The holidays are fast approaching, and so is the next step of your little — or not-so-little — musician’s career! Searching for the perfect gift can feel daunting, especially when navigating the complicated world of woodwinds. That’s why we put together a list of woodwind accessories and tools that will fit right in your player’s stocking, so you can support their musical development without breaking your back — or the bank — to find the right gift!
For Saxophonists
JodyJazz HRA1 Power Ring Ligature with Cap for Hard Rubber Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece – Gold
If there’s one thing student saxophonists want more than to play “Careless Whisper” every chance they get, then it’s to sound as good as the recording! Compatible with JodyJazz’s HR* and Jet Series hard rubber mouthpieces, the HRA1 Power Ring ligature is a solid addition to any seasoned player’s saxophone setup. This stellar ligature adds extra mass to the saxophone for a full-bodied sound and looks fabulous onstage, thanks to its stunning 24-karat gold plating. If your player doesn’t already use a JodyJazz mouthpiece, then we think this ligature is the perfect stocking stuffer to hint at the gift to come later: a JodyJazz HR* or Jet Series mouthpiece!
Jazzlab Saxholder Sax Shoulder Strap/Harness – Medium
Are you looking for a foolproof stocking stuffer for the saxophonist in your life? If so, then we’d like to introduce you to the Jazzlab Saxholder sax shoulder strap/harness. This harness practically eliminates neck strain by transferring the weight of the saxophone to the two padded shoulder handles, giving players greater comfort through longer playing sessions. Finally, this bad boy has a universal design that works with soprano, alto, tenor, and bari saxes, meaning less research for you and more uses for the musician!
For Clarinetists
D’Addario Multi-reed Storage Case with Humidification System
Clarinetists and saxophonists are very particular about their reeds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise them with a great case to store them in! The D’Addario multi-reed storage case with humidification system offers top-notch protection for clarinet and saxophone reeds. Trust us — your musician will be thankful for this case’s airtight seal and humidity-control system, which maintains 72% relative humidity and keeps reeds in prime condition so they are ready to play their best. Though this case is small enough for a stocking, it accommodates eight reeds. Whether your musician plays saxophone, clarinet, or both, you can’t go wrong when gifting the D’Addario multi-reed storage case!
BG C23YE Zen Leather Neck Strap for B-flat Clarinet – Elastic
Although the B-flat clarinet is a relatively small instrument, it can get heavy for some players — particularly beginning students! As a result, they can develop poor playing habits that lead to hard-to-correct posture and health problems. What better way to combat bad habits than to prevent them before they develop? The BG Zen leather neck strap for B-flat clarinet minimizes fatigue by redistributing the instrument’s weight. Made from premium leather with a comfortable, absorbent sponge lining and pressure-relieving ABS spacer, this strap is practical and looks luxurious — especially coming out of a stocking!
Backun MoBa Cocobolo Barrel for Clarinet – 66mm
Depending on your player’s experience level and needs, you might be looking to splurge on music-related stocking stuffers this holiday season. If that’s the case, then the Backun MoBa cocobolo barrel for B-flat or A clarinet is just what the doctor ordered! Well-made barrels are a fantastic way for advanced players to refine their sound without replacing — or making significant alterations to — their clarinets. This gorgeous Backun MoBa cocobolo barrel for clarinet is constructed from all-natural cocobolo wood that lends a warm, dark tone to the clarinet’s sound. It also offers increased wind resistance for a focused sound with clean articulation, making it a stellar gift for the aspiring soloist.
For Double Reed Players
Protec A252 Oboe Reed Case – Opaque (8 Reeds)
Add the Protec A252 oboe reed case to your oboist’s or English horn player’s stocking this holiday season. With a generous 8-reed capacity, players can store multiple reeds for care and rotation. This case is also easily accessible, thanks to its padded divider design, which separates the reeds and allows them to tilt out for quick retrieval.
Protec A253 Bassoon Reed Case – 5 reeds
Designed to suit bassoon reeds, the Protec A253 bassoon reed case offers the same lightweight protection as the A252 but with the capacity for five reeds. Need I say more?
Jones Reed Soaker Cup
If there’s one accessory every oboist and bassoonist needs, then it’s a reed soaker. And, while your double reed player already has one, we’re willing to bet you can do better by gifting them a Jones reed soaker cup! With a secure, leak-resistant lid and a metal music-stand clip for easy access, it’s the superior choice for double reed players of all ages and levels. Gifting the Jones reed soaker cup is a no-brainer — it’s reliable, convenient, and stocking stuffer–friendly!
For Flutists
Bo-Pep Flute Thumb Guide – Black
Maintaining good posture while playing the flute is hard enough as it is, and it can be even more challenging for players with small hands or weak wrists. Give your loved one some extra support with the Bo-Pep flute thumb guide, a simple snap-on attachment that supports the player’s right thumb, aiming to alleviate wrist discomfort and improve playing habits.
For All Woodwind Players
Herco Screwdriver Set for Woodwind Instruments
Last, but not least, is the almighty Herco screwdriver set for woodwind instruments. This handy kit will equip your player with the tools they need to perform on-the-spot repairs on nearly any woodwind instrument. This kit is ideal for adjusting an array of woodwind parts, including two Phillips-style #1 and #0 screwdrivers and four standard-head (flat-head) screwdrivers (1.4mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, and 3.0mm). Moreover, its diminutive size is discreet enough to bring onstage, giving your player convenient access to the tools needed to combat any mid-concert mishap or malfunction!
Conclusion
Good things come in small packages — like stockings! We hope you’ve found the perfect stocking stuffer for the woodwind player in your life or at least some inspiration. Are you still undecided about what to get? Give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700!