Reddit mentions: The best wind & woodwind accessories

I am a senior music ed. major and have owned and played a lot of different horns. Five thousand dollars is plenty of money to get a horn that will last you as long as you want to continue playing, if you take care of it.

First, PLEASE don't march with a professional quality sax. They can get damaged so easily in a marching band setting, and the benefits of you playing on a nice horn will not make any impact whatsoever on the ensemble sound of a marching band. It absolutely is not worth it.

Second, you cannot underestimate the importance of a quality mouthpiece. Playing an average horn with a good quality mouthpiece often sounds better than playing a high quality horn on a bad mouthpiece. Your budget is more than large enough to include a great mouthpiece. Also, I know it seems cool to get a metal mouthpiece, but I would advise you against it. While it is common to play a metal piece on tenor, I'd say ninety percent of Alto players play hard rubber pieces. Just look at the greats: Charlie Parker, Phil woods, Cannonball Adderley, Paul Desmond, they all play hard rubber and sound incredible. A metal piece cost more, are almost always very bright sounding on Alto, and will be more difficult to control starting out. I would highly recommend a Meyer hard rubber style mouthpiece, with two great options being a Vandoren V16 A6 medium chamber mouthpiece,

https://www.amazon.com/Vandoren-SM812M-Chamber-Saxophone-Mouthpiece/dp/B000UJFZOM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541718296&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=vandoren%2Bv16%2Balto%2Bmouthpiece&dpPl=1&dpID=31bDmRqJdFL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

And the Jody Jazz hard rubber 6M

https://www.wwbw.com/JodyJazz-HR-Hard-Rubber-Alto-Saxophone-Mouthpiece-471630.wwbw?source=TWWR5J1BB&cntry=us&currency=usd&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2o_fBRC8ARIsAIOyQ-mZadWBOQ4P7BRLQuk72AN6fyqDckpFCzKU_NfxXXrvOfxYyDXBwDIaAo2_EALw_wcB

These pieces are very similar, and will both be free blowing, play well in tune, and be very versatile, capable of producing a wide variety of sounds.

Now, on to your actual question. There are many options when it comes to professional saxophones, and it is important to find what works well for YOU.

In my own personal experience, the best Alto for the money is a Yamaha Custom Z (model number YAS-82Z II). They are versatile, excellent intonation, very easy to play, consistent from horn to horn horns, sound fantastic and will last a lifetime. Phil woods played one of these in his later years, and I have played one all through college. These horns are on the the brighter end of the spectrum and are geared towards jazz musicians, but I have had no issue getting a great classical sound out of it.

Selmer Paris makes some very good horns, however I don't think they are as consistent as Yamaha. Some definitely play better than others. The two best horns Selmer currently makes are the Series II, which I find to have a very dark sound and is excellent for classical playing, and the Reference 54, which is based on the legendary Mark VI and is great for classical or jazz. Both of these horns are going to be out of your budget to buy them brand new, however there is nothing wrong with buying a used horn so long as you check it out and play it extensively before purchasing. Definitely never purchase a used horn on eBay or anything like that where you haven't checked it out thoroughly in person. In fact, I don't think it is wise at all to purchase any horn you haven't play tested extensively beforehand, because this is a very large sum of money you are spending, and as I said some horns of the same exact model play better or worse than others due to inconsistency in the manufacturing process.

Eastman makes one horn that I really like, and it is their 52 street model. I have played the Alto and tenor, and actually purchased the tenor I tried at a convention. They are less expensive than a Yamaha and definitely less expensive than a Selmer, and sound and feel more like a vintage horn such as a mark vi my opinion. I love my tenor, and these are also a good option.

Yanigasawa makes extremely high quality horns also, but I personally never played one I really liked.

I really hope I was able to offer some help or give some information you can use.

R13s are still considered a great intermediate/professional-level clarinet, but they have plenty of competition now! Yamaha is their main competitor, and Backun (Ricardo Morales backs them) is getting pretty successful, too.

You might have to find new reeds... D'Addario bought Rico, so what used to be Rico Reserve is now D'Addario Reserve. They still make the orange box Ricos and blue box Rico Royals, though. My favorite reeds are theD'Addario Reserve Classics, but they just started making a new line called D'Addario Evolution that a lot of my friends are playing now. Vandoren V12s and v21s are popular, too.

Thumb supports have gotten really popular, like the Ridenour Thumb Saddle and this Kooiman thing that transfers a lot of the weight to your hand rather than just your thumb. I have the Ridenour, and I love it because it makes your hand more open, like a c shape rather than a pinch.

