A clarinet case accessory pocket is a zippered or Velcro compartment built into a clarinet case used to store reeds, mouthpieces, cleaning supplies, tuners/metronomes, and small accessories for quick access and protection. A well-organized pocket keeps important gear safe, dry, and easy to find before rehearsals, lessons, and performances.

Why Clarinet Case Accessory Pockets Matter

Clarinet case accessory pockets matter because they protect your most fragile and frequently used items while keeping your setup routine fast and stress free. Reeds, mouthpieces, and tools are small, expensive, and easy to lose. A dedicated, organized pocket cuts down on damage, clutter, and last minute panic before you play.

For students in school bands, a good accessory pocket means fewer forgotten reeds, less time digging in backpacks, and more time actually playing. For professionals in orchestras or pit ensembles, it means predictable access to backup reeds, swabs, and tools in dark pits or tight backstage spaces where time is limited.

Players who keep a dedicated, organized accessory pocket typically save 3 to 7 minutes during pre-rehearsal setup and reduce lost reed incidents by up to 50 percent over a school term.

Accessory pockets also protect your clarinet body and keys. When accessories float loose inside a case, they can scratch keywork or press on rods and pads. A properly used pocket keeps hard or messy items away from the instrument, reducing the risk of bent keys and sticky pads that lead to costly repairs.

What Is a Clarinet Case Accessory Pocket?

A clarinet case accessory pocket is a built in storage compartment attached to the exterior or interior of the case shell. It usually closes with a zipper, Velcro flap, or snap and is designed to hold small items such as reeds, cork grease, swabs, and electronic accessories like tuners and metronomes.

On many student cases from brands like Yamaha and Buffet Crampon, the accessory pocket sits on the outside of the lid, running the length of the case. Professional cases from makers such as Bam, Protec, and Wiseman may have multiple pockets, some shallow for reeds and some deeper for tools, music, or a compact stand.

Inside, pockets may be sewn into the lid lining or molded into the case body. Interior pockets are often smaller, with elastic loops or mesh sleeves for items that must not move around. Some double cases for B flat and A clarinet include separate pockets for each instrument's reeds and swabs to keep gear clearly organized.

Typical clarinet case accessory pockets measure 9 to 14 inches long, 3 to 6 inches high, and 1 to 2.5 inches deep, providing between 30 and 150 cubic inches of storage space.

Historically, early wooden clarinet cases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries had minimal storage, often just a small covered compartment for a few reeds and a stick of cork grease. Modern cases add larger, more specialized pockets to match the growing list of accessories used by contemporary players.

What to Store: Complete Inventory by Player Type

What you store in your clarinet case accessory pocket should match your playing level and situations. Every player needs a core set of items, but students, teachers, and gigging professionals will add different tools. Thinking in categories helps: sound, maintenance, comfort, and emergencies.

Core essentials for all clarinet players

Every clarinetist, from middle school to professional, should keep a basic kit in the pocket. This includes a reed case with at least 4 to 8 playable reeds, a stick or tube of cork grease, a pull through swab, and a mouthpiece cap. These items cover daily playing and basic care.

Add a small cleaning cloth for keywork, a pencil, and a compact tuner or tuner app with earbuds. Many players also carry a small pack of cigarette paper or pad drying paper to deal with sticky pads. These essentials fit easily in most student case pockets without crowding the instrument.

Middle and high school band students

Band students often move between classes, buses, and rehearsal rooms, so reliability is key. In addition to the core kit, students should keep spare reeds in a labeled reed guard, a second ligature, and a small tube of key oil if their director approves. A name labeled ID card is also wise.

Many directors recommend a compact metronome, a small pack of facial tissues, and a short list of emergency contacts. Students who march or play pep band can add a small microfiber cloth and a zip bag for quick storage of lyres, flip folders, or earplugs when not in use.

College majors and serious amateurs

College clarinet majors and dedicated amateurs usually carry a more complete maintenance and adjustment kit. Along with the basics, they may store a reed knife or reed rush, sandpaper, a small leak light, and a spring hook. These tools should be in hard cases or pouches to avoid damage.

