Best Bassoon Reeds of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Bassoon reeds are essential for any bassoon player. Made from a combination of cane and wire, these reeds are responsible for producing the unique sound of the bassoon. They come in different strengths to accommodate a player's individual preferences and skill level. While reeds can be purchased pre-made, many players prefer to make their own for a more personalized sound. It's important to properly care for and store bassoon reeds to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Overall, bassoon reeds are a crucial component of any bassoonist's toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Jones JR201AM Bassoon Reed Cover #TOP 1
Jones JR201AM Bassoon Reed
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Légère Synthetic Bassoon Reed, Medium Cover #TOP 2
Légère Synthetic Bassoon Reed, Medium
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed Cover #TOP 3
Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bassoon Reeds

#TOP 1

Jones JR201AM Bassoon Reed

Jones Double Reed Products
JR201AM
Natural
Jones JR201AM Bassoon Reed Cover
Jones JR201AM Artist Bassoon Reed; Medium

The Jones JR201AM Bassoon Reed is a high-quality reed made using unique diamond cutting equipment to achieve an exacting gouge. The profile is produced using advanced robotics, allowing for extra refinement at the tip. Each reed is tested and adjusted by a professional Bassoonist to ensure even intonation and tone. The blades are symmetrical and well finished, providing reliable performance.

What We Like
High-quality reed made with unique diamond cutting equipment
Advanced robotics used to produce profile for extra refinement at the tip
Professional Bassoonist tests and adjusts each reed to ensure even intonation and tone
#TOP 2

Légère Synthetic Bassoon Reed, Medium

DRBM
Strength BRBM
Légère Synthetic Bassoon Reed, Medium Cover
Légère Reeds - Bassoon Reed, Strength Medium (DRBM) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

The Légère Synthetic Bassoon Reed in medium strength is an orchestral grade synthetic double reed that delivers consistency, durability, and instant response without needing to moisten or soak. The reed is made by bonding reed halves together using a digitally controlled system, resulting in a balanced reed with the right combination of tip thickness, heart, and flexibility. Its unique material and tip thickness make it easy to play across registers, and it's suitable for players of all levels.

What We Like
Consistent and durable
Instant response and no need for moisture
Easy to play across registers
Suitable for players of all levels
#TOP 3

Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed

EBMS
Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed Cover
Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed - Medium Soft

The Emerald EBMS Bassoon Reed is a medium-soft reed that is carefully made and teacher recommended. It has been thoroughly tested and is designed for use with bassoons. This reed is ideal for those who want a high-quality, reliable reed that is easy to use and produces a great sound.

What We Like
Teacher recommended
Thoroughly tested
Designed for use with bassoons
#TOP 4

Emerald Bassoon Reed - Medium

cream,green
Emerald Bassoon Reed - Medium Cover
Emerald EBM Bassoon Reed - Medium

The Emerald Medium Bassoon Reed is crafted with care and precision to ensure quality performance. As a product that has been thoroughly tested, you can trust its reliability for your playing needs. Being teacher recommended, this reed is ideal for students and professionals alike, providing a solid foundation for your musical journey. Its medium strength offers a balanced response, making it easier for you to produce a rich and warm sound. Whether you are practicing or performing, this reed can enhance your overall experience.

What We Like
High-quality craftsmanship
Teacher recommended
Medium strength for balanced sound
Reliable performance
#TOP 5

Tbest Bassoon Reeds 5 Pcs Set

Tbest
Tbestaxehdsrf5n
Cream
Tbest Bassoon Reeds 5 Pcs Set Cover
Tbest Bassoon Reed, Bassoon Reeds, 5 Pcs Bassoon Soft Medium Cork Reeds with Case/Tube Instrument Bassoon Accessories Bassoon bassoon Reeds bassoon reeds medium soft bassoon reed

Tbest Bassoon Reeds offer a carefully curated selection made from high-quality cane, ensuring a deep and resonant sound that enhances your performance. These reeds are crafted from durable bamboo, promising longevity and consistent quality for every use. With five reeds in each pack, you can easily find the right fit for your playing style, providing versatility for different musical pieces. Designed specifically for bassoon, these reeds help you achieve the best harmony, making your musical experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

What We Like
Dark, rich sound quality
Durable bamboo material
Diverse options in one pack
Enhances musical performance
Affordable professional-grade quality
#TOP 6

XYW Medium Bassoon Reed with Case

XYW
BSreed-M
Medium
XYW Medium Bassoon Reed with Case Cover
XYW Artist Bassoon Reed with Portable Case, Medium, Handmade by Professional Bassoonist

The XYW Bassoon Reed is an excellent choice for players who have some experience with the instrument. Each reed is handcrafted by a professional bassoonist, ensuring quality and precision in every piece. You will appreciate the beautiful tone produced by reeds made from high-quality materials, designed to enhance your playing experience. The thoughtful packaging includes a protective case with soft sponge padding, making it easy to transport and store your reed safely. Whether you're a student or a teacher, this reed is versatile enough for classical and jazz music alike.

