Modifications to Bassoons
There are several changes that you can make to your bassoon to facilitate technique and mitigate pain. Two experts in the field of bassoon modification are Peter Landy and Jonathan Ranney. Peter Landy owns Landy Bassoon Repair in Brooklyn NY. Jonathan Ranney has worked for Ellis Music Company in Bethel Vermont for over 20 years.
Peter Landy says: “Bassoonists with small hands who are having problems think that they are the only ones facing such issues. Not true. The bassoon was designed for big people (by mature men for mature men). Since everyone’s hands are unique, Peter will have the bassoonist visit him, looking at the hands to see how they are shaped and how they operate. The best course of action is then decided for that bassoonist.
Peter Landy’s suggestions for modifications and considerations:
Bassoon body sizes differ. A change to a smaller body-sized bassoon can make a huge difference.
Bending keys—even 1/16th of an inch can make a huge difference. Keys can always be bent back if you decide to sell.
Plateau Keys (3rd finger of the left hand) can be exactly what one person needs, but they are not always a good solution. They may result in an unnatural curve of the 3rd finger possibly creating tension in the hand. Again, hands are different.
Custom keywork is expensive. The bassoon that is modified should be an instrument that the owner loves and intends to keep as it may be hard to sell because of the unique fit to the person’s hand who has had the keywork modified. Keys can be raised or lengthened. Be aware that keys that are raised or lengthened can be harder to press down because of the longer length to travel. It is a trade-off for being able to reach the key better.
Jonathan Ranney’s suggestions for modifications and considerations:
Body size matters for small hands. Check the diameter of the long joint. Newer instruments (particularly professional bassoons such as the Fox 601) tend to be larger than vintage instruments made by Polisi, Kolhert, Moennig or older Heckels.
Lighten the tension in the keys. Jonathan says, “‘Light’ spring tension on a bassoon has some detractors among the old guard. It is a delicate balance between comfort/feel and keeping the closed keys from blowing open and open keys responding quickly.”
Ellen Barnum’s Bassoons
Ellen Barnum is the Instrumental Music Coordinator at SUNY Buffalo State College where she also teaches bassoon, Aural Perceptions, Music Theory, and coaches chamber music. She also teaches bassoon and music literature at Canisius College and has an active private bassoon studio. In addition to her college teaching Ellen maintains an active freelance career performing in Buffalo, NY, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Shea's Theater, and the Buffalo Chamber Players
“The impact of having bassoon with key work custom fitted to my smaller size was a true game changer. All of the struggles I had with technical fluency related to my fingers became something I could fix. While I had not ever developed tendonitis, I did have problems with my ring finger joints locking which makes it impossible to play. While this was oddly not painful for me, I am sure that it was not healthy for the long term. I believe that size should not a limiting factor in playing bassoon, it has to be a consideration for both smaller and taller folks.”
