Not the best picture, sorry, but it isn't terribly complicated. It has six fingerholes, (no thumb hole) and a single key. The key is to get the note below the pitch of the instrument. At least, that's what I've read. I haven't been able to check it to a tuner yet, because I just recently has been able to get a consistent sound. The bombarde uses a double reed (like oboes and bassoons.) It looks like this:
It is shorter and broader than an oboe reed. The reed that came with the bombarde was also ridiculously hard. I couldn't get a sound right away, so, not having my reed knife with me, I used the sharp edge of a pair of scissors to shave it down to where it would make a good sound. After some repeated efforts of shaving and testing, I think I've gotten the reed adjusted to the point of being reasonably playable.
I have, so far, managed to play at least part of a scale and have determined that the key is sealing well enough. I have also managed to startle and annoy everyone around me with this loud, piercing instrument. Now I just need to learn some Breton tunes!
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