hmm.. i have a `0` and a `1` bocal... what`s the difference (ifthere is one) and which one is better for playing if there is a difference in sound? (<--and when would i use the other one)

The number on a bocal indicates the relative length. They range from 0 (sometimes 00) the shortest, to 4 the longest. A 0 should be very slightly shorter (and sharper) than a 1 if they are the same brand.

I was told that one of the bocals is larger because in the colder seasons the cold will tend to cause your bocal to shrink a little and using a slightly larger bocal will ofset that. not sure if somebody`s blowin smoke up my ass but it makes sense

Winds tend to play flatter when cold, basically the opposite of what you were told.

really i figured it would go sharper because the wind is more restricted.

it`ll play flatter in the cold. i have absolutely no scientific explaination, b/c i have no idea why lol... but that`s how it is. haha. thanks for the replies ppl!

definitly flater.. trust us on that one .. lol.. yup.. if only my conductor knew that the first month of band.. lol

#3 and #2 bocals are the best...Fox CVX

Actually the best bocal is whatever one plays the best with your particular bassoon. Fox bocals are good indeed, but Heckel and Leitzinger (to name a couple) are widely considered to be better.

will you have to buy each one to figure it out... =/ does it depend on the model or the person?