Good luck and have fun! It might be worth bringing your clarinet into a shop to have the pads checked out, and after you've gotten into the swing of things, maybe take a lesson or two and get some pointers to stop bad habits from forming.

I'm actually at a similar point... I just graduated college (not for music), and I'm hoping to find an ensemble to play in now so I keep my skills up. I loved being in the wind ensemble at my school!

onica/comments/8wkfe9/suzuki_olive_replacement/), 1pts (06 Jul 18)





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Best to buy harmonica for dummies ebook or physical?", (04 Jul 18):

> As for me, physical copy is much more convenient.





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Somewhat disappointing eBay sale on hohner harmonicas", (04 Jul 18):

> Then I wish you best luck with your new brand :)





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Somewhat disappointing eBay sale on hohner harmonicas", (04 Jul 18):

> [https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Suzuki-MANJI-M20-C-10-Hole-Harmonica-from-JAPAN-Japan-with-Tracking-F-S/123193533750?epid=691348209&hash=item1caee82536:g:yLcAAOSw7PJZZxJB](https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-S...





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Somewhat disappointing eBay sale on hohner harmonicas", (03 Jul 18):

> Well, I don't know much about Seydel prices, but suzuki manji and olive are in the price range of $30-45 now.





Comment (2pts) in harmonica, "Somewhat disappointing eBay sale on hohner harmonicas", (03 Jul 18):

> Buy Seydel or Suzuki instead.





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "The new Overblow Booster by Brendan Power!", (03 Jul 18):

> Sure, it's all only word-battling, until tested. Looking forward for feedback - little curious about this thing.





Comment (2pts) in harmonica, "Beginners Harmonica", (02 Jul 18):

> Buy/download a free tuner, or something like "harmonica tuner" in play.market , it helps a lot.





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Beginners Harmonica", (02 Jul 18):

> Well, that's actually the case of mine. Thanks a lot mate, will try it out.





Comment (4pts) in harmonica, "Beginners Harmonica", (02 Jul 18):

> I wish I hadn't studied how to bend. Yes, it's a good technique, but you won't require it until you maintain your breathing technique and some other BASE stuff - there is no point in playing songs wit...





Submission in harmonica, "Musical theory and harmonica playing and pro/amateur level", 4pts (02 Jul 18)





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "The new Overblow Booster by Brendan Power!", (01 Jul 18):

> I would prefer to increase my skill, not using the crutch made in similar to suzuki overdrive's way.





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "How much are overbends used in practice?", (01 Jul 18):

> \>Maybe I'm grumpy because I don't use them

> As far as I understand from what I've read (and I'd read a lot about harmonica and newbie problems), overbands and even bands are useless in the beginning ...





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Suggestion harmonica that won't go out of tune for a while.", (30 Jun 18):

> Then he has to buy something unkillable, like seydel with their stainless teal. Or learn to tune, because everything he'll accomplish buying a better harp - he'll spend 3 weeks of playing instead of t...





Comment (2pts) in harmonica, "Suggestion harmonica that won't go out of tune for a while.", (30 Jun 18):

> I hadn't paid anything to customize it, but customized it on my own - I've gained some skills and have now a spare harp, I don't care much about - I can use it when I drink/smoke a lot with my friends...





Comment (0pts) in harmonica, "Suggestion harmonica that won't go out of tune for a while.", (30 Jun 18):

> Folkmaster isn't actually a bad harp - it has the same reeds Bluesmaster has. The problem is the coverplates which are the 100% mustache-eaters. Proper gapping will make it sound good and responsi...





Submission in harmonica, "Suzuki harmonicas choice", 2pts (27 Jun 18)





Submission in harmonica, "Bending question", 1pts (23 Apr 18)





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Is this correct that YOU never need a Minor Key harmonica ?", (23 Apr 18):

> I guess it depends on your playstyle and genres you're playing. The GOOD player will find the way to use ANY key.





Comment (3pts) in harmonica, "Buying harmonicas in Europe?", (21 Apr 18):

> Amazon or try to find anything in your local stores. More harps you buy there - more harps they will bring next time.





Comment (2pts) in harmonica, "Beginner Player with Tongue Blocking Question", (21 Apr 18):

> Wow, it actually makes sense. So far I've made it to the 5th chapter of your book and I should say - I do really enjoy it. It helps a lot. Some moments are not that clear to me, as a non-native person...





