Someone I know (not me) had a lifelong ambition to play the bassoon (it takes all sorts!). She bought one, signed up for lessons and started practicing. The problem is she bites the reeds so hard she has broken a tooth and had to give up, at least for the moment, before she's even got started.





1) is this a common problem?
2) what can be done?

Thank you all in advance for any replies received.

Ouch

1)biting down is common on hard reeds I thin. but not enough to break a tooth
2)when it's better, try with a really relaxed embouchure like when you say 'ooooo'. If it doesn't play then then wait for teacher.

She's doing something seriously wrong. You do not bite down with your teeth. The reed sits between the lips, quite softly as Lizbun says (though firmly enough to get an effective seal around the reed). If she can't produce a sound, maybe the reed is too hard but it sound to me as though she is simply not using the correct embouchure.

The reed is supported by the lips, the teeth don't come into it.

I have seen some fingering charts for "impossible" high notes (above G above the treble stave), which indicate "bite reed" !

Chris

Same on the oboe.Though some players say you don't need to bite even then.