Remove the ligature, wipe away debris, soak metal ligatures in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry completely; for leather or fabric ligatures, wipe with a damp cloth and use leather conditioner sparingly, avoiding harsh chemicals or soaking. ...  read more

As a clarinetist, your clarinet isn't just an instrument; it's a trusted companion through rehearsals, gigs, and everything in between. Carrying your clarinet shouldn't feel like a workout! That's where clarinet cases with backpack straps come in, making life easier for musicians on the move. ...  read more

Maintain clarinet reeds at 40-60% relative humidity using humidity packs (such as Boveda), hydrogel beads, or a slightly damp sponge in a vented soap dish. Monitor with a small digital hygrometer, avoid direct contact between humidifiers and reeds or instrument, and adjust or remove humidifiers if readings fall below 40% or rise above 65%. ...  read more

Clarinet reed pliers are specialized, fine-tipped pliers used to make precise, small adjustments to a clarinet reed's tip and sides to improve response, balance, and tone. Use them only on dry reeds, make very tiny changes, test frequently after each adjustment, and keep the pliers clean and aligned to avoid damaging the reed. ...  read more

How to clean a clarinet mouthpiece in 6 steps: remove the reed and ligature, soak the mouthpiece 10-15 minutes in warm soapy water (never hot), brush the inside with a soft mouthpiece brush or pipe cleaner, rinse well, disinfect with rubbing alcohol if needed, then dry completely on a rack or with a lint-free cloth. ...  read more

Choose a clarinet case lock by matching type to use (combination, key, TSA), check material and mounting points, install per manufacturer instructions or retrofit with a locksmith, lubricate annually, and follow troubleshooting steps for jams or bent keys. ...  read more

Clarinet mouthpiece charts can seem confusing at first glance, especially if you're not familiar with the terms and numbers they use. But understanding them can really improve your playing. Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years, knowing how to read and use these charts can make a big difference in your sound. And yes, brands like Martin Freres have a great reputation for making quality mouthpieces! ...  read more

The clarinet barrel is the cylindrical connector between the mouthpiece and the upper joint. Its material, such as grenadilla, rosewood, acrylic, plastic or composite, and its length, commonly 60-66 mm for B-flat clarinet, influence pitch, tone color, response and intonation. Shorter barrels raise pitch and brighten sound, while longer barrels lower pitch and darken tone. ...  read more

What does a clarinet reed storage case do? A clarinet reed storage case protects reeds from physical damage, controls humidity, and keeps them organized so they dry flat between uses. It reduces warping, mold, and chips while extending reed life. ...  read more

How to balance a clarinet reed in 5 steps: 1) Place the reed flat on a reed balancer or glass plate. 2) Use 400-600 grit sandpaper or a reed knife with very light, even strokes. 3) Polish the underside from the heart toward the tip with consistent pressure. 4) Test flexibility by pressing both sides and playing long tones. 5) Repeat lightly until resistance and tone feel even across both sides. ...  read more