Could a bassoon reed or an oboe reed fit in my bombard?

Question

Hi! :) I've just bought a breton bombard and it came with two double reeds, one plastic made and the other wood made... I've just imagined how would sound my bombard with an oboe or bassoon reed on it... I want to order some reeds... but... i'd don't like to lose money... Would the reeds fit on my bombard? would they make my bombard sound like a bassoon or an oboe alike?

Answer 1

I can play the spoons that's all. But, the impression I have of reeds is that as they vibrate in the instrument, so the instrument vibrates in accordance with the reed. So my guess is that the right parts need to work together.

Otherwise it is a bit like trying to fit bass guitar strings onto a cello -  it would either sound cass or have a bello, and that is before the neck breaks.  

Answer 2

I wouldn't imagine that oboe or bassoon reeds would work - each instrument has its own dimensions, which extend through to its specific reed and staple (if applicable.)

You can always give it a go, of course - I haven't seen a bombard in the flesh, nor do I know what kinds of reeds they use, so I can't picture whether or not an oboe or bassoon reed would even fit.

But I think you really should invest in some proper bombard reeds. And when you find one that works for you, maybe get a reed-maker friend to copy it for you, use it as a template.

I once tried playing a shawm with a bassoon reed and it sounded awful - but once I acquired a proper reed, suddenly it sounded - well, like a shawm should!

Good luck, and happy bombard-ing!

Hafwen :o)

Answer 3

Only if you bend over really far. ;o)