Classical Bassoon
This newly designed reed (right) works so well that we've transferred
the standard classical reed label to it. The high
collar (the "bark": or epidermis above the first wire) helps
shape the aperture of the tip, giving an acoustical advantage in terms
of both timbre and dynamic range on Heinrich Grenser, Buhner &
Keller, and other classical bassoons. Despite its unfamiliar appearance,
it is made with uniformly gouged, medium-hard cane. Both novices and
experienced players find it easily responsive.
The hand-thinned gouge of the short-scrape classical reed
(left) leaves denser cane at the reed's tip, making for a penetrating
tone. If completely dry, the reed must be soaked for about 20 minutes
in warm before use, and must be kept damp for optimal response.