Inspecting Oboe and Bassoon Reeds with the Crowing Test

Who

This technique benefits oboists and bassoonists, from middle school beginners to advanced players, and band directors guiding them in school or community ensembles. Proper reed inspection is crucial for students to achieve optimal tone and intonation.

What

The challenge is inspecting oboe and bassoon reeds to ensure they produce a clear, resonant tone and stable pitch. The “crowing” test, where blowing into the reed produces a distinct pitch, helps evaluate reed quality and functionality.

Why

Double reeds are highly sensitive, and poorly constructed or damaged reeds lead to airy, unstable tones or incorrect pitch, as noted in The Art of Oboe Playing. The crowing test reveals the reed’s response, balance, and pitch (ideally C5 for oboe, Bb4 for bassoon), indicating whether it’s playable or needs adjustment, ensuring proper intonation (A=440 Hz) and ensemble blend.

Where

Inspection occurs via:

• Crowing Test: Blowing gently into the reed alone to produce a crowing sound, assessing pitch and quality.
• Visual and Tactile Checks: Examining the reed’s tip, scrape, and binding for structural integrity.

When

Inspect reeds in:

• Pre-Rehearsal Setup: Before playing to ensure reeds are functional for pieces like Holst’s First Suite in Eb.
• Reed Purchase or Adjustment: When selecting new reeds or scraping existing ones for optimal response.
• Tone Development: During lessons focusing on achieving a rich, focused sound.
• Ensemble Tuning: In rehearsals to maintain pitch accuracy and blend with other instruments.

How

To inspect oboe and bassoon reeds:

1. Perform the Crowing Test: Blow gently into the reed alone to produce a crow. For oboe, aim for a clear C5 (high C); for bassoon, a Bb4 (middle Bb). Use a tuner to confirm pitch aligns with A=440 Hz, as per The Bassoon Reed Manual.
2. Assess Crow Quality: Listen for a balanced, vibrant crow with multiple overtones. A harsh or weak crow indicates an unbalanced or overly thick/thin scrape needing adjustment.
3. Check Visually: Inspect the reed’s tip for symmetry and thinness, ensuring no cracks or warping. Verify the binding is secure and the blades are aligned.
4. Test on Instrument: Play long tones (e.g., middle Bb for oboe, low F for bassoon) to confirm the reed’s response and tone, checking with a tuner for pitch stability.
5. Practice Scales: Use Bb major or F major scales to test reed consistency across registers, ensuring smooth articulation.
6. Annotate Repertoire: Mark parts in pieces like Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever to use tested reeds for exposed passages.
7. Teach Reed Care: Instruct students to soak reeds properly, store them safely, and adjust scrapes (if advanced) to maintain crow pitch and tone quality.

Conclusion

Inspecting oboe and bassoon reeds with the crowing test, aiming for C5 (oboe) or Bb4 (bassoon), ensures optimal tone, response, and intonation. By performing crow tests, visual checks, and scale practice, and reinforcing with tuners and repertoire annotation, directors and double-reed players achieve a clear, vibrant sound. This technique empowers students to excel in demanding band settings, enhancing ensemble performance with precise and expressive playing.