Many players use the "seat-strap" method to support their instruments. Other players would like to try this method but are deterred by the difficulty of making a satisfactory attachment to the boot cap. There may therefore be some interest in a form of seat-strap which does not require any drilling, soldering or other operation on the cap.
The main requirements are two lengths of strong tape or webbing, one about 7 1/2 inches long and the other about 30 inches or rather less, depending on the style of the crook and the height of the player. I used carpet-binding tape, about 1 1/4 inches wide. The ends of the shorter length are stitched together to form a loop that fits fairly tight onto the boot cap. One end of the longer tape is then stitched to this loop at right angles, so that the free end hangs vertically downward when the loop is in position on the cap and the bassoon is held upright. The loop is then shifted round the cap until the long length is in line with the hand rest; the long length is then taken under the bottom of the cap, and then turned upwards. Where the up-turned long length crosses the loop the tapes are stitched together.
The loop of tape and the part passing under the cap thus form a pocket which should -be a good tight fit on the cap. The free end of the longer tape is placed across the seat and the player sits on it in the usual way.
The tape and the stitching must be strong, and the stitching can be reinforced with adhesive (I used "Copydex"). If desired, a broader piece of material can be attached to the free end of the tape to give a more secure anchorage.
This form of support can be made for himself by almost any bassoonist. It has no metal parts to cause damage, and it is easily folded for carrying. Unless the boot joint is a very tight fit in the case the support can be left in position on the cap when the instrument is packed away.
(Editor's note. There are two additional advantages found in using a "cup-type" seat strap. I use a strong leather cup of slightly loose fit to the cap, stitched strongly to a leather strap 2 inches wide. 1) The bottom of the bassoon is held gently with no strain placed upon the metal-to-wood contact point at the bottom of the boot joint. A definite strain is caused by either the use of a floor spike or the more-common ring and hook to one corner of the boot cap. This strain can in time open up a leak at the bottom of the boot. 2) When the bassoonist wants to lift his instrument for rest or to clear water from the tone holes, the instrument can be easily raised or lowered in complete silence. This is a special advantage during recording sessions and pianissimo string passages during concerts).