Comment (1pts) in harmonica, "Beginner Player with Tongue Blocking Question", (21 Apr 18):

> I wonder if I do anything wrong if I block the holes with my tongue on my RIGHT, not left.





Comment (-3pts) in harmonica, "This harmonica case ! where to find it?", (20 Apr 18):

> I'm showing you how easy it is to google "harmonica case".





Comment (0pts) in harmonica, "This harmonica case ! where to find it?", (20 Apr 18):

> https://www.amazon.com/HOHNER-C-12-Hohner-Harmonica-Case/dp/B0002J4JTW





Submission in harmonica, "Tuning the brand new harmonica", 2pts (20 Apr 18)





Submission in harmonica, "Beginner's experience of buying his first harmonica/harp", 0pts (19 Apr 18)





Submission in harmonica, "Starting with the A key harp from the very beginning", 5pts (16 Apr 18)





Submission in harmonica, "Buying a harp for beginner", 1pts (13 Apr 18)





Submission in Xiaomi, "[question]Mi A1 versus Redmi 5+, both 4/64", 1pts (12 Feb 18)





Comment (0pts) in Lineage2Revolution, "when does mana not become a problem?", (26 Dec 17):

> How does illiteracy correlate with the single damn letter I somehow mixed? I read it as

> >As a PR I'm using my 2 buffs on cooldown with other skills disabled when I auto farm, I unlocked the spir...





Comment (-1pts) in Lineage2Revolution, "when does mana not become a problem?", (26 Dec 17):

> I've seen "PR" there instead of "SR". Otherwise it would be pointless for me to insult the guy who has no mp passive skill.





Comment (-3pts) in Lineage2Revolution, "when does mana not become a problem?", (26 Dec 17):

> You are a fucking retard. I keep my actives up to date with the passive on mana, I never turn off skills on my PR. It's feature of the class, which you blatantly ignoring.

> No, I would understand if i...





Comment (1pts) in Lineage2Revolution, "Phantom Ranger Combo Bug", (18 Dec 17):

> Made a test right after reading your message. Turned off skills and did 100 combo. Not a single miss (I guess there one, maybe I shot a dead mob so one hit didn't get registered). It is perfectly fine...





Submission in Lineage2Revolution, "Cores drop + regular field mobs drop dependancy", 2pts (18 Dec 17)





Comment (2pts) in Lineage2Revolution, ["Core drop increased, but did PoB drop decrease?"](http://www.reddit.com/r/Lineage2Revolution/commen

https://www.amazon.com/Hodge-3BRC-3-Reed-Bassoon-Reed/dp/B002BOACCE

I used this one for 3 years in high school and I loved it. Simple but effective, hard enough to keep the reeds safe from minor bumps or drops, and theres enough room to add some sort of moisture absorber if you don't think your reeds are drying well enough. Hope that helps some and best of luck on your journey!

I'm probably the worst person that you can ask about reed maintenance, but I'll give it a shot.

First of all keep your reeds in custom cases, like these (I just got a random example. Plenty of cheap ones out there). ROTATE YOUR REEDS. My high school band director told us that we should never use the same reed two days in a row. Reeds usually last about two weeks of regular playing, so be sure to throw out the old ones.

Secondly, make sure you understand that each reed is made differently, and if you need to feel free to sand down the reeds if they are too hard to play on(use very fine sandpaper). Oh and when you are trying out reeds mark on them with a pencil a little note about it. If it is relatively easy to play on or not, whether it has a good sound or not.

That's all I remember for now, sorry if I couldn't be of more help.

My buddy owns one of these things. Has multiple ways to carry it, but it's easiest to just roll it like your luggage; it's heavy as a sack of bricks (despite the claim of "lightweight"). It's built pretty well, though, and he loves it. Back when he was looking, it was the only soprano/alto dual case he could find, so he was pretty glad it worked out.

Welcome back to clarinet! In terms of clarinets, I really think you should just see what you can get for your budget and seriousness of returning to clarinet. You definitely don't need to drop $5k on a new Buffet if you're just looking at getting your toes wet again, so look on used sites for some clarinets.

As for reeds, since you haven't played in a while, the muscles that form your embouchure aren't as strong as they used to be, so start out with maybe a 2.5 Vandoren blue box reed , or 3 Vandoren V12 reed. Since you played for 8 years previously, I think you won't take long to get those muscles back up to strength so you can use stronger reeds that you likely were using. In my experience the V12s play a little softer compared to the blue box reeds, so it might be a good stiffness for you. If you're just looking into getting back into playing, check out the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece (I find that many students actually play pretty well with it) and maybe a simple ligature.

