Two notes come out flat.

Hi two notes that I try to play keep coming out flat. Occasionally I'll be able to figure out a new way to play it that sounds okay but still.... The notes are an E and an F above that, any help will be greatly appriciated. (The F only does it like half the time.)

And E and F in what octave? What fingers are you currently using, What size reed etc?

Okay I'm using a med-soft wood reed. I'm using a size 2 bocal. It is the E and F right below middle C. I use the thumb and index finger.

E3 and F3 are better ways of describing the note you're playing.

I can't help you but occasionally I have the same problem (mainly only on the E though).

Changing my embouchure helps sometimes, and making sure my bassoon is warmed up enough. Other than that, I just play flat until someone else notices :D

In Mark Eubanks pamphlet "Advanced Reed Design and Testing for Bassoon" we find the following:

"A tip that is to light (thin) and long will cause the notes C# E and open F in the primary octave to play flat."

Later he says:

"if these notes are flat, unstable or sag in pitch ....check for proper position and tightness of the wires. If the reed is fully soaked up and wires ok, the tip must be clipped to shorten the blade length."

I have found judicious clipping (don't get carried away) to be effective for a flat or unstable third space E.

okay thanks abunch now I have some new things to try

I often have this problem with e, especially with a new reed. If the reed new it will gradually go away; if it's old then it's a sign that the reed is basically dead. However, to keep the tuning okay while it adjusts I use the RH 3rd finger g-key. It makes a big difference so don't rely on it when the e is naturally in tune.

I find the same with old reeds. If it is old and flat on E then it's dead.