10 Unique Gift Ideas for Clarinetists this Christmas
- Mari Porterq
- Nov 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Its that time of year again! As you start to look around for a thoughtful gift for the musician in your life we hope our guide will help you find ideas for every clarinetists. Including options for beginning to advanced musicians at all price points, our gift guide is sure to give you a start in your search for the perfect gift!
1. Private Lessons
Private lessons are an excellent gift for the clarinet player in your life. Private lessons develop fundamentals and practice habits that will make a bigger difference in musicianship and playing ability than equipment ever could. Private lessons are an investment in improving each musicans ability and expanding their opportunities. Give the gift of learning! To read more about our private lessons just click below.
2. Tuners and Metronomes
A good tuner and metronome or a combination of both is an essential tool for any musician. If your looking for something to help improve skill at a lower price look no further! There are a wide variety of options available. Below are our top picks!
Snark Tuners
Mobile Apps
Handheld Tuners
3. Mouthpieces and Ligatures
Mouthpieces and ligatures can make as much difference in tone and articulation as a new clarinet. If you are looking for an affordable gift to make a big difference in characteristic tone you have found it. Check out our top 3 below:
Vandoren M13 Lyre
Vandoren 5RV Lyre
Ligatures
Looking for a cheaper option? The BG Revalation is a great choice! Check it out here: https://www.wwbw.com/BG-L4R-Revelation-Bb-Clarinet-Ligature-465090-465090000000000.wwbw?source=TWWR5J1BB&cntry=us¤cy=usd&source=TWWRAH4BD&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAjfyqBhAsEiwA-UdzJOqeL4Zb3K8hRkLLsHlDulAwD_kqcgs9PRdQoI-q6k1SfJlQi3r31BoCFuUQAvD_BwE
4. Reeds and Accessories
A good reed is essential to every performance. Vandoren has been the go to company for clarinet reeds for many years. From the basic blue box option, to V12's or Rue Lepic styles Vandoren reeds are very consistent and affordable. You can check out their full lineup at this link: https://vandoren.fr/en/clarinet-reeds/
There are also other brands available on the market and its best to just try them all and see which you or the clarinetist in your life prefer. Some other options include reeds from Royal USA or my favorite, which are imported from Italy. https://www.edizionieufonia.it/homepage/ance-var/
Getting a box of reeds is just a start! There are many accessories that can help improve and prolong your reeds. Here are some of my favorites:
5. Barrels
A new barrel can help a clarinetist play more in tune. Barrels can also effect the resonance and response of the instrument and improve articulation. I recommend trying barrels to see what is best for your set-up. The companies listed below allow you to test and return barrels to find which is best for you.
6. Bells
A different bell can also change the tone and projection on your clarinet. Bells are avaialble through companies like Taplin Weir, Backun and Buffet Crampon.
7. Music and Etude Books
Many music and etude books are available through your local music store. The books listed below are universally respected etude books that will help students improve their fundamentals.
8. Neck Straps and Stands
Not all players require a neck strap and there are pros and cons to their use with clarinets, however if there is any pain in the wrists when playing, neck straps can help. Try this one: https://a.co/d/dXnd9qG A clarinet stand is a welcome convenience in rehearsals and home practice sessions. Here is a link to the one I use. https://a.co/d/dXnd9qG
9. Step-up Clarinets
A new clarinet is a big investment, but a step up clarinet can make a big difference in a student's sound. Most step up clarinets are wooden and require increased maintenance as compared to a plastic clarinet. Wooden clarinets must be kept in a climate controlled area and cared for regularly. Here are some popular and reliable step up models:
10. Professional Clarinets
If you have the money to spend and a serious clarinet player to buy for I recommend going straight for the professional model. Professional clarinets require about the same amount of care and maintenance as intermediate instruments and will save you from having to purchase another instrument in the future. Buffet Crampon is the standard for professional clarinets and if you walk through a college clarinet studio most students will be playing a Buffet R-13. You can find many used Buffet R-13s in resale shops and they are usually just as good as the new ones. Make sure that you aren't tricked into getting a lower model like an E11. There are also some newer brands that have great professional model clarinets. Backun is well known in the professional clarinet community and I currently own a Royal Global Firebird that I regularly play on. Here are some models that I recommend:
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