I'm always hesitant to give gear advice, so that's just my two cents. If anyone else has anything to add or change, please do!

Again, welcome back to clarinet!

Another good step is D’Addario Reserve tenor sax reed. The thickness is a little different from Vandorean, but still a good reed to look into :) I personally play on them and they have a very wonderful sound on my mouthpiece. Definitely a good reed to start on if you don’t want to mess with Ricos (which is a good reed to start on in and of itself, just a you preference). It also depends on the money you want to spend

D’Addario Reserve

I don't have experience with the Vandoren Hygro Reed Case (which I assume your son wanted), but I have at least never heard of putting reeds in the refrigerator lol. If your son wants a reed case with a humidifier then I recommend the Rico/D'addario Reed Case which uses humidity packs instead of straight up moisture, and works really great in my opinion. Also you should know that the humidifier isn't just for reducing wetting time of the reed but in fact keeps them in a more stable environment to prevent warping or general changes to them due to the weather.

Hope this helps!

Unfortunately you're pretty much restricted to basic rubber mouthpieces that aren't very good at that price point.

Vandoren V5 (concert) start at the $240 mark, same with Selmer S80 and the like.

You're basically looking to a Yamaha 5C (which is probably what you have or is comparable to it).

Used opens up some doors, I'm not too sure how to compare but I use a Woodwind Co. for alto and like it (concert/classical stuff usually but I'll play Dixieland and cool jazz-style music on it) that I'm seeing on PM Woodwind for about your price range.

Good luck and enjoy!

There are a bunch of cool budget instruments out there you might want to look into.

A melodica can go for as little as 30 bucks on amazon. It's the instrument that plays The Office theme -- it plays like a keyboard, that you blow into, works like a harmonica and sounds sort of like an accordion. It's really awesome.

You could also just get a harmonica. Choose between a blues harmonica an a chromatic -- blues can only play the notes in a blues scale (for jazz), while chromatic is a little more versatile but harder to play.

For 70 bucks or so you could get a pocket sax. It's a little mini saxophone that sounds like a soprano sax mixed with a clarinet, and plays like a recorder.

If you want to get a brass instrument you could get a pocket trumpet to start. 150 dollars or more, basically a little trumpet with keys and everything.

Of course, if you're not afraid to spend somewhere more in the hundreds, you could get a secondhand version of almost any instrument. Check local garage sales or craigslist for used brass, woodwind, percussion, etc. instruments.

Online you can also find cool instruments for cheap. A cheap sax might cost only a few hundred dollars.

A general rule of thumb is "the bigger it is, the more expensive." So a baritone saxophone or a tuba will be super-expensive, while a pocket sax is cheap as dirt.

Here to second this as well!!!! It's a super stable stand, fits inside the bell nicely (my clarinet case even has a little indentation for the stand for the bit that sticks up through the top of the bell), and will last forever. I've had mine for nearly 6 years now and it's just as good as the day I bought it. I feel like you could probably stand on one of these things and they wouldn't break.

Edit: I have this one, not the one linked below. Not that there's much difference.

Personally, I like Rico Royals and D Addario Jazz Select, but I'm on a budget so I use them for classical AND jazz/other. You might want to try a Vandoren Sample Pack or a D Addario Reserve sample pack.

Edit: Also I would recommend investing in a good reed case if you haven't already. I personally like this one but you could also look at ones that are a bit nicer.

When was the last time you cleaned your tone holes?

Take the A key off and use a Q-tip and some water to wipe out any crap that's there. Also, check the pad on the A key to see if it's intact. Sometimes bladder pads can tear and the flap will vibrate as the note is played. Might as well check the register tube as well. You'll need a pipe cleaner for that one.

You can easily do this yourself with a precision screwdriver, just make sure not to lose the screws, and make sure to reattach the spring on the A key when you're done. If you really don't feel comfortable with it, take it to a tech.

Do you have humidity controls for your reeds? If not, drop $20 and grab one of these bad boys. That will help with reeds starting out ok and then becoming not ok. Your reeds are probably warped, which is why they're not responding. You can check it this way: Assemble the mouthpiece, reed, ligature as usual. Use the palm of your hand to seal the bottom of the mouthpiece, and suck all the air out with your mouth. The reed should maintain the seal for several seconds. If it can't, it's warped.

