Shopping for equipment can sometimes be confusing. Here is a break-down of 11 must-have accessories for any woodwind player – a variety of products and items which will be useful for any instrument.
POPULAR WIND INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES
Slings and Stands
The saxophone and the bassoon require a strap to play – they are too heavy to hold without one! Straps come in two varieties – a neck/shoulder strap or a harness. BG France have a fantastic range of straps and harnesses for the saxophone and bassoon – suitable for beginners in schools, students and professionals alike.
COMES WITH: Cotton Neck Pad
FEATURES: Suitable for various models of saxophone
BG A and T Saxophone Comfort Strap
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Suitable for various models of saxophone.
- Cotton neck padding for extra comfort.
- The neck pad can dig in slightly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: Suitable for various models of saxophone
BG A and T Saxophone Harness, Ladies
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Suitable for various models of saxophone.
- Available in a range of sizes and gender options for added comfort
- Adjusting the straps can be a little fiddly.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: Suitable for various models of saxophone
BG A and T Saxophone Harness, Mens
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Suitable for various models of saxophone.
- Available in a range of sizes and gender options for added comfort
- Adjusting the straps can sometimes be a little involved!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: Ideal for Extended Playing Sessions
BG Regular Bassoon Shoulder Strap
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A two hook layout for added security
- Easily adjustable
- There are cheaper models are avaliable.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: For Use With Bassoons
BG Bassoon Nylon Harness Shoulder Strap, Ladies
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Suitable for various models of saxophone.
- Cotton neck padding for extra comfort.
- The neck pad can dig in slightly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: For Use With Bassoons
BG Bassoon Nylon Harness Shoulder Strap, Mens
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Available in a range of sizes and gender options for added comfort
- Designed to help to spread the weight of the instrument across the upper body.
- Adjusting the straps can sometimes be a little involved!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Adjustable strap
FEATURES: Zinc Die Cast Legs for Durability
K&M 15228 Clarinet Stand, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact but sturdy stand
- Portable
- Adjusting the straps can sometimes be a little involved!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
A musical instrument can get rather heavy when held for long periods of time. A stand will keep your instrument safe, allowing you to have your hands free to turn a page, change pieces or simply have a rest. K&M have a brilliant range of compact stands you can order with options for every woodwind instrument.
Care Kits
Musicians (especially professional musicians) need a range of equipment to help take care of their instrument and prevent unwanted noise, but you can find that the cost can quickly add up. Fear not however, there are some excellent care kits on the market which contain everything you will need! For a single reed instrument and flautists we’d recommend the maintenance care kits from Gear4music. And for those whose preference is a double reed instrument there are the Superslick care packs.
COMES WITH: Everything you needs
FEATURES: Suitable for Most Flutes
Flute Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Will help keep your instrument in great condition
- Ensures you are buying the right items for the right instrument.
- Certain items, such as cork grease, will need to be replaced annually.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Everything you needs
FEATURES: Suitable for Most Flutes
Flute Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Will help keep your instrument in great condition
- Ensures you are buying the right items for the right instrument.
- Certain items, such as cork grease, will need to be replaced annually.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Saxophone
Maintenance
Care Kit by Gear4music
Saxophone version
-
Instrument: Flute
-
Includes: Everything you need
- Contains a range of cloths, brushes and grease
- Will help keep your instrument in great condition
- Ensures you are buying the right items for the right instrument.
- Certain items, such as cork grease, will need to be replaced annually.
Superslick Oboe
Care Kit
Oboe version
-
Instrument: Flute
-
Includes: Everything you need
- Contains a range of cloths, brushes and grease
- Includes Polishing Cloth, Pad Paper and Cleaning Rod
- Helps Keep Your Instrument in Perfect Condition
- Suitable for Most Oboes
- Will help keep your instrument in great condition
- Ensures you are buying the right items for the right instrument.
- Certain items, such as cork grease, will need to be replaced annually.
Superslick Bassoon
Care Kit
Bassoon version
-
Instrument: Flute
-
Includes: Everything you need
- Contains a range of cloths, brushes and grease
- Includes Polishing Cloth, Pad Paper and Cleaning Rod
- Helps Keep Your Instrument in Perfect Condition
- Suitable for Most Bassoons
- Will help keep your instrument in great condition
- Ensures you are buying the right items for the right instrument.
- Certain items, such as cork grease, will need to be replaced annually.
Bell covers and facemasks for the safety of wind instrument players
THREE
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused a long hiatus in rehearsals and concerts for orchestras and other ensembles. Research done at the University of Colorado suggested that wind instruments release airborne particles which may contribute to the spread of the virus.
Many ensembles and schools resumed rehearsing safely with social distancing measures in place, but a range of items have been released which can further help reduce aerosol emissions in the air.
Every accessory is designed and distributed by the US company National Educational Music Company (NEMC). Their website has handy video guides demonstrating and reviewing each accessory.
Top 10 Woodwind gadgets
four
The range of items for wind musicians is huge, and some are more essential than others. The following products are our recommended top ten gadgets, suggestions for every wind player, regardless of their ability.
Every musician needs a metronome and a tuner for practice. These are now available as smart phone apps, but it is a good idea to have the physical digital versions so that you aren’t distracted by your phone whilst practicing (or for schools where phones aren’t allowed)!
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: Timer, enhanced volume, and a useful 'sound-out' mode
Korg MA-2 metronome
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: “Sound out” function allows tuning by eye and ear.
Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- The batteries will need to be replaced occasionally.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Wind musicians (apart from flautists) are ruled by their reeds! It is very important to store every one properly, I would recommend a case with humidity control to keep reeds happy, no matter the climate. The Rico Multi instrument storage is for this and can be used for all single reeds.
