Any Bassoonists Out There That Can Offer Me Some Advice?, Problem with low and middle G tuning. Options

[clarinez]

Hi. Have a problem with my bassoon. I am just learning it, and doing really well I think. BUT, my G is really pout of tune - almost a semitome flat, sounds like a vaguely sharp F#. I dont mean just a little flat that I could lip up, but absolutely dire. Any ideas why?

[Petite Joueuse]

Welcome to the joys of the wackiest instrument around!!

I'm only a beginner myself....and actually A is my problem note!

On G, (I'm assuming you mean the top space G), try rolling your first finger of your left hand to partially open the hole. I think it may be one of these notes that varies from bassoon to basoon (and from bassoonist to bassoonist!). I remember reading somewhere that this hole should sometimes be 3/4 open, sometimes 1/2 open and sometimes 1/4 open. Try about 1/2!!

Good luck! Let me know if this helps!

[clarinez]

Hi. Ta. Will try, although because of degree of flatness I'm inclined to think it is a mechanical problem rather than a technique problem or 'voicing' problem (though my technique is pretty ###### at the moment I am sure). ANother reason is that it is not just top space G but any G at any octave . Checked pads and all cant see anything obviously wrong. How long have you been playing for?

[Petite Joueuse]

I've only been playing just under a year! It does get easier...HONESTLY!

Have you tried a different reed? I know that sounds a bit pathetic and obvious, but i might correct the problem. I was totally convinced that my new bassoon was wrong as I couldn't play C (middle space C) in tune AT ALL - even though everything else seemed reasonably OK. It was only when I tried a different reed that I got quite a shock - C totally IN TUNE!! (After weeks of frustration). I still have the offending reed and it still plays beautifully .....apart from a very dodgy C!!

The other possibility is leaking pads. Have you had your bassoon checked over recently? It could be something really tiny and apparently insignificant that needs tweaking!

Don't give up!
And remember....you don't PLAY the bassoon, you HAVE A RELATIONSHIP with it!!

[mattrattley]

i've got a bit of a G problem, but it's the other way i'm afraid. i find i get a more in tune G when I add the left hand little finger Eb key (the top one) - the note sounds a bit different but it's more in tune for me. actually you can try adding the D key/E pad/C# little finger key and see if it's any better.

if you don't succeed it's a mechanical problem and you should see if you can get it fixed.

[Petite Joueuse]

Glad you mentioned adding on the Eflat key! I read an American article about bassoon fingering and was amazed at how often the author said he added the Eflat key on to a wide range of offending notes!