As for your loaner. If the instrument is new, it's likely to have bad pads that don't seal. That would explain the fuzzy sound, squeaky notes, and tough altissimo. It could be the mouthpiece you're playing on is crap. I don't think you're going to wear out a mouthpiece in three weeks, but the mouthpiece pad is a good idea. You can always clean it with some cotton balls and apple cider vinegar afterwards. You could try contacting the shop and seeing if you can get your usual mouthpiece back if you left it there.

http://www.stewartellis.com/#!ID.php?page=32551

This clarinet looks exactly like my Allora, only with a different logo. The case is even the same! The fact that they say "spacer" instead of barrel says that they know nothing about clarinets. Chances are you will need to get the instrument repadded and tuned by a professional if you want it to play well, and thats a $200+ job alone.

A cheap instrument may be good in the short term, but if you plan on playing clarinet for awhile you are only hurting yourself buy buying an inferior instrument. A used brand name instrument will last far longer than a Chinese instrument.

One thing I forgot to mention, a good mouthpiece makes a HUGE difference. This is what I usually recommend to students:

https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Fobes-Student-Clarinet-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002HLKKK

Why can't you use a harness? Use a harness for practice but then use a regular neckstrap for parades and completions. I recommend this harness and this neckstrap. Both are amazing and I only use the harness at rehearsals but use the neckstrap at shows/comps/parades

Reeds is where you will find most of the cost for it. If you always use the one, after just 3 to 4 days it may stop making the proper vibrations.

I have 4 reeds I rotate between, and replace them every month. My 10 pack of tenor reeds cost me ~33$. I would recommend getting a reed case as well just to help you keep the reeds in better conditions and helps remember what reed you should use next.

Don't use papers, get a hold of the green Yamaha powdered paper.

A little goes a long way and I've never had issues with dust, but meanwhile it keeps my pads very clean. I especially value them for my saxophone which has some very large, very sticky proned pads that this paper fixes in 5 seconds flat.

I use the paper along with a silver polish cloth, as part of my bi-monthly maintenance.

If you have had nothing but a cheap beater mouthpiece, save your money and make the first step to a Clark Fobes Debut: https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Fobes-Student-Clarinet-Mouthpiece/dp/B0002HLKKK

It is an fantastic mouthpiece for $30 with the same kind of dimensions as Fobes' professional models, comes in a middle-of-the-road facing that works well with many reeds, and is acrylic so if you drop it, it won't chip/break as easily as hard rubber.

I use a reed case with a humidifying pack in it. Our college professor suggested it. It helps to keep the reeds playing their best for longer, and the humidifier stops the reed from warping by drying it out.

This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001SN7VGO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468345279&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=reed+case&dpPl=1&dpID=51ESLNO149L&ref=plSrch

This is great. But I don't understand why the video is so long.

1. Don't eat sugary foods before you play. If you do, wash your mouth out. Or wait 1-2 hours.
   
   
2. Fix sticky keys with ONLY with powder paper or cigarette paper. like this Yamaha brand here
   
   
3. When using the paper. DON'T PRESS AND PULL with the paper between the hole and the key. You'll destroy your pads super fast.
   
   And I'll add, use your cleaning swab after every practice and don't leave it in the flute while stored in the case. I've seen younger flutists do this.

Gift one - A Xaphoon... because it's a pocket sax. How cool would it be if I were to go around jazzing up errthang with a pocket sax!

Gift 2 - C'mon...gimme. I need this because... my friend won't watch Game of Thrones until he reads this book and I desperately want him to watch the show!!

And... I'll compliment your looks when I finally get to see them! Also... Rasta, your voice is so... Mhm. No creeper

That's pretty much your problem. Ricos tend to warp easier than Vandorens in my experience, and without a case they are more easily exposed to humidity and temperature changes. I use this reed case and it works well for me. You can also buy little humidity control packs to insert into it.

https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Multi-Instrument-Humidity-Clarinets-Saxophones/dp/B001SN7VGO

I have a rico reed case and some of those humidifier things. I got a 6-pack of humidifier packets for a buck-each. Considering they have been lasting me >3 months each, that's dirt cheap.

