YAMAHA YFG-812 Brass and Woodwinds Owner’s Manual
- June 1, 2024
- Yamaha
Table of Contents
YAMAHA YFG-812 Brass and Woodwinds
Product Information
Specifications
- Instrument: Bassoon
- Material: Maple
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use any type of oil or polish on the bassoon?
- A: It is recommended to use specific oils and polishes designed for woodwind instruments to avoid damage. Avoid using household products.
- Q: How often should I clean the bassoon?
- A: Regularly clean the instrument after each use to maintain its condition. Use a cleaning swab during playing sessions as well.
- Q: Is it safe for children to play the bassoon?
- A: Children can play the bassoon under adult supervision. Ensure they understand and follow the safety precautions outlined in the manual.
You are now the owner of a high quality musical instrument. Thank you for choosing Yamaha. For instructions on the proper assembly of the instrument, and how to keep the instrument in optimum condition for as long as possible, we urge you to read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly.
Precautions
Please read before using
The precautions given below concern the proper and safe use of the instrument,
and are to protect you and others from any damage or injuries. Please follow
and obey these precautions.
If children are using the instrument, a guardian should clearly explain these
precautions to the child and make sure they are fully understood and obeyed.
After reading this manual, please keep it in a safe place for future
reference.
About the Icons
- : This icon indicates points which should be paid attention to.
- : This icon indicates actions that are prohibited.
Caution
Disobeying the points indicated with this mark may lead to injury.
- Do not throw or swing the instrument around, or in the direction of others.
- This is dangerous. Parts of the instrument may become detached hitting others. Always treat the instrument with care.
- Keep oils, polishes, and other such substances out of children’s mouths and reach of children. Also, perform instrument maintenance in an area away from children.
- Keep the oil, polish, etc., out of children’s reach and do maintenance when children are not present.
- Keep small parts out of the reach of infants.
- Your children may accidentally swallow them.
- Take care not to touch the needle springs during maintenance.
- These springs have sharp ends and are particularly found on high-end models to provide enhanced key action.
NOTICE
- Pay attention to temperature, humidity, etc.
- Do not expose the instrument to heat sources such as heaters, etc. Also, avoid using or storing the instrument in places where it may be exposed to abnormal temperatures, humidity, etc. Doing so may damage the balance of key connections, and pad alignment, which can be the source of trouble when playing.
- Protect the instrument from damage.
- Placed on an unstable surface the instrument can drop resulting in damage. Pay close attention to where the instrument is placed.
- Never modify the instrument.
- Doing so will void the warranty and may result in irreparable damage.
Special Care for Wooden Instruments
The body of the bassoon is made from maple so it is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Such changes can cause deformations to the body that can make assembly of the joints difficult. Please pay close attention to the environment in which the instrument is used and the manner in which the instrument is treated.
- During the winter season, wait until the instrument is warmed up before playing.
- Do not play new instruments for long periods of time. Play for 20 to 30 minutes a day for the first two weeks (if, however, the instrument must be played for long periods of time, remove moisture from the instrument frequently).
- Whenever possible, use a cleaning swab to remove moisture and dirt from the instrument. This should be done during playing sessions as well.
The bassoon is a very delicate instrument. Handling the instrument in any of the manners described below can result in damage. Never treat the instrument in such a manner.
- Playing or storing the instrument where it will be exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
- Playing or storing the instrument in places subject to moisture (rain, etc.) or high humidity.
- Playing or storing the instrument close to a heat source such as a stove, heater, etc.
- Playing or storing the instrument in places where it will be directly exposed to cold air from an air conditioner, etc.
To keep the instrument in optimum condition, please observe the following important points.
- After playing, use a cleaning swab to thoroughly remove moisture and dirt.
- When putting the instrument down for breaks, etc., use a stand to prop it up. If you must lay the instrument down, use a cleaning swab to remove any collected moisture and dirt, and then lay it down on a stable place.
- After playing, make sure the instrument is stored in its case. Never keep the instrument in places where it may be exposed to high temperatures or high humidity.
