Forrests Bassoon Throat Mandrel Set

Set of 3 mandrels for bassoon reed throats are used to measure and "open up" the throat of the reed during forming and wire adjustment stages of the reed making process.
An instruction sheet is included.

What are Throat Mandrels For?

Bassoon throat mandrels are versatile tools that serve several important purposes in reed making and maintenance:

Main Functions

Measuring and Shaping
Throat mandrels are used to measure the inside diameter of the reed's throat and to shape it properly. This helps ensure the reed has the correct internal dimensions, which is crucial for its performance.

Correcting Symmetry
These tools can be used to round out and correct throat symmetry problems in reeds. This is important for achieving consistent vibration and sound quality.

Reed Formation
Throat mandrels play a role in both forming new reeds and maintaining existing ones:
- During reed formation, they can be used as a pre-forming tool to open up the tube before inserting the main forming mandrel.
- For existing reeds, they help maintain the proper internal shape as the reed ages and is played.

Additional Benefits

Extending Reed Life
By periodically re-sizing the taper inside the reed using a throat mandrel, bassoonists can help preserve the reed's resonance and pitch stability, potentially extending its usable lifespan.

Versatility
Some throat mandrels can serve multiple purposes, including:
- Acting as a holding mandrel for wire tightening
- Functioning as a drying pin

Affordability
Throat mandrels are often an inexpensive yet crucial piece of equipment for bassoonists, making them a valuable addition to both beginner and professional reed-making kits.

Usage Tips
- When re-sizing a reed with a mandrel, it's best to work with a soaked reed.
- If twisting is necessary to get the reed tube up to the collar stop, do so minimally and in both directions.
- For maintenance, consider periodically drying the reed on the mandrel or soaking it while on the mandrel before playing

By incorporating throat mandrels into their reed-making and maintenance routines, bassoonists can achieve better consistency in reed performance and potentially extend the life of their reeds.

Model:	E-06
Manufacturer:	Forrests Music