Five Accessories You Need for the Clarinet
In this blog post, we'll explore five essential accessories that every clarinet player should have to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their instrument. From swabs to ligatures and mouthpiece caps, each accessory plays a crucial role in preserving the delicate components of the clarinet and enhancing the player's overall musical experience. Join us as we dive into the world of clarinet accessories!
1. Swab
A cloth swab will remove moisture from your instrument, which is important to do every time after you play. This will help keep the pads in good condition and stop them from swelling, which can cause a leak in the instrument.
2. Cork Grease
Cork grease should be applied to the corked tenons of your instrument. This makes it easy to slide the joints of your instrument together without putting excessive pressure on the keys. You won’t need to apply it every time you play, just when the joints feel stiff.
3. Reeds
Reeds are vital for producing the vibration that creates sound. Most students will begin using Rico or Vandoren Juno reeds as they are designed to be easy for beginners to play and are more cost effective than more advanced reed ranges. Strength 1.5, 2, or 2.5 are appropriate for most students. You will need to have a few reeds on you at all times as they may break unexpectedly.
4. Ligature
The ligature keeps your reed in place on your mouthpiece, while still allowing the reed to respond and vibrate. It's important to keep your ligature in a safe place in your case when you aren't using it, as it won't be effective if it bends out of shape.
5. Mouthpiece Cap
The mouthpiece cap will keep your mouthpiece protected when you aren’t playing. Put it over the assembled mouthpiece when having a short break and also put it over the disassembled mouthpiece when putting your instrument and mouthpiece back in your case. Make sure you remove your reed and place it in its case or protective sleeve first.