Ok, when I use one reed, it sounds ok (I think). I try to play the same note with a different reed (same type) but it sounds so different and out of tune! Is there something wrong with the reed? I've also tried the same note with a different type of reed, but it still sounds out of tune!

First law of reeds - every one is different.
2nd law of reeds - they all change with use. Some get better, others worse & all die eventually.

3rd law of reeds - your really good one will suddenly go right off on the day of a performance.
Reeds are about as consistent as the weather. Less so, sometimes. Every reed is a bit different from every other one and every reed changes from day to day.
Possible coping strategies:
1. Buy lots of reeds
2. Learn to modify them yourself
3. Go with the flow
I played the oboe until the reeds got too much for me. Then I changed to the flute, thinking my troubles were over. But I had to give in and get a bassoon in the end and, believe me, bassoon reeds are very easy-going compared to oboe reeds, which are beasts.

Good one Mark - should have thought of it myself. I think that comes under the wide ranging Law of the Natural Cussedness of Things (or Sod's Law)

Ian

I've noticed that too, I just got two new reeds, medsof, and med...I also have this plastic that is all right. The only probably is the new reeds keep squeaking, the last reeds I bought didn't do that...but then again I had they for more than their life...I was wondering if the different companies would be such a big change that they would squeak...and if one type is softer or easier to play than the other......ya

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I meant them, the reeds keep squeaking....and yes I read the rest of your posts in here about the laws.... but last part is the question really

Hi Sanguisbassoon, do you have a teacher to help you in getting started on the bassoon? He is the person who can help you with these pesky things we use called reeds.

Yes, reeds from every company are different, and even reeds from the same company will not be the same, unfortunately. That is what all the jokes above were about - no one knows how a reed will be until it is made. When you have soaked your reeds in a cup of water for 2 to 3 minutes before playing on them, they should not squeak; but if they do, just be patient and when you get a little more experienced on the bassoon you will be able to control them better, even if they do squeak now. Try to resist playing on your plastic reed, even if it is easier to manage right now, because you will never be able to develop a good embouchure unless you keep on with the cane reeds.

Thanks, the only thing is I have no teacher anywhere close to where I live, but if I look I think I know where one lives.....ya I think I do. Most times I don't even soak the reeds in water...I guess that would help a lot, but thanks, that answers that one curious thing I've always wondered about.

Definitely soak your reeds in water before playing.

DO DEFINITELY soak your reeds in water before playing.

If you absolutely can't get to any water, put them in your mouth for the required minutes before playing.

THIS IS A MUST! The reed will not work properly if it is not wet.

well I soak it in my mouth for a while, but I really never actually soak it in plain water. But thanks for the tips, and all of you have a happy chrismahuninew year!