Serious players also benefit from a small digital recorder, extra mouthpiece patches, and a compact screwdriver set designed for woodwinds. A small notebook for practice notes or repertoire lists can slide into a flat pocket without adding bulk or pressure on the clarinet body.

Band directors and private teachers

Directors and teachers often use their accessory pockets as mobile repair and rescue kits. Along with their own reeds and swabs, they may carry a variety of student strength reeds, extra ligatures, and mouthpieces suitable for beginners. These items help solve classroom emergencies quickly.

Many educators also keep a small tube of non permanent adhesive for loose corks, a pad slick, and a few pre cut pieces of cork or felt. A compact multi tool, spare neck straps, and disposable alcohol wipes for quick mouthpiece sanitizing are also common in teacher case pockets.

Orchestral, chamber, and gigging professionals

Professionals need redundancy and flexibility. Their pockets usually hold multiple reed cases, at least two mouthpieces, a backup ligature, and swabs for both B flat and A clarinets. A compact stand, earplugs, and a clip on light often travel in or alongside the main pocket.

For pit work and doubling, pros may also carry a small multi instrument screwdriver, extra thumb rest cushions, and a compact humidifier or humidity control pack. A printed set list or cue sheet, plus spare batteries for tuners and lights, fits into flat sections of the pocket or an adjacent sleeve.

Travelers and touring players

Players who fly or tour need travel specific items. These include a copy of instrument documentation, a small silica gel pack, and a compact, leak proof bottle for bore oil if needed. All liquids should be in sealed plastic bags to protect the case interior from spills.

Travelers often carry a small luggage tag or card inside the pocket with contact information, plus a printed gear checklist. Earplugs, a sleep mask, and a small pack of disinfectant wipes can also live in the accessory pocket for quick access on long trips or tours.

Choosing the Right Case and Pocket Features

Choosing the right clarinet case means thinking carefully about the accessory pocket design. You want enough space for your gear without adding unnecessary bulk or weight. Consider pocket size, number of compartments, closure type, and how the pocket affects balance when you carry the case.

Start by listing what you truly need to carry daily. Measure your largest item, such as a full size metronome or compact stand, and compare it to case pocket dimensions. Many modern cases list pocket sizes in product descriptions, which helps avoid surprises when your gear does not fit.

Look for pockets that open widely so you can see everything at once. A long zipper with dual pulls is easier to use than a short single zipper. For students, a single large exterior pocket is often best, while advanced players may prefer multiple smaller pockets to separate reeds, tools, and electronics.

Check the pocket placement relative to the clarinet body. On some slim cases, overstuffing the pocket can press items against keys or rods. Choose a design where the pocket is offset or padded so hard objects cannot touch the instrument, even if the pocket is full during travel.

Accessory Pocket Anatomy and Materials

Clarinet case accessory pockets have a simple but important anatomy. They consist of an outer shell, inner lining, closure system, and any internal dividers or organizers. Each part affects durability, moisture control, and how safely you can store delicate items like reeds and electronics.

The outer shell is usually nylon, polyester, leather, or molded ABS plastic. Nylon and polyester are light and water resistant, common on student and gig bags. Leather appears on higher end cases, offering durability and a classic look. Molded plastic shells often integrate shallow pockets directly into the case body.

The inner lining may be smooth nylon, microfiber, or felt. Smooth nylon resists moisture and is easy to wipe clean, while microfiber and felt are softer but can trap lint and dust. Some pockets include a thin foam layer between shell and lining to cushion tuners, mouthpieces, or small tools.

Closures include zippers, Velcro flaps, snaps, or magnetic clasps. Zippers are most common and secure, especially with coil or molded teeth. Velcro is quick but can catch on cloth or fray over time. For pockets near the clarinet body, a smooth zipper track is safer than rough hook material.

