When I received my package from GoBassoon in the mail, I was very impressed by the presentation of my new GoBassoon reeds. The graphic design and branding of these reeds is second to none. They came in this handy tin (that can also double as a terrific reed case once a few holes are drilled for ventilation).
Both reeds fit perfectly on my bocal. I also fit them on two Fox *CVX* bocals, another Heckel bocal, and my student’s bocals, and the reeds fit wonderfully on all of them. No reaming required.
The first reed (aka “orange reed”), had good response. Notes came out easily in all of the registers, particularly in the extreme high register (C, D, Eb, E). The overall sound was very bright, bordering on abrasive, but I like this in a new reed. The intonation was good. I recorded readings for three notes:
- D in the staff: 5 cents flat
- A at the top of the staff: perfectly in tune
- Low F: perfectly in tune
The reed had a good, complex crow. After I had played the reed for a while, I did notice that my embouchure was getting fatigued far faster than I expected. This is most likely due to my attempts to control the vibrancy of the reed with my embouchure (a no-no).
I don’t think I could play this reed as-is in rehearsal or performance for very long. I would have to tone down the vibrancy first. Fortunately, these are easy fixes. The tip of this reed is too thick for my liking. I would definitely thin it down. This picture shows the tip thickness pretty well. I would also adjust the wires and perhaps take down the rails a little bit. 
Interestingly, the other reed (aka “green reed”) I got from GoBassoon had none of these vibrancy issues. In fact, I couldn’t even get a complex crow out of it right away. I know that crow isn’t everything; this reed actually turned out to be the favorite of two of my students.
Green reed fit on all of the bocals perfectly. The response of this green reed was good, but not quite as good as on orange reed. Green reed had a better overall sound than orange reed. The reed’s overall pitch was a little higher, and my test pitches came out like this:
- D in the staff: 5 cents sharp
- A at the top of the staff: 10 cents sharp
- Low F: 5 cents sharp
It is my opinion that once a few tweaks are made to this reed, the pitch will drop and settle right where it needs to be. The tip was thicker than I like on this reed as well. 
Overall, I think these reeds from GoBassoon are good quality reeds. As is to be expected, each reed is different and will need different finishing touches. I will update this blog post with the finishing touches I do on these reeds at a later date.
GoBassoon reeds are available online at GoBassoon.com. The reeds cost $19-20 each. Shipping is free with a $100+ order. Check out their Resources page for reed care tips, a list of tools used to make GoBassoon reeds, and a list of useful reed making books.
Have you used GoBassoon reeds? What has your experience been like? Please comment below!
I am currently working with two of these reeds and haven’t completely decided whether I like them or not. There is that vibrancy, and I am getting a few odd harmonics on a couple of notes. I need to continue working with them and then update later. Incidently, other reeds that I have tried include Dale Clarks (like, especially the red style A, but expensive), Carlson (really like, but have trouble getting them delivered) and most recently, Bel Canto.
That is interesting. I find that with some work, the GoBassoon reeds are good for middle and high school players. My students like them. I am currently working on a Bel Canto reed review. Which kind did you get? The premium or the regular? I really like one of the two Bel Canto reeds I have. The other is ok. One of my university students uses Dale Clark reeds. She loves them, but I think they sound a little buzzy. Thank you for your comment!