They have definitely increased the longevity of my reeds. I am sure you can get the same if you take care of your reeds and spend the time on it like another commenter is noting, but I see no need when I have such an easy and cheap way of doing so with what I bought.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SN7VGO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687662&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000G39732&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=180RZXE1B51TVTCKJ6WA

I sure hope you haven’t bought anything because this is what I use and it’s a dream

Neotech Saxophone Strap Regular Swivel hook, Black (1901162) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1NSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JsVkDb346PYKR

Saxophone neckstrap, crazy comfortable and you don’t even feel it. Made to carry an 11 pound Barry saxophone so it will carry your gun, if it asks, get the swivel hook version. Only issue is it isn’t multi cam...

Can’t stress enough how comfortable it is

D'Addario Multi-Instrument Reed Storage Case with Humidity Control Pack for all Clarinets and Saxophones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7VGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t.wIybP5KTK9C

This is the reed case I have. It's fits 8 reeds of all sizes. It fits Bari Sax and Bass Clarinet reeds very well. I have never put a contra reed into my case but I figure it's not too much different from either Bari or Bass.

Hope this helps :)

Clark Fobes Debut imo the best for the price

I also had a Jupiter mouthpiece that was starting to get pretty bad. I upgraded to the Clark W Fobes Debut, and it has a great tone with the 3 reeds I use. I've used it for close to a year now. It's $50, which is considerably less than the Vandoren. https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Fobes-Debut-Clarinet-Mouthpiece/dp/B000Y065OG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Backun MoBa Grenadilla Clarinet Bell - $675

Silverstein Works Cryo4 Gold Ligature Small Clarinet - $200

Ridenour Clarinet Thumb Saddle - $15 X 2 clarinets = $30

Vandoren V.12 3 1/2 Reeds - $30 X 3 = $90

Hodge Clarinet Silk Swab - $10

675 + 200 = $875

30 + 90 + 10 = $130

875 + 130 = $1005

=)

I've used this one for years, it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/K-M-15222-000-55-Clarinet-Stand/dp/B000NTEVKS

Can't you play electric bass?

This is the new hotness in the realm of harnesses. Here's one of my favorite sax players using it

https://www.amazon.com/Jazzlab-SAXHOLDER-Saxophone-Harness/dp/B005J3EZZY

You can easily change the hook if you need to for use with a balance hanger, but the included hook works with a Fox neck strap ring just fine.

There are this things called powder paper. It's a thin pice of paper with a layer of powder on it. You put it between the key and the Sax, close the key and pull it out. It really helps and is cheap.


https://www.amazon.de/Yamaha-YAC-1112P_144068-yac-1094p-Puder-Papier/dp/B0002F58SM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=powder+paper+yamaha&qid=1573452407&sprefix=Powder+pa&sr=8-1

This happens to me when they are exposed to humidity fluctuations or heat from the sun. The little plastic things they come in aren’t very protective against it you could invest in a reed case. If anything put the reeds in a plastic bag to keep the humidity stable. I use this case with a plastic bag over it. D'Addario Woodwinds Woodwind Reeds Case (RVCASE04) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7VGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tyYLDbHXN78CM

What I have right now is a Selmer S80 "C star" mouth piece. I'd rather spend the least amount possible. I'd be okay with buying some reeds for her. A mouth piece is what I'm reluctant about. I'm assuming you mean the v16 mouthpiece and not the v16 reeds that I saw when I googled "vandoren v16 ". It's just a lot of money for a mouth piece that may end up not being used. Would the C star be okay too?

I prefer to use Yamaha powder paper. It's got a fine dust that covers the stickiness: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YAC-1112P_144068-YAC-1094P-Powder-Paper/dp/B0002F58SM

I personally use this reed case.
https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Multi-Instrument-Humidity-Clarinets-Saxophones/dp/B001SN7VGO
And inside the reed case there is a spot for a moisturizer pack 72%.
http://www.bovedainc.com/store/music/reeds/

I never have any problems with my reed after switching to this. You should try it out!

Hmmm probably time to get yourself one of these

https://www.amazon.com/HOHNER-C-12-Hohner-Harmonica-Case/dp/B0002J4JTW

"Moist sac" or "Moisac." It's from the humidity pack in this.

clean the tonehole with naptha, change the pad. buy some yamaha powder paper and use it when you need to- shouldn't be much. if you are still having problems, take it to a different shop and try again.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YAC-1094P-Powder-Paper/dp/B0002F58SM

Spring tension can sometimes overcome sticky pads, but pads shouldn't stick.

Here’s the reed case I use! It keeps my reeds from wrinkling. You can also drop a silica packet in your case to absorb moisture.

boop