The Importance of a Good Bassoon Swab can keep Your Bassoon in Good Repair or Leave Your Bassoon IN NEED of REPAIR! (GASP!)
Why We SWAB the WIND and BOOT JOINTS:
The Wind and Boot Joints are most likely to Receive Moisture. By removing the Excess Moisture we Prolong the Life of the Pads! In the Boot Joint I swab AND I use the excess Silk Material to Remove any Excess Moisture where the Wind Joint Enters the Boot (at the top of the Boot Joint). This keeps Rust at Bay for tops of the Metal Lined Tubes!
Here’s My Review on Swabs Available
FOX/RENARD SWABS:
Least Favorite Swab Reviewed
These are FREE with the purchase of a new instrument. There is one with a Solid Weight for the Wind Joint. And another with a Chain for the Boot.
PROS:
Free with Bassoon
CONS:
Made of Cotton: Less Absorbent than Silk
Doesn’t Pull Through the Instrument as Smoothly as Silk
Solid Weight on the Swab: I have heard Urban Legends of the Weights Bonking the Inside of the Tubes. In one case Damaging the Nobs that Protrude within the Wind Joint.
This Left the Instrument DESTROYED: I’ve Never Personally Experienced this Nor Would I Like to….
SILK SWAB WITH SOLID WEIGHT:
Good but STILL a Level of Fear Factor Due to the SOLID WEIGHT
PROS:
More Absorbent than Cotton
Easier Pull Through the Instrument
One Swab does BOTH the Wind and Boot Joint
CONS:
The Weight is Covered in Rubber- as it Deteriorates it is NOT PADDED to go Through the Wind Joint. And the Urban Legend may Just Ring TRUE.
SILK SWAB WITH CHAIN:
THIS IS WHAT I BUY AND WHY
Here is where to buy it: Forrests Music: Albion Silk Bassoon Swab
PROS:
More Absorbent than Cotton
Easier Pull Through
One Swab does BOTH the Wind and Boot Joint
CONS:
The lack of a Truly Heavy Weight makes it more of a Challenge for Beginners to get through the “U” Tube at the base of the Boot Joint.
HERE IS A FULL HOW TO SWAB A BASSOON TUTORIAL
This video takes you through the steps I use to swab out my bassoon and remove any excess moisture from the instrument. It prevents RUST, ROT and PAD REPAIR!
Even if you already do Swab your Bassoon, this may have some QUIRKY LITTLE TIDBITS that I do differently that may help you!
HAPPY BASSOON-ING, EVERYBODY!
erynoft 