The Complete Handbook of Bassoon Bocals

Chapter 1: Understanding Bassoon Bocals

A bassoon bocal, sometimes called a crook, is the curved metal tube that connects the reed to the main body of the instrument. It looks simple, but it is the most acoustically complex and mechanically fragile part of the entire bassoon. The bocal is not just a conduit for air; it is a tuned resonator that transforms the buzzing of the reed into the distinctive, dark, and reedy sound of the bassoon. Its exact dimensions, material, and state of repair have a direct and audible impact on pitch, response, and tone color. To understand a bassoon, you must first understand its bocal, because this small piece of metal is the interface between the player's breath and the instrument's air column.

The physical construction of a bocal is deceptively simple. It is a tapered metal tube, typically made of silver, nickel silver, or gold, that bends into an S-shape. The bottom end is fitted with a cork that seals the joint where the bocal enters the bassoon's wing joint. The top end is flattened and shaped to form a small receiver, or a reed seat, where the reed is placed. The total length is roughly 30 to 35 centimeters, but the internal bore at the top is significantly narrower than at the bottom. This taper is not a simple cone; it is a carefully calculated curve that contributes to the instrument's intonation and the resistance the player feels.

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