Embarking on the journey of learning a woodwind instrument is both exciting and rewarding. As a beginner, it’s important to have the right accessories to ensure a smooth start and to help you develop good habits from the beginning. These accessories not only aid in playing the instrument but also in its maintenance, contributing to a better overall playing experience. In this guide, we will explore the essential accessories every beginner woodwind player needs, from reeds to music stands. By understanding the purpose and importance of each item, you’ll be better prepared to dive into playing your instrument with confidence and enthusiasm.

Reeds and Reed case

Reeds are required to make sound on instruments like the clarinet and saxophone. Sound is created with the reed vibrates against the mouthpiece and without a reed the instrument simply won’t make any sound.

I recommend that beginner clarinet or saxophone students start out with a soft reed such as a 1.5 or 2 strength Rico Royal brand reed (clarinet and saxophone). These reeds are made for students and will provide for an easier experience when learning to make good sounds.

Not all reeds are created equal. Out of a box of 10 reeds, 5 will be playable out of the box, 2 usually will be almost unplayable and 3 will be playable but not provide the sound you want. Professional clarinetists usually work on these 3 reeds with sandpaper or a reed knife but you don’t have to worry about that in the beginning. If there are reeds that don’t work for you, put them to the side. As your progress in your musical journey you might be able to go back to them.

A reed case is also essential to any beginner. Reed cases usually hold 4 reeds some hold up to 12. For a beginner one that holds 4 reeds is fine. Reeds normally come in a single reed case but it is important to use more than 1 reed at a time. If you only play on 1 reed it will wear out faster. It is best to have around 4 reeds in rotation at any one time. The best way to rotate your reeds it to play a couple days on 1 reed and then switch to another reed after. This means that you won’t be overusing a single reed and it will prolong the life of your good reeds.

Cleaning swabs and kits

All woodwind instruments need to swab out their instruments after playing. This prevents moisture from building up while the instrument is in the case and causing damage to the pads or mold to grow. There are different types of swabs and cleaning kits out there.

For cleaning swabs (clarinet and saxophone) in particular I prefer the silk swab. It is easier to pull through the instrument and does a pretty good job at getting the moisture out. There are other swabs out there made of cotton or polyester. I would suggest not going with a polyester one, they don’t seem to soak up as much moisture. Cotton are ok but they can sometimes get stuck in the instrument if you’re not careful.

Saxophone players also have the option of getting a pad saver along with a swab. A pad saver is a long fluffy rod that can be used to clean out the body of the saxophone. It’s not needed as the swab can do this but it’s easier. Do NOT store the pad saver inside the saxophone. That defeats the purpose as it will trap the moisture up against the pads. Instead store it outside the instrument. The case will have room for it in the back by the case hinges.

Flute players need a cleaning rod along with a special swab. Clarinet and saxophone players swabs come attached to a string with a weight at the end that helps guide it through the instrument. Flute players attach a special swab (without a string or weight) to the end of a rod and push it through the length of the instrument to clean it. There are pad savers for flute but I do not recommend them as they aren’t needed.

Cleaning kits (clarinet and saxophone) are nice but not required. Most cleaning kits will come with a polyester or cotton swab, a mouthpiece brush, a polishing cloth, a small screwdriver, pad paper, and cork grease. The only thing out of this list that you need is the swab and cork grease, the other items are not required for a beginner player.

Cork Grease

For clarinet and saxophone players cork grease is a must. It is placed on joints with cork that holds the different parts of the instrument together. This helps the pieces not get stuck and allows for the pieces to be moved to tune the instrument.

Neck Strap (Saxophone)

A neck strap is vital to playing the saxophone. The instrument is just too heavy and cumbersome to be played without it. I suggest a neck strap that is a little bit stretchy. These seem to be easier on the neck than ones that are stiff. You also want to get one that has padding. You want to be as comfortable as possible while playing.

Music Stand

It is my belief that all music students need a music stand. It helps with maintaining the correct posture and makes life easier when it comes to practicing. My favorite stands are Manhasset brand as they are met and very sturdy, but they can be pretty pricey. Amazon has some great alternatives that are portable and come with nice accessories. Beware of the metal folding stands. These stands fold up into a small compact case and usually do not have a solid back to them. These are poorly constructed and incredibly flimsy.

Starting your journey as a woodwind player is exciting, and having the right accessories can make all the difference in your experience. From choosing the right reeds and maintaining them with a good reed case to keeping your instrument clean with the appropriate swabs and cleaning kits, each accessory plays a crucial role in ensuring your success and enjoyment. By investing in these essential tools, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your musical adventure with confidence and ease. Happy playing!

You can find also find the links to these accessories on my Student Resources page.

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