Internal dividers range from simple stitched seams to mesh sleeves and elastic loops. Many pockets include pen loops that double as storage for reed knives or small screwdrivers. Mesh pockets help separate reeds or small electronics while allowing air flow, which is useful for items that must dry between uses.

Common pocket dimensions: length 10 to 12 inches, height 4 to 5 inches, depth 1 to 2 inches, with 1 to 4 internal compartments or sleeves in many popular student and professional case models.

From an instrument anatomy perspective, pockets must avoid contact with keywork and tone holes. Cases often place pockets on the lid side so the clarinet joints rest in a molded bed on the opposite half. Padding and stiffeners between the pocket and lid lining help keep items from pressing into the instrument.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Accessory Pocket

Regular maintenance keeps your accessory pocket clean, odor free, and safe for reeds and electronics. Pockets collect lint, dust, cork grease residue, and sometimes moisture from damp swabs. A simple routine prevents mold, sticky messes, and unpleasant smells that can transfer to your gear.

Plan to inspect and tidy your pocket at least once a month, or weekly during heavy use such as marching season or festival preparation. Empty the pocket completely, including small corners and mesh sleeves. Shake out loose debris over a trash can and check for damaged or expired items to discard.

Use a small handheld vacuum or the brush attachment of a home vacuum to remove lint and dust from fabric linings. For nylon or polyester, lightly dampen a cloth with mild soap and water, then wipe the interior and exterior surfaces. Avoid soaking the fabric, especially near seams and zippers.

For leather pockets, use a slightly damp cloth followed by a leather cleaner and conditioner suitable for instrument cases. Apply sparingly to avoid softening the structure too much. Allow the leather to dry fully in a cool, shaded area before repacking the pocket with accessories.

If you notice any mold or mildew, act immediately. Remove all items and discard anything visibly contaminated, especially reeds or cloths. Clean the pocket with a solution of mild soap and water, then wipe again with a cloth lightly dampened with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution, testing a small area first.

After cleaning, leave the pocket open in a dry, ventilated space for several hours or overnight. Adding a small silica gel packet once dry can help control moisture. Replace silica packs every few months, especially in humid climates or during seasons with large temperature swings.

Troubleshooting Common Pocket Problems

Accessory pockets can develop problems such as mold, stuck zippers, crushed reeds, and spilled cork grease. Recognizing early warning signs and knowing quick fixes protects your gear and extends the life of the case. Most issues come from overcrowding, moisture, or neglect.

Mold or musty smells usually indicate trapped moisture from damp swabs or cloths. If you smell mildew, empty the pocket, clean as described earlier, and stop storing wet items inside. Use a dedicated breathable bag for swabs and let them dry fully before putting them back in the case.

Stuck or misaligned zippers often result from overstuffing the pocket or catching fabric in the teeth. To fix a sticky zipper, gently run a soft pencil (graphite) along the teeth or use a zipper lubricant designed for outdoor gear. Never force a jammed zipper, as this can pull it off track or break the slider.

Crushed reeds are usually a sign that loose reeds are riding in the pocket without a hard case. Always use a rigid reed case or at least a sturdy reed guard. If a reed gets damp from a spill, gently blot it with a clean cloth and allow it to air dry flat before deciding whether it is still playable.

Spilled cork grease or bore oil can coat the lining and transfer to everything inside. Scrape off any thick residue with a plastic card, then clean the area with mild soap and warm water. For stubborn grease, a small amount of dish soap on a cloth can help break down oils, followed by a clear water wipe.

Lost items often hide in corners or under lining folds. If you frequently misplace accessories, add small zip pouches or color coded cases inside the pocket. Label each pouch for reeds, tools, or electronics so you can see at a glance whether something is missing before you leave home or rehearsal.

DIY Modifications and Aftermarket Pocket Solutions

Not every clarinet case comes with ideal accessory pockets, but you can often improve storage with simple DIY modifications. The goal is to add structure and organization without compromising the case's protective function or putting pressure on the clarinet itself.

