Clarinet Accessories
A clarinet comes with several accessories to help you maintain your instrument and make playing easier. On this page, we will go through these products and guide you so that you can create your own sound in the way you want.
Mouthpiece for clarinet
All clarinet mouthpieces work the same way. A reed vibrates against the mouthpiece, producing sound through this vibration. They are made from ebonite, plastic, or wood. The biggest difference between various mouthpieces is the tip opening along with the facing, also known as an open or closed opening. In our article about woodwind mouthpieces, we explain how the mouthpiece affects the sound.
Reeds for clarinet
Without reeds, a clarinet is practically unusable. The reed initiates the vibration that produces the sound. There are many different brands and types of reeds. Within a brand and type of reed, there are different strengths. This strength indicates how flexible a reed is. A flexible reed is often brighter, while a stiffer reed sounds warmer. As an advanced player, it is important to find the reed that suits you best. The goal is for you, your instrument, your mouthpiece, and your reed to create your unique sound together.
Adams recommends Vandoren Traditional strength 2 or 2.5 or Legere Signature strength 2.5 for beginners. These reeds offer a lot of sound, freedom across music styles, and are easy to play.
Ligature and Mouthpiece Cap for clarinet
Now you just need something to hold your reed against the mouthpiece. Most clarinetists use a leather or fabric ligature, but there are also ligatures made of metal or string. Ligatures are often sold together with a mouthpiece cap. These caps are designed to protect the mouthpiece and reed during a rehearsal. For a beginning player, we recommend the Super Revelation ligatures by BG.
Thumb Rest for clarinet
There are three different types of thumb rests that can be mounted on a clarinet: a non-adjustable thumb rest, an adjustable thumb rest, and adjustable thumb rests with a ring for a neck strap. Most people choose an adjustable thumb rest because it can be set to fit ergonomically in the hand. In most cases, a repair technician can replace a thumb rest with another type.
In addition to the thumb rests that are fixed on a clarinet, there are also separate thumb rests available that can be slid over the existing thumb rest on your clarinet. Some offer more support, while others provide more comfort.
General Accessories
Stand for clarinet
When you frequently need to make notes on your sheet music or switch instruments, it's important to be able to set your clarinet aside safely during rehearsals. Check out our clarinet stands here. We have a suitable stand for every clarinet.
K&M 15222
Case/Gig Bag for clarinet
Clarinet cases are often small, hard cases that only fit the instrument, mouthpiece, and a swab. It is possible to upgrade your case to a bag with a larger compartment for your music stand and sheet music, or to equip your case with backpack straps.
Straps for clarinet
Carrying straps help stabilize the clarinet while playing and better distribute its weight so your fingers can move more freely and quickly. Make sure to find a strap that suits your body type and the way you want to distribute the weight. A harness will shift the weight to the middle of your back and shoulders, while a strap mainly places pressure on the back of your neck and shoulders.
Maintenance for clarinet
Of course, you want your clarinet to stay in good condition. Read our page on clarinet maintenance to learn what you can do to keep your instrument in top shape. Below are our recommendations regarding oil, grease, and swabs for clarinets. If you have a problem that you can't fix yourself, check out our repair page or visit us in the store.
Oil and Grease for clarinet
To keep your clarinet running smoothly, it needs to be lubricated occasionally. Especially the rods and the cork will need this more frequently. Cork grease is available for the tenon corks. This grease often comes in a lip balm-like tube. On our maintenance page, you can read more about how often you need oil and grease and how to use them. On our repair page, you can see what we can do for you if you prefer to leave this to a specialist.
Swabs for clarinet
To keep your instrument dry and clean, swabs are indispensable. New clarinets are usually supplied with a cloth, but a swab to dry the inside is often missing. Below are some pull-through swabs that are definitely suitable for your clarinet.