It’s Electric: The Amplified Bassoon
The bassoon is amplified by using a special type of bocal that has a wire. The wired bocal then connects to an amplifier which allows bassoonists to electronically amplify and control their sound. You can also use guitar pedals to affect the bassoon pitch and apply different sound effects.
Exploration Questions
What is the amplified bassoon?
How can the bassoons sound be manipulated electronically?
What types of music can be performed by an amplified bassoon?
Exercises to Try
Play the F Blues Scale (F G Ab Bb B C D Eb)
See if you can play along with the bass line of your favorite pop song.
Try learning a popular bass line like “Seven Nation Army” or “Smoke on the Water”
Experiment with different pedal effects and looping to create your own compositions.
My Electric Bassoon Set Up
Modified Electric Bocal with Pre-Amp Box from Forrest’s Music. This bocal is wired so it can be connected to an amplifier.
Fishman Mini Acoustic Amplifier is a great, small amplifier that works well for acoustic instruments like the bassoon. It’s easy to carry but can generate plenty of volume and has several inputs and easy to adjust settings.
20ft Guitar Audio Instrument Cable to connect the bocal and pre-amp box to the amplifier.
Who Plays the Amplified Bassoon
Many jazz and rock and roll bassoonists use the amplified bassoon to play with guitarists, drummers, and other musicians that have a stronger sound. Amplified bassoon is also used in some contemporary classical music.
If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a great in-depth blog post from Bret Pimentel outlining his electric bassoon set up with the Little Jake pickup.
