What do I need to buy for my new instrument?

A Guide to Buying Accessories for Your Instrument

For instruments and more make sure to check out our SMART CHOICE instrument packages and our BACK TO SCHOOL page!

We recommend that you at least have a MUSIC STAND for the player to use for practice at home

Your teacher of band conductor will recommend a MUSIC BOOK

FLUTES - most new flutes come with everything you need except:

• A FLUTE STAND is very useful
• A SILVER POLISHING CLOTH helps prevent tarnishing and keep the instrument looking new 
• Eventually you will need to replace the gauze cleaning SWAB

CLARINETS- many items are supplied with a new clarinet except for:

• REEDS are an ongoing purchase
• MOUTHPIECE CUSHIONS make playing more comfortable and protect the mouthpiece from tooth marks
• Some people find a RUBBER THUMB REST and/or CLARINET STRAP makes playing more comfortable
• A CLARINET STAND is advised
• CORK GREASE will need to be replaced when it runs out
• Quality swabs can be washed however eventually a new SWAB will be needed 
• A SILVER POLISHING CLOTH helps prevent tarnishing and keep the instrument looking new

SAXOPHONES - You may need to purchase some items as well as reeds:

• REEDS are an ongoing purchase
• MOUTHPIECE CUSHIONS make playing more comfortable and protect the mouthpiece from tooth marks
• You may wish to buy a more comfortable STRAP or HARNESS (especially for younger players)
• You will need to purchase CLEANING SWABS if you buy a Yamaha saxophone, one is supplied with most other brands
• A SAXOPHONE STAND is useful, a budget stand is available
• Eventually you will need a new SWAB and CORK GREASE

OBOES - You may need to purchase extra items if not supplied with the oboe:

• for beginners we recommend 2 or 3 STUDENT OBOE REEDS
• Its a good idea to buy an OBOE REED CASE if one is not supplied with the oboe
• CORK GREASE will need to be replaced when it runs out
• The SILK SWAB will eventually need to be replaced
• An OBOE STAND is advised
• A SILVER POLISHING CLOTH helps prevent tarnishing and keep the instrument looking new

TRUMPETS AND CORNETS - Most new instruments come with everything you need except

• You will need a MOUTHPIECE BRUSH and SNAKE for washing and cleaning the trumpet
• A TRUMPET/CORNET STAND is useful
• you will eventually need new LUBRICANTS
• If your trumpet is silver plated a SILVER POLISHING CLOTH will help prevent tarnishing 

TROMBONES - New trombones come with most things you need except:

• You will need a MOUTHPIECE BRUSH and SNAKE for washing and cleaning the instrument
• You will eventually need new LUBRICANTS