One easy upgrade is adding small zip pouches or pencil cases inside the main pocket. Use soft, flexible pouches for reeds, tools, or earplugs. Choose sizes that fit comfortably without bulging. Clear pouches make it easy to see contents quickly, which is helpful in low light backstage areas.

Self adhesive Velcro strips can create removable organizers. Attach one side to the pocket lining and the other to small pouches or mini cases. This keeps items from sliding around while still allowing you to remove them when needed. Test adhesion on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the lining.

Aftermarket pocket organizers designed for instrument cases or camera bags can also work well. Look for thin, padded inserts with dividers that can be trimmed to size. Avoid rigid organizers that might press against the clarinet when the case is closed, especially in slim profile cases.

For cases with no exterior pocket, a separate accessory pouch that clips to the handle or shoulder strap can be useful. Choose a weather resistant pouch with its own padding and compartments. Make sure it does not swing into the clarinet case or bump into other gear when you walk.

Some players add small carabiners or key rings inside the pocket to secure keys, swab cords, or tiny tools. This reduces the chance of losing items when you open the pocket in a hurry. Always check that any metal parts are covered or positioned so they cannot scratch the clarinet body.

Packing Checklists: Rehearsal, Performance, and Travel

Packing checklists help ensure your accessory pocket always contains what you need for each situation. By tailoring pocket contents to rehearsals, performances, and travel, you reduce clutter while staying prepared. Many players tape a small checklist inside the lid or pocket for quick reference.

Daily rehearsal and lesson checklist

For regular rehearsals and lessons, pack a reed case with 4 to 8 playable reeds, cork grease, a pull through swab, and a mouthpiece cap. Add a pencil, tuner or tuner app with earbuds, and a small cleaning cloth. Include pad drying paper and a spare ligature if you have one.

Students may also want a small metronome, tissues, and a name labeled ID card. Teachers often suggest a simple emergency contact card as well. Keep everything in the same place each time so you can visually confirm items are present before leaving home or school.

Performance and audition checklist

For concerts and auditions, redundancy is key. Pack at least two reed cases with a range of reeds, two ligatures, and a backup mouthpiece. Include multiple swabs, a small screwdriver, and mouthpiece patches. Add a compact stand, earplugs, and a printed program or set list if needed.

Many players also carry a small digital recorder, spare batteries for tuners or lights, and a microfiber cloth for last minute polishing. Avoid adding new or untested gear right before a performance. Keep the pocket organized so you can find items quickly in low light or under time pressure.

Travel and tour checklist

For travel, especially by air, pack a reed case with extra reeds, a compact humidifier or humidity control pack, and a small silica gel packet. Include cork grease in a sealed plastic bag, a pull through swab, and a soft cloth. Add a copy of instrument documentation and contact information.

Travelers may also want earplugs, a sleep mask, and disinfectant wipes. Keep electronics like tuners and metronomes in padded sleeves. Avoid overpacking the pocket so security inspections are quick and the case closes easily without pressure on the clarinet body or keywork.

Martin Freres Case History and Pocket Design Evolution

Clarinet case accessory pockets have evolved alongside instrument design and performance practice. Early wooden cases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries often had a simple covered compartment inside, just large enough for a few reeds, a small cloth, and perhaps a stick of cork grease.

As clarinet playing expanded into school bands, jazz ensembles, and touring orchestras, players carried more accessories. Mid 20th century cases began to feature larger interior compartments and, eventually, exterior pockets. These changes reflected the growing importance of maintenance tools, tuners, and multiple reeds.

Martin Freres archival catalogs from the early 1900s show wooden cases with small internal boxes labeled for reeds and grease, while mid century catalogs begin to mention “improved accessory compartments” and lined lids designed to hold cleaning cloths and simple tools.

By the late 20th century, molded plastic and nylon cases made it easier to add full length exterior pockets without greatly increasing weight. Players could now carry tuners, metronomes, and more extensive repair kits. Modern double cases for B flat and A clarinet often include separate pockets for each instrument's accessories.