What We Like
Handmade by professionals
Great sound quality
Protective packaging
Versatile for different styles
#TOP 7

Reed123 Bassoon Reed (Medium)

Reed123
Plus [Medium]
Reed123 Bassoon Reed (Medium) Cover
Reed123 Bassoon Reed (Plus); Each One is Easy to Play [Medium]

The Reed123 Bassoon Reed is expertly crafted by hand and tested by professional bassoonists, ensuring you receive a high-quality product. Designed with junior players in mind, the medium soft reeds offer a comfortable playing experience. For those with more experience, the medium reeds cater to a wide range of players, making them versatile. You’ll appreciate the sensitive and stable sound production, which allows for beautiful pronunciation in your music. Made from carefully selected European canes, these reeds promise durability and excellent performance, enhancing your overall playing experience.

What We Like
Hand-made quality
Versatile for different players
Sensitive and stable sound
Durable European canes
#TOP 8

Jiayouy Medium Soft Bassoon Reeds

Jiayouy Medium Soft Bassoon Reeds Cover
Jiayouy Bassoon Reeds Medium Soft Natural Cork Reeds with Case/Tube Pack of 3

The Jiayouy Bassoon Reeds offer a high-quality playing experience for musicians. Made from natural reed, these reeds ensure stable intonation and excellent sound quality, allowing you to play effortlessly across the instrument's full range. Each reed is hand-tested and adjusted, enhancing your performance with reliable responsiveness. Additionally, the individual moisture-proof cases provide optimal protection, ensuring your reeds stay in great condition. Their compact size and lightweight design make them easy to carry and store, making these reeds a practical choice for any bassoon player.

What We Like
Natural reed material
Stable intonation
Moisture-proof cases
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 9

SOUNDACTURE Medium Soft Bassoon Reed

SOUNDACTURE
BR001
SOUNDACTURE Medium Soft Bassoon Reed Cover
SOUNDACTURE Artist Bassoon Reed, Medium Soft, Handcrafted for Enhanced Durability & Sound Quality - Perfect for Students & Professionals, Reliable Playability, Exceptional Tone

The SOUNDACTURE Bassoon Reed offers a flawless playing experience right out of the box. Handcrafted for a perfect fit, it ensures smooth and reliable playability, allowing you to focus on captivating your audience. With unmatched sound quality, it enhances vibrational sensitivity, producing a rich tone that resonates beautifully. Designed for durability, this reed can withstand extensive practice and performances, providing consistent quality for months. Whether you're a student or a professional, this reed is ready to adapt to your unique style, making it an excellent choice for any musical genre.

What We Like
Exceptional sound quality
Ready to play immediately
Durable for long-term use
Perfect fit for all skill levels
#TOP 10

FarBoat Bassoon Reed Medium Bamboo

JS1024562
Natural Bamboo
FarBoat Bassoon Reed Medium Bamboo Cover
FarBoat Bassoon Reed Medium Bamboo with Storage Case

The FarBoat Bassoon Reed is a professional-grade medium soft reed crafted from quality bamboo. Its symmetrical design ensures a focused tone and stable pitch, making it ideal for musicians seeking reliable performance. You will appreciate the included storage case, which keeps the reed safe and makes it easy to transport or store when not in use. Additionally, the slight size variation due to manual measurement allows for a personalized fit, ensuring comfort and ease of use during practice or performances.

What We Like
Quality bamboo material
Stable pitch and tone
Convenient storage case
Professional-grade performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are bassoon reeds so expensive?

Bassoon reeds are expensive because they are mostly handmade. The price includes the labor, time, and materials involved in the reed-making process. Reed-makers start from the bamboo-stick stage and craft each reed individually, contributing to the higher cost.

2. How do I choose a bassoon reed?

When choosing a bassoon reed, consider the level of resistance you prefer. A medium reed offers more resistance and is suitable for players with 1-2 years of experience. Medium Hard reeds provide even more resistance and are recommended for intermediate to advanced players.

3. How many hours do bassoon reeds last?

The lifespan of a bassoon reed depends on its care and usage. On average, a bassoon reed can last about 2-3 months. However, proper care and maintenance, such as regular cleaning and storing in a protective case, can help prolong its lifespan.

4. Do stronger reeds sound better?

Stronger reeds may produce a fuller sound and offer increased tone stability, especially in the upper registers. However, they require more effort from the player and more air to vibrate. Softer reeds may not project as well and can result in a thin or buzzy sound.

5. How long should you soak a bassoon reed before playing?

It is recommended to soak a brand-new bassoon reed in warm water for five minutes for the first five times after purchase. After this, soaking the reed for about two minutes before placing it on the bocal is sufficient. Using distilled water, free from chlorine and sediment, is recommended.

6. Can you oversoak a bassoon reed?

Over soaking a bassoon reed can lead to the shortening of its lifespan. While reeds may benefit from soaking for a slightly longer time to open up the tip and improve sealing, it is not recommended to leave them soaking for prolonged periods. Thicker reeds, like English horn reeds, may require longer soaking times than oboe reeds.

Editor's Notes

During our bassoon reed research, we found 24 bassoon reed products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,699 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bassoon reeds list. We found that most customers choose bassoon reeds with an average price of $19.02.

The bassoon reeds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bassoon reeds, including Jones Double Reed Products, Legere, Emerald, Tbest, XYW. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 113 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.