Reed help

Tips for successful reed adjustment and reed longevity:

1. Reed vials are for shipping only. Do not keep wet reeds in vials overnight. Reeds should be kept in a ventilated case. Case may be left open overnight for reeds to thoroughly dry. Rotate reed usage for longer life.
2. Don't over soak your reeds.  Soak the reed 5 to 10 seconds in cool tap water, then place it on a music stand or desk while you assemble the bassoon.
   
3.  Hopefully the reed will fit your bocal as is but you may have to ream the reed if you have an unusually large bocal.
   
4. Wire adjustments, by squeezing or tightening the wires, are the simplest methods to improve performance.
   
   The first wire is the one closest to the tip.  This wire adjusts the reed tip opening.  A more open tip will make the reed more resistant.  Do this by squeezing the first wire from the sides with needle-nose pliers.
   
   The second wire adjustment is opposite to the first.  If you squeeze the second wire from the sides the tip of the reed closes.  The reed will be more resistant from this action on the second wire.  To create less resistance squeeze the second wire from the top and bottom.
   
   Reed wire adjustments should be done in a subtle manner, checking the reed's performance after each adjustment.

More Information:
One of the easiest, and most effective, adjustments to bassoon reeds is done by tightening the wires.  If third space E in the bass clef is flat tighten the first wire.  Use a long forming mandrel to support the reed and use needle-nosed pliers to do the tightening.  The second wire may also be tightened to raise the pitch of the reed but with a less dramatic effect.

If the reed is hard to play in the low register file the back 1/3 of the reed with a needle file, pulling the cane to the collar (where the blade meets the bark.)  Once you have a little cane built up you can run the file across the collar to remove the fillings.  If necessary use a hobby knife, e-xacto #11, to clean up the edge of the collar. 

If the reed seems a little stiff overall, scrape the reed from the center about 7 mm back from the tip (the heart) towards the tip.