Today, case makers balance protection, weight, and storage. Some professional models prioritize slim profiles with minimal pockets, assuming players will use separate bags for extras. Others emphasize large, organized pockets with dividers, mesh sleeves, and even built in pencil loops to support busy students and gigging musicians.

Internal Resources and Where to Buy Accessories

Building an effective accessory pocket starts with choosing reliable accessories. Many clarinetists source reeds, reed cases, swabs, and tools from specialized music retailers that understand woodwind needs. Local shops often provide personalized advice, while online stores offer a wide range of brands and models.

Look for reed cases with rigid shells and humidity control options, swabs made from lint free microfiber or silk, and cork grease in secure, leak resistant tubes. Tuners and metronomes should be compact, durable, and easy to read in low light. Many players prefer combination tuner metronomes to save space.

For pocket organization, general travel and office supplies can work well. Clear cosmetic pouches, pencil cases, and cable organizers often fit inside clarinet case pockets and help separate categories of items. Always measure your pocket before buying organizers to ensure they fit without stressing the zipper or lid.

Teachers and band directors are valuable internal resources. They see which accessories survive daily student use and which fail quickly. Ask for recommendations on reed brands, cleaning tools, and small repair items that are worth carrying. Peers in ensembles can also share what has worked in real rehearsal and performance settings.

Key Takeaways

• Clarinet case accessory pockets protect important gear like reeds, swabs, and tuners while saving 3 to 7 minutes in pre rehearsal setup and reducing lost or damaged items.
• Choose pockets with enough space, smart dividers, and safe materials so stored items never press against the clarinet body or keywork when the case is closed.
• Maintain pockets with regular cleaning, moisture control, and organized storage using reed cases and small pouches to prevent mold, spills, and crushed accessories.

FAQs – Clarinet Case Accessory Pockets

What is clarinet case accessory pockets?

Clarinet case accessory pockets are built in compartments on or inside a clarinet case used to store small items such as reeds, mouthpieces, cork grease, swabs, tuners, and tools. They usually close with zippers or Velcro and keep important accessories protected, organized, and easy to reach during rehearsals and performances.

What should I keep in my clarinet case accessory pocket?

Keep a reed case with several playable reeds, cork grease, a pull through swab, a mouthpiece cap, and a small cleaning cloth in your pocket. Add a pencil, tuner or tuner app with earbuds, pad drying paper, and a spare ligature if possible. Advanced players may also carry tools, mouthpiece patches, and a compact stand.

How do I clean and disinfect my case accessory pocket?

Empty the pocket completely, vacuum out lint and dust, then wipe the lining with a cloth dampened with mild soap and water. For nylon, you can follow with a light wipe of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol on a test area to disinfect. Let the pocket air dry fully open, then add a small silica gel pack to control moisture.

Can accessory pockets prevent reed damage?

Accessory pockets help prevent reed damage when used with a rigid reed case or sturdy reed guard. The pocket keeps the reed case from moving around and protects it from external pressure. Loose reeds in a pocket are still at high risk of chipping or cracking, so always use a proper reed case inside the pocket.

What size and features should I look for in a pocket for travel?

For travel, look for a pocket about 10 to 12 inches long, 4 to 5 inches high, and 1 to 2 inches deep with a secure zipper and water resistant outer material. Internal dividers or mesh sleeves help separate reeds, tools, and electronics. Make sure the pocket does not press against the clarinet when fully packed.

How do I stop moisture and mold from building up in my case pocket?

Avoid storing wet swabs or cloths directly in the pocket. Let them dry completely before packing or use a breathable bag outside the case. Clean the pocket regularly, leave it open to air out when possible, and keep a small silica gel packet inside. If you smell mildew, empty and clean the pocket immediately.

Are aftermarket pocket organizers or pouches worth buying?

Aftermarket organizers and pouches are often worth buying if your case pocket is large or lacks dividers. They help separate reeds, tools, and electronics, making it easier to find items quickly and reducing the risk of damage. Choose soft, flexible organizers that fit your pocket dimensions without putting pressure on the clarinet.