In his latest video, Josh Coffey, Director of the Schmitt Music Trumpet Shop, tests a variety of mutes. Instead of just reading a spec sheet, Josh plays through several industry-standard options to show how they actually perform within a real-world setting.

Watch the full comparison to hear these mutes in action; then visit the Trumpet Shop at Schmitt Music to try them out for yourself.

Featured Products from the Video

Humes & Berg 101 Stonelined Straight Mute (Trumpet)

ORDER

Protec Carbon Fiber Straight Trumpet Mute

ORDER

Tom Crown Gemini Straight Mute for Bb and C Trumpet

ORDER

Expert Advice, Just a Message Away

Not sure which mute is right for you? Our trumpet specialists are here to help! Contact us anytime

Whether you play saxophone or clarinet, choosing the right reed can make a world of difference in your tone, response, and overall playing experience. Légère offers several unique reed cuts — American, Signature, and French — each designed to help musicians find their ideal sound across genres and playing styles.

In this video, Schmitt Music Saxophone Specialist Race Hoglund explores the characteristics of Légère’s saxophone reeds, demonstrating how each cut affects sound and feel.

Explore the Légère Saxophone Cuts:

Signature Cut

The Signature Cut — Race’s go-to during his college years — offers versatility, clarity, and balance. It’s responsive across registers, providing a clean, focused tone that works beautifully for both classical and contemporary playing styles.

American Cut

Designed for jazz and contemporary players, the American Cut delivers a bright, projecting sound with easy response and plenty of character. Its free-blowing feel and tonal edge make it a favorite for modern, high-energy performances.

French Cut

Race’s current favorite, the French Cut offers a flexible, balanced tone with a strong core to the sound. It sits comfortably between bright and dark, delivering warmth, control, and consistency for expressive playing.

Clarinet Reed Cuts with Dr. Melissa Morales

In this video, Schmitt Music’s Director of Clarinet Sales, Dr. Melissa Morales, explores the distinct characteristics of LÉGÈRE clarinet reeds and how each cut influences tone, response, and playability. Whether you’re seeking warmth, flexibility, or clarity, Melissa helps you find the reed that fits your sound.

Explore the LÉGÈRE Clarinet Cuts:

French Cut

Praised by Dr. Morales for its evenness and reliability, the French Cut offers a smooth, consistent response across registers. Its balanced resistance and stability make it an excellent choice for players who value precision and dependability in every performance.

European Cut

The European Cut stands out as the most distinctive option — shorter, wider, and built with a larger table. It produces a dark, rich tone while remaining flexible and responsive, giving advanced players expressive control and tonal depth.

Signature Cut

A modern variation on LÉGÈRE’s Classic design, the Signature Cut offers a darker, more focused tone with a thinner tip that provides easy response and clear articulation. Dr. Melissa Morales notes that it still has plenty of “heart,” delivering strength and consistency throughout your dynamic range.

Takeaway:

Finding the right reed is about more than strength — it’s about discovering the sound and feel that inspire your best playing. LÉGÈRE’s advanced synthetic designs offer consistency, durability, and tonal character across every cut, so you can focus on making music, not adjusting reeds.

Explore all LÉGÈRE Saxophone and Clarinet Reeds online or visit your local Schmitt Music store to find your perfect match.

Expert Advice, Just a Message Away

Not sure which reeds are right for you? Our woodwind specialists are here to help! Contact us anytime.

As temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to refresh your rosin and give your bow a little extra attention. We’ve added over a dozen new rosins to our website — so whether you prefer a darker blend for winter or love a specific brand, you’ll find plenty of options to match your playing style.

A quick reminder: we won’t ship rosin once the weather reaches freezing, so this is the best time to stock up before winter hits!

Switch Up Your Rosin for the Season

When humidity drops, darker and stickier rosins offer extra grip and traction on the strings. If you’ve been using a lighter formula, try switching to a stickier blend for better control and tone.

Top recommendations:

• Leatherwood Bespoke Range - Supple
• Melos Classical Rosin - Dark
• Hill Rosin Dark
• D'Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin - Dark

Another excellent choice is Cecilia Solo, which isn’t made specifically for winter, but its naturally grippier texture makes it a reliable year-round performer in drier conditions.

