Interesting Facts About the Bassoon Instrument You Should Know

Did you know that the bassoon is the biggest of all the members of the woodwind family? Yes. That's true. Want to know more about it? Before you start learning how to play the bassoon, let us talk about some of the most interesting facts about the low-pitched, double-reed musical instrument.

However, whether you are a student or a professional bassoon player, an all-encompassing Bassoon Insurance is a must-buy. It is a one-stop solution for all your musical instrument-related financial woes.

Now, let us take a look at the Bassoon as a unique woodwind gear.

Double reed - the meaning

What do you mean by the double reed? When two units of bamboo canes are fixed together with the help of a thread or a wide and have a small gap between the two pieces to allow the passage of air, it is known as a double reed. When the air passes through them, the reeds vibrate against each other and produce an enchanting and unique sound and tone specific to the bassoon.

Bassoon - the anatomy

The bassoon comprises five parts. The bocal or the crook shaped as 'S', is generally carved out of silver and other metals like gold and platinum. The reeds of the bassoon are connected to the crook's end.

The body of the bassoon is made up of four different components. The boot or the double joint comprises the U-shape and joins to the longest part of the gear, the long joint, as the name suggests.

The tenor joint is attached to the crook directly. All the holes of your woodwind gear, along with the keys, are present in the three pieces of the gear.

Bassoon - the most unique in the woodwind family

The length of the bassoon is around 53 inches, making it a significantly elongated woodwind musical instrument. Due to the long tube of the bassoon, it is designed in a folded shape. If the tube is fully extended, the approximate length of the tube would reach up to 102 inches. Due to its long tube, the bassoon is the largest member of its family. You might have heard it often that bassoon is pretty much different from its cousins, including the flute and the clarinet. It is because of the number of keys the bassoon has. It has nine keys on the left and five keys on the right side.

Bassoon - Other distinctive features

Bassoon comes with a conical bore. What does it mean? It means that its long tube is shaped in the form of a cone. What does it do? This shape helps the bassoon to produce its one-of-its-kind and seamless deep sound. This woodwind member also comprises a bell at the opening on its top. Did you know which is the only note coming from the cell? It is the lowest one, the B-flat notation.

Bassoon - The types

There are two types of this particular woodwind musical instrument. They are Heckels and Buffets. The former are German bassoons, whereas the latter are French bassoons. The Heckles are made up of mahogany, and the Buffets are carved out of rosewood. As far as the most preferred variant of the bassoon is concerned, the Art of Bassoon Playing by William Spencer says, a majority of bassoon players prefer German over the Fresh cousins. Do you know what could be the possible reasons? Well, the German bassoons are pocket-friendly and create better sound than their French counterparts.

Bassoon - The nickname

Do you have any idea about what nickname the bassoon could have? It is also known as the clown of the orchestra. The reasons? The detached and sharp sound it produces. As it is low register, some people find it to be humorous.

Bassoon - Self-made reeds

Most bassoonists create their own reeds. You might find it to be an unusual thing, but it is a fact. According to most bassoon players, the reeds you get from outside fail to live up to the expectations. So, it is not something they should invest in.

So, can you imagine that when you dedicate so much effort to a musical instrument, it becomes necessary to ensure that it is protected inside out? Therefore, getting a comprehensive Bassoon Insurance plan is as important as cleaning and maintaining it.