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The bassoon: the double reed

Bassoon reed

The two reeds that make up the bassoon's double reed

THE BASSOON is the most commonly found bass instrument of the woodwind group – along with its larger companion the contrabassoon, which plays an octave lower.

Open QuoteIn fact I spend my life sitting there making reedsClose Quote

Gareth Twigg

The basson is, in some ways, a bass version of the oboe, as it has a double reed. But its construction and use have made a significantly different instrument.

One of the first things you need to know about the bassoon (as with the oboe, the clarinet and the contrabassoon) is how to make and get the best reeds.

In this clip Gareth Twigg explains the function and form of the reed – or the double reed, which is needed on the bassoon.

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