What is your favorite clarinet accessory?
Do you have a clarinet accessory that you can’t live without?
There are so many to choose from these days!
Maybe it's a Koiiman thumb rest, a harness or a special case for your reeds?
Or, maybe it’s an amazing clarinet case or bag that you love!
Let us know in the comments!
16 replies
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Hi everyone! My favourite accessory at the moment is my incredibly tiny Protec Bb clarinet case - it fits in just about any bag I have, and when I only need the Bb on short trips it means I can easily travel with cabin baggage only! I couldn't believe it when I found it... and now it has a sticker on it for my duo with accordion too, so it's perfect.
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Well, I'm not sure how much I can help! I do know that many cases fail at protecting clarinets from getting out of adjustment, especially bass clarinets. I had a bit of an education in bass cases from Mike Lowenstern of www.earspasm.com. I just bought a Buffet Tosca from him, and while it did not come in a Marcus Bonna case, he raves about those. I believe they are made in Brazil and are rather expense, but do a great job immobilizing the instruments and not putting pressure on the keys. I prefer Rovner ligatures, as they take a little of the buzz out of the sound you sometimes get with metal ligatures. Also, as a kid I was pretty good at slicing reeds while putting on my metal ligature! I've been using Dr. Slick cork grease for some years now and like it it better than the usual lipstick style grease. I've heard great things about Ultimax grease, a non-petroleum based product less prone to break down cork material. On A/Bb Vandoren Blue Box 2-1/2 is my happy place. Until recently, the same on bass although I now find the V12 2-1/2 and possibly 3 give me a bigger sound on bass; the vamp and tip fit perfectly over the chamber opening and rails of my Grabner bass mouthpiece. Unfortunately, Walter Grabner just closed his business in favor of a well earned retirement. I am not familiar with ClariMate, and my wife thinks I have enough toys!
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My favorite clarinet accessory is my Vandoren Optimum ligature. It holds my reed in place without unnecessary shifting and makes all my reeds play well. I have tried many ligatures, but nothing matches the joy I have in playing the instrument when my Optimum ligature is holding my reed in place.
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Good to hear about the Optimum - I'm not familiar. One other hint about ligatures - Michael Lowenstern (www.earspasm.com) pointed out that especially with the wider reeds on bass, to "tighten the #$%! out of the ligature". He's right - prevents air leaks, and the bass is more responsive.
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So I'll add some craziness to this thread with my favorite new clarinet gadget--the Silverstein AIRSWAB. It looks like a miniature hairdryer. I'm too embarrassed to take it to rehearsals but use it all the time at home. When the cat hears the dryer, he knows I'm finished practicing. there's no messy, cruddy swab, and the clarinet is for sure dry.
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, Mike Lowenstern kind of agrees with you on the home use only thing. He is an awesome bass clarinetist who also sells clarinets (including bass) and lots of other gear. He does online reviews on his YouTube channel, including this one on the AirSwab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekwiBmfdO6w