Nomenclature
- Bell Joint
- Whisper Key
- Bocal (Crook)
- Bass Joint
- Tenor (Wing) Joint
- Strap Ring
- Hand Rest
- Double (Boot) Joint
- Protector Cap
- Balancer
- The contents of this manual apply to the latest specifications as of the publishing date. To obtain the latest manual, access the Yamaha website then download the manual file.
Assembly
Before Assembling the Instrument
(Please pay close attention to the following)
The bassoon is made from natural wood and precision metal parts. When holding
or assembling the instrument, make sure the keys are protected from damage due
to impacts, etc.
Also, if the joint cork on the bocal is tight or stiff when assembling the
instrument, apply a thin layer of cork grease and try inserting it into the
receiver again. Be careful not to apply too much cork grease. If the joint is
still tight, apply a small amount of cork grease to the receiver.
Assembling the Instrument
Assembling the Tenor Joint and Double Joint
- Insert the tenor joint into the double joint.
- Rotate the tenor joint to the right to assemble. At this time, make sure that there is even spacing between the tenor joint’s curved hollow lining and the bass joint’s socket.
- If the tenor joint was rotated too far, remove the joint in a manner that does not damage the key connections and try assembling again. Forcibly rotating the joint in the opposite direction when keys are in contact with each other can damage the keys.
Assembling the Bass Joint and Double Joint
Assemble the bass joint so that the C# and Eb keys do not come into contact with the tenor joint.
- Insert the bass joint about halfway into the double joint.
- Rotate the bass joint so that the stopper on the bass joint comes into contact with the tenor joint.
- Continue to insert the bass joint, all the way into the socket.
Attaching the Bell
Normal type
As shown in the illustration below, gently hold the bell key pad down to raise the connection at the opposite end, and insert the bell section into the bass joint.
- Take care not to apply too much pressure on the bell key pad.
Gentleman type
- Insert the bell into the bass joint while turning it so that the key connections do not contact each other.
- Align the mark “V” on the bell with the mark “ ” on the bass joint for the correct position.
Attaching the Hand Rest
- Screw the hand rest into its holder stopping at a comfortable position.
- ***** Take care not to over tighten the hand rest.
- Tighten the ring on the screw to secure the hand rest.
Attaching the Balancer
- Insert the pin on the balancer into the hole on the top of the strap ring. Make sure that the strap ring fits in the gap at the bottom of the balancer.
- Fix the balancer and the instrument body with the fixing screws firmly.
Attaching the Bocal
- Make sure that the whisper key on the tenor joint is open.
- Apply cork grease to the cork joint of the bocal, then attach the bocal as shown in the illustration below.
Adjusting the Joint Sections
- Body joints are wrapped with string. If the joints fit too tightly, contact the store where you purchased the product or a Yamaha customer service center.
- The bocal’s joint section is covered with cork. Make sure cork grease is applied to the cork before assembling. Also, some models use cork on the joints. If so, make sure cork grease is applied to the corks before assembling.
Tuning
- The Yamaha Bassoon is supplied with two bocals of different lengths. Select the bocal according to the pitch you want the bassoon tuned to. When exchanging the bocal to adjust the pitch, pay close attention to the whisper key’s pad. Air will leak if the pad is not properly aligned with the tone hole.
Disassembling the Instrument
To disassemble the bassoon, follow the steps described below. Also, refer to the “Maintenance” section on the following page to properly care for the instrument.
- Remove the bocal.
- Remove the bell and bass joints as one section, then remove the bell from the bass joint (the bell can, however, be removed from the bass joint before removing the bass joint from the instrument). At this time, take care not to apply too much force on the B key. To disassemble the gentleman type bell and bass joint, reverse the assembly procedure.
- Remove the tenor joint.
- Remove moisture from the double joint’s narrower tube.
- Remove the hand rest and balancer.
- Clean each of the parts.
Take Care When Handling the Bassoon
- Don’t let moisture accumulate in the wider of the double joint’s tubes while playing the instrument.
Maintenance
After Playing
- Follow the procedures given below and make sure moisture and dirt is thoroughly removed from the inside of the instrument after playing.
