Water in the bassoon makes a popping sound, kind of like popcorn. Water in a tone hole can result in a gurgling sound and distorted pitch. There are a few ways to get rid of this water.
- Suck water out through the reed just like a clarinet or saxophone player. Do this when you only have a few beats of rest.
- Remove the reed and blow forcefully into the bocal while it is still in the instrument. Do this if you have at least a few bars of rests.
- Remove the bocal and blow out the water in it. Be sure to point the other end of the bocal at the floor. Do this if you have several bars of rests.
- Blow into the open tone hole where the gurgle is to force the water back into the bore. The location of the gurgle will determine how quickly you can do this.
- Take the bassoon apart and swab the wing and boot joints.
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