Clarinet accessories
Reeds
Always have a few spare reeds in your case. Clarinet reeds come in various strengths, and use a number system. The system ranges from 1 to 5, and uses half numbers to help evaluate the hardness. The higher the number, the harder the reed. The goal of any clarinetist is to play the hardest reed they can handle, as the sound improves with each increment. While this should be the ultimate goal, a clarinet player should never jump into using a reed that’s too hard for them, as this will make it harder for the player to produce sound. Beginners should start at a 1.5 or 2 and gradually work their way up to a harder reed.
Cork grease
This is used to lubricate the joint tenons. When a clarinet is new you should use cork grease every time you put the instrument together for the first week or two. After that, the corks will soak up some of the grease and you only need to use it once or twice a week.
Swab & cloth
Used to dry the inside of the clarinet after playing. One corner of the swab has a pull string or cord attached to it that is perhaps a foot long, with a small weight sewn into the fabric at the other end of it.
Music stand
Holds your sheet music at the desired level
Mouthpiece case
Due to the delicate nature of the mouthpiece, you need to ensure that it is its case when the mouthpiece is not in use. If you just throw it in your clarinet case with the rest of your accessories, you risk accidentally damaging it especially during transport.
Clarinet case
Music Instrument cases are required for transporting your instrument to and from gigs and practice. Cases are essential for virtually every instrument but are especially important for woodwinds due to their extremely fragile nature. A sturdy hard shell clarinet case offer the most protection and is the type of case recommended rather than a softcover case.
Ligature
The ligature can come either as the circular piece of metal or rubber that hold the reed to the mouthpiece. Although every mouthpiece needs a ligature, most sellers don’t automatically include them with every mouthpiece. In most cases, ligatures can be purchased individually. While the metal ligatures are adequate in most situations, some band or orchestra teachers prefer the higher quality of rubber ligatures.