Traveling with musical instruments doesn’t have to be a rollercoaster ride

The secret to a successful trip is good preparation. Spontaneity can be a lot of fun, but it’s worth making a checklist, especially if you’re traveling with your beloved musical instruments.

Here in the store we have everything you need and give you an overview of accessories that are useful for traveling woodwind players. For musicians like us, there are special accessories that make traveling and playing easier and safer. Here are some important things you should never forget:

1. instrument care and protection

Instrument case

• Robust cases: These offer maximum protection for the instrument during transportation. They often have a hard outer shell and a well-padded interior.
• Lightweight gigbags: For shorter trips or when weight is a factor, these offer a lighter alternative, but often with less protection.

Humidity control

• Humidity regulators: These help to maintain the correct humidity in the instrument case, which is particularly important to protect wooden instruments from drying out or warping.
• Moisturizers: Silica gel packets or special containers that absorb or release moisture.

Cleaning accessories

• Wiping sticks and cloths: For cleaning the inside of the instrument to remove moisture and dirt. We should all be aware that instruments get grubby more quickly in warmer climates.
• Brushes: Special brushes for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of the instrument.

2. mouthpieces and reeds

Mouthpiece covers

• Plastic or leather protective covers: These protect mouthpieces from scratches and damage during transportation.

Sheet storage

• Leaf cases: Special cases, often with humidity control, to keep leaves in optimum condition.
• Leaf holders: These protect individual leaves and prevent them from breaking or warping.
• Leaves: It’s worth packing a few of your favorite leaves too, as they may not be available everywhere at your destination.

3. stands and brackets

Instrument stand

• Folding stands: Lightweight and portable, provide a safe place to store the instrument during breaks.
• Multiple stands: For musicians who play several instruments, there are stands that offer space for several woodwind instruments.

Sheet and music holder

• Reed holders: These hold reeds securely in place when the instrument is not being played.
• Music stands: Lightweight, portable stands for sheet music, often foldable and easy to transport.

4. accessories for comfort and convenience

Belts and straps

• Neck straps and shoulder straps: Provide extra comfort and support, especially for heavier instruments such as saxophones.
• Thumb rests: Ergonomic supports that reduce pressure on the thumb and increase playing comfort.

5. sheet music and technical accessories

Music book covers

• Waterproof covers: Protect sheet music and books from moisture and damage.
• Organizer folders: Help to keep sheet music and accessories tidy and ready to hand.

Metronomes and tuners

• Compact metronomes: Important for practicing and rehearsing on the move.
• Combined tuners: Preferably, devices that both tune and act as a metronome.

6. other useful accessories

Spare parts and tools

• Replacement blades and cork grease: Essential for when you are out and about in case a blade breaks or cork parts need to be replaced.
• Tool sets: Small sets with screwdrivers and other tools for quick repairs.

7. insurance, insurance, insurance

Otherwise, the risk is simply not worth it.

• It really makes sense to check whether your travel insurance also covers musical instruments and up to the value of your favourite horn.

These accessories can make the life of a traveling woodwind player much easier by improving the protection of the instrument, increasing playing comfort and making travel less burdensome.

Die Holzbläser in Berlin wish you a safe journey!