COMES WITH: 1 x Reed Vitalizer Humidity Control Pack
FEATURES: Prevents Warping And Reed Damage
Rico Multi-Instrument Reed Storage Case
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Can be used for all single reeds of a variety of sizes
- Removable humidity packs helps to prevent warping and reed damage
- The humidity pack is a separate product and needs to be replaced every couple of months.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Another way to elongate the life of your reeds is to invest in a trimmer. These items are small but mighty, allowing you to adjust the strength a fragment at a time. Vandoren make a fantastic range of trimmers for various single reed instruments, just make sure you add the right one to your cart! A saxophone one can’t be trimmed with a clarinet trimmer!
COMES WITH: Trim In 1/4 Strength Increments
FEATURES: Adjustable & Precise
Vandoren Reed Trimmer Multi-Instrument
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Incredibly accurate and easy to use
- Suitable for left and right handed people!
- More basic, and cheaper, versions are made by other brands.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Now we turn to a couple of gadgets no gigging musician should be without! A simple stand light can clip onto your stand when you are playing in a gloomy orchestra pit, and stand magnets stop your sheet music from flying around when performing outside – no clothes pegs required!
COMES WITH: USB & Carry Bag
FEATURES: Infinite color temperature
Royal Super Bright 29 LED Music Stand Light
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and adjustable with two powerful LED lights
- Long battery life and USB chargeable
- The batteries will need to be replaced occasionally
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Strong Magnet
FEATURES: Compact Size
K&M 11851 Power Magnets, 10 pack
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact size
- Sold in packs of 10
- Can be a little too powerful, you’ll need to plan your page turns!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The remaining recommended items are for maintenance and player comfort. A small screwdriver is a handy tool for small tweaks and repairs. Pad dryers help to keep your pads clean and dry – even those in awkward, hard to reach places. Mouthpiece cushions protect your teeth and the mouthpiece itself and help to diminish annoying vibrations. And finally, thumb cushions provide a bit of padding and comfort whilst improving thumb position for clarinetists and oboists
COMES WITH: Strong Magnet
FEATURES: Suitable for use with every instrument
Combination Screwdriver and Spring Hook
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact size
- Sold in packs of 10
- Can be a little too powerful, you’ll need to plan your page turns!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Combination
Screwdriver and
Spring Hook
A handy tool for small repairs
-
Purchase: Once
-
Price level: Low
- Suitable for use with every instrument
- Made from washable microfibre material
- Flexible and absorbent
- Can get quite soggy if repeated use is needed
BG Pad Dryer
Cleans pads leaving no residue-
For: Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon & Oboe
-
Can be used: 1000+ times
- Suitable for all woodwind instruments
- BG's Pad Dryer absorbs quickly and efficiently to help keep the pads from sticking on your instrument and clean
- This cloth is washer safe with a lifespan of more than 5 years
- Made from washable microfibre material
- Flexible and absorbent
- Can get quite soggy if repeated use is needed
BG Mouthpiece Cushions
Protects mouthpiece and teeth from annoying vibrations-
For: Sax & Clarinet, Small 0.8MM
-
Protects: Mouthpiece and Teeth
- For Single-Reed Instruments
- Prevents Annoying Vibrations
- Black Coating
- Self-Adhesive
- Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses
- Easy to apply to any single reed mouthpiece
- The self adhesive can leave residue on the mouthpiece when removed
BG Oboe and Clarinet
Thumb Rest
Cushion, Regular
Sturdy and comfortable design
-
Size: Regular
-
Features: Extra Padding For Comfort
- Helps to improve thumb position
- Available in two sizes
- Helps minimise aches and strains
- The rubber can split with repeated use
Music Stands
A stand is a vital bit of kit. It’s important to choose carefully – you want your stand to be portable but also robust – you don’t want it to collapse mid-piece sending your sheets flying! This music stand ticks every box!
COMES WITH: Basic Kit
FEATURES: Seriously well-made & sturdy
Eastar EMS-1Music Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11 must-have accessories for woodwind players
Summary
So there you go – our round up of 11 must-have accessories for wind players that you will need to play and look after your instrument. Some of the products mentioned are more essential than others, but all of them will enhance your musical life, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional!
Best Music Stand
Cahaya
Solid and reliable
Best single reed trimmer
Vandoren Reed Trimmer
Ideal for last minute adjustments
Best single-reed storage
Rico Multi-Instrument Reed Storage Case
Suitable for various wind instruments
Hey all, saw trombones weren’t mentioned but as a brass player I gotta say – proper care and the right accessories make all the difference. Don’t forget to give your instruments love, even if it’s not a wind instrument. Cheers to everyone taking care of their music makers!
Just wanted to pop in and say how much I appreciate the inclusion of BG Oboe and Clarinet Thumb Rest Cushions in the list. It’s such a simple accessory but honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for long practice sessions. I never realized how much tension I was holding in my thumb until I started using it. Highly recommend to any clarinet or oboe players looking to improve their playing comfort!
Do you find it changes the balance of the instrument at all? Been curious but hesitant to try.
Totally agree with you! I got it for my oboe, and it’s made a huge difference. Wish I had gotten it sooner.
got the superslick bassoon care kit last month. game changer for sure. makes cleaning up after gigs way easier.
Really intrigued by the Saxophone Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music mentioned. I’ve been playing the sax for a couple of years now, and I know keeping it in top condition is crucial. Does anyone know if this kit includes instructions for beginners on how to use the tools? Also, are the pad dryers reusable or do they wear out after a few uses? Thanks in advance for the help!
Now, they are 11 Got Accessories! Bought them all on your recommendation!
Wow Frankie. That’s dedication! Thanks for your trust and let us know if you find anything you think we should add to this list!