Tone
As a specific criterion for selecting a good reed, the first thing to check is the uniformity of tone onset across all registers. Confirm whether every note from the low register to the high register can be articulated with the same tongue touch. A reed on which certain notes are difficult to produce or on which the sound cracks may need adjustment or may simply not be suited to you. The weight of the blowing resistance is also an important factor. A reed that is too light tends to produce a thin tone, while a reed that is too heavy causes tension in the tongue and throat, hindering smooth tonguing. The ideal is a balance where the reed resonates richly even with a relaxed embouchure, provided you maintain solid abdominal support. Visually check the opening of the reed tip and the overall balance of the scrape, and train your eye to select reeds that fit your mouth shape and bite. When test-playing reeds, never forget the perspective of whether they will hold up in actual performance.
- Play a middle-register F and confirm whether the tone speaks immediately the instant you release your tongue.
- Perform tonguing at a soft dynamic (piano) and test whether the note articulates cleanly without any unwanted pre-sound.
- Test both a "lu-lu-lu" touch and a "tu-tu" touch, and check whether the tonal nuance changes accordingly.
- Play slurs and tongued passages alternately from the low register to the high register, and confirm that the change in resistance stays within an acceptable range.
- Use a metronome and test whether the reed can keep up with tonguing at a fast tempo.
