Woodwind Instruments

About Renting or Purchasing a Woodwind Instrument

For many beginners, renting from a reputable band-instrument dealer is the most practical first step. The instrument should be in good working condition, and the rental provider should offer repairs and routine service.

Remove moisture from the instrument after each playing session. Apply a small amount of cork grease only to corked joints and only when needed; too much can collect dirt and shorten the life of the cork. Flutes do not use reeds or cork grease.

Clarinets and saxophones use single reeds; oboes and bassoons use double reeds. Reeds wear out and will need regular replacement. Ask the rental shop for an appropriate beginner reed unless the registration materials specify otherwise. The teacher may recommend a different reed or strength after lessons begin.

When comparing rental programs, ask which accessories and care supplies are included, how repairs are handled, what insurance or damage protection covers, whether the instrument can be exchanged, and whether rental payments may be applied toward a purchase.

Avoid very inexpensive no-name woodwind instruments sold online without repair support. Poorly fitted keys, pads, or joints can make an instrument difficult or impossible to play correctly.

What You’ll Need

Instrument, protective case, and the cleaning and playing supplies appropriate for that instrument. Most rentals include the instrument and case, but reeds and some care supplies are consumable and may need to be purchased separately.

• Flute: cleaning rod and soft cleaning cloth or flute swab.
• Clarinet and saxophone: cleaning swab, cork grease, mouthpiece, ligature, mouthpiece cap, and reeds. Saxophone players also need a neck strap.
• Oboe: cleaning swab, cork grease, reed case, and double reeds appropriate to the instrument.
• Bassoon: cleaning swab, cork grease, seat strap or harness, reed case, and double reeds appropriate to the instrument.