Stiff Joints on Bassoon

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I've just got a new bassoon (Fox) which I love. The joints have got thread around them (rather then cork, like my old bassoon) and they are quite stiff (I have to get my Dad to take it apart for me).

The handbook said to use paraffin wax, not cork grease to grease them. I've looked everywhere (I'm in the UK) and couldn't find any of this stuff. So I phoned the bassoon specialist I bought it from and he said just use cork grease, it's what everyone does. But in this hand book it explicitly says do not do this.

Just asking for reassurance really, as I don't want to do anything to damage a brand new bassoon. Do people on here use cork grease for threaded joints? And does it cause any long term problems?

Drew
(223 points)

There is an interview with James Laslie, noted bassoon repairman, who worked at Fox, in which he discusses this. Find it at:
http://idrs.colorado.edu/Publications/DR/DR21.1.pdf.code1/Lasli.pdf

You may find that the string will start to compress a bit after awhile. Just don't use superhuman strength to twist the joints apart - you may break the tenon. Do little wiggles back and forth, up and down, until you get about an inch crack, then you can twist the rest of the way.

contra448
(139 points)

As Drew says take care - a tenon replacement is not a cheap job & a shame to have do it on a new bassoon. If the joint is that tight no amount of paraffin or grease will cure it. Another reason for tight joints is that there is wood to wood contact (not a thing I've come across on Fox bassoons) - if that's the case it is a job for a professional repairer.

I expect the problem is due to the difference in climate between rural Indiana where it was made & UK (generally higher humidity here) causing the wood to swell.

The best cure is to try & find the end of the thread (or even just cut the thread) & unwind a bit until it's a sensible fit. Then you need to tuck the ends in to stop it unwinding & stick it down with paraffin wax. Trouble is that if we have a hot, dry summer they will become loose again so you have to add thread (dental tape is good if nothing else to hand).

Paraffin wax is available from shops that specialise in wood finishes. Google 'Liberon'

Good luck

Ian

kit_kat
(11 points)

I've just googled it, it was very helpful, thank you. I ended up putting some cork grease on there already because I needed to take it to college today, but I used a tiny bit, so hopefully that won't matter.

contra448
(139 points)

You're less likely to damage the bassoon using cork grease rather than paraffin wax than destroying a tenon by not freeing the joints.

The dealer you bought it from should sort out the thread for you for nothing if you take it back, as you appear to have only bought it recently. Don't live with it get it sorted!

Stiff Joints on Bassoon

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