Caring for the Instrument’s Interior
Tenor Joint Maintenance
- Breathe in from the top of the tenor joint and suck any moisture clogged in the tone hole toward the inside of the instrument.
- Run a cleaning swab through the tenor joint’s interior to remove moisture.
Double Joint Maintenance
- Remove moisture collected in the Utube from the narrower side of the tube.
- Please take note that placing the C# tone hole face down can cause moisture to accumulate.
- Remove the protector cap covering the U-tube.
- Remove the nuts holding the U-tube in place, and carefully remove the U-tube from the bassoon.
- Remove moisture on the inside of the U-tube.
- Insert the weighted end of the cleanings swab into the narrow tube, and pull the swab through the opposite end to remove moisture. If moisture is present in the double joint’s wider tube, remove the U-tube and clean the tube thoroughly. Also, make sure to remove moisture from the Ab key hold if any is present there.
- Reattach the U-tube making sure it is properly aligned with the instrument’s bore and the bolts. Tighten both nuts evenly to secure.
Bass Joint and Bell Joint Maintenance
A cleaning swab (for the double joint) should be run through these sections about every other month to remove dirt from the instrument’s interior.
Instrument Maintenance
- Use a polishing cloth once or twice a month to wipe the instrument’s surface.
Key and Pad Maintenance
- Use a polishing cloth or silver cloth to wipe the key surfaces.
- Apply a small amount of key oil between the key and key posts aboutonce a month.
- Wipe off any excess oil.
- Use a tone hole cleaner to remove the dirt or dust that accumulates between the keys and body.
- Use a cleaning swab to remove dirt and moisture from the pads.
Pay Attention to the Following When Storing the Instrument
- Never place an object on the case that may apply pressure to the instrument’s keys or body.
- Never apply excessive force to the instrument or case.
- Make sure the instrument is stored in its case when not in use.
- Do not warm the instrument with air from, or put the instrument close to a heat source such as a heater, furnace vent, etc.
Troubleshooting
The tone is not clear, or the instrument plays out of tune
- If pads are deformed and air is leaking from the instrument, take the instrument to your dealer for repair.
- Never apply excessive pressure to the keys. Also, when placing the instrument in the case, make sure that nothing is placed on top of the instrument.
- If the body cracks, take the instrument to your dealer for repair.
- Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can cause cracking. Do not directly expose the instrument to hot or cold air.
The keys are stiff. The keys do not move
- If a spring has become dislodged, returning it to its proper position may correct the problem.
- When hooking the spring in position, be careful not to bend the spring. Springs may become dislodged when performing maintenance on the instrument or when wiping the instrument with a cloth. Please use caution.
- If keys are bent, take the instrument to your dealer for repair.
- Do not apply excessive force to the instrument such as dropping the instrument, closing the case when an object is placed on top of the instrument, etc. Also, when you are finished playing, place the instrument in the case. At this time, make sure that there is nothing in the case that will apply pressure on the keys. When assembling the instrument, be careful not to apply unnecessary pressure to the keys. Hold on to the instrument in the intervals between performance and during breaks between practice.
The joint is too tight or loose
- If the joint becomes tight or loose, please contact the store where you purchased the product or a Yamaha customer service center.
- The joints may shrink/expand depending on humidity and temperature, making them tight in the summer and loose in the winter.
- After playing, be sure to store the instrument in the case.
The keys are noisy
- Apply key oil if the keys lack oil and are dry, and tighten screws that have become loose.
- Apply key oil once a month (1-2 drops per location) to prevent abrasion. Also, since woodwind instruments have many small screws, check for loose screws and tighten if necessary.
- The cork or felt on the keys has fallen off or torn. The instrument may have received a shock causing the keys to come in contact with the body or other keys. In this case, take the instrument to your dealer for repair.
- Take proper care of the instrument to prevent the corks or felts from falling off. After playing the instrument keep the instrument in its case. Also, hold on to the instrument in the intervals between performance and during breaks between practice to prevent excessive pressure being placed on the instrument or keys.
© 2013 Yamaha Corporation
Published 09/2023 IPCP-B0
VGU3250
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