Time for a Bow Rehair

Bow hair naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. A fresh rehair ensures smoother response, better control, and consistent tension as the seasons change. Contact The Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop to schedule yours today!

All-Season & Hypoallergenic Options

Prefer a more stable setup year-round? Try all-season rosins like Lake City Premium Rosin, or specialized formulas like Pirastro Rosins, made for their specific string sets.

Lastly, for performers who may have allergies to pine resin, there are hypoallergenic options available — such as D'Addario Clarity Hypoallergenic Rosin and Jade, both of which produce little to no dust, making them ideal choices for sensitive players.

Takeaway:

A few small seasonal adjustments can make a big difference in how your instrument feels and sounds this winter.

Expert Advice, Just a Message Away

Not sure which rosin is right for you? Our string specialists are here to help! Contact us anytime

At Schmitt Music, we carry a wide range of mutes to help you explore new sounds, practice more quietly, and protect your gear between performances. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:

Change Your Tone

Straight, cup, and bucket mutes are designed to modify your sound — adding color, warmth, or edge depending on your style. Straight mutes provide a brighter, more cutting tone, while cup and bucket mutes soften and mellow the sound for that classic jazz feel.

• Denis Wick 5505/5509 Straight Mutes: Classic, reliable tone shaping trusted by professionals.
• Jo-Ral TRB8 & TRB9 Bucket Mutes: Add warmth and smoothness for a rich, velvety sound.
• Butler Carbon Fiber Cup/Straight Combo: Modern design with incredible projection and response.

Watch in action: Butler Carbon Fiber Mute Review ›

Practice in Peace

Need to practice without disturbing others? Practice mutes are essential for students, apartment players, and night owls alike. These mutes significantly reduce volume while maintaining the natural resistance and feel of your instrument, allowing for realistic practice sessions anytime.

• Yamaha Silent Brass System: Play anytime, anywhere with realistic tone through headphones.
• Sshhmute: Lightweight and compact with exceptional resistance balance.

Express Your Unique Sound

For jazz players or anyone looking to add character to their solos, Wah-wah, plunger, and Harmon mutes create distinctive effects that stand out in any ensemble. These mutes offer that iconic “vocal” brass tone — perfect for expressive and creative playing.

• TrumCor Vintage-Tone: A versatile harmon-style mute with classic warmth.
• Harmon Wow-Wow: Iconic “wah-wah” sound for jazz and contemporary styles.

Hear the sound: Trumcor Vintage-Tone Demo › SHOP BRASS MUTES

Protect & Prepare

If you’re building your mute collection, keeping them organized is key. Mute bags and cases protect your investment, making it easy to transport everything to rehearsals and performances.

Recommended:

• Protec Mute Bags and Cases ( watch the Protec overview)

These durable, well-padded options are designed to fit multiple mute types securely — ideal for students and gigging musicians alike.

Need Help Finding the Right Mute?

Our brass experts are here to help you choose the perfect mute for your instrument, skill level, and playing style. Contact your local Schmitt Music store or reach out to our Brass & Woodwind Specialists for personalized recommendations.

Mark your calendars! The Twin Cities Saxophone Series is back, bringing a vibrant season of international live music to the Twin Cities.

Get ready to experience the incredible versatility of the saxophone as we feature a new lineup of dynamic performances from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned musician or simply a lover of live music, you won't want to miss this FREE concert series celebrating the artistry and unique voice of the saxophone.

From September through April, our stages will come alive with a diverse range of styles, from classical to contemporary. Each concert promises a unique and memorable musical experience from all corners of the globe.

Event Details:

• Admission:

  Free

• Parking:

  Ample parking available on site

This series offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the saxophone in a variety of musical styles, performed by some of the most talented musicians in the area. Whether you're a saxophone student, a fan of live performances, or simply curious about the instrument, you'll find inspiration and enjoyment in every concert. To see the full listing of performances visit our news and resources page. 

Visit our events page to learn more and RSVP HERE:  https://www.schmittmusic.com/pages/events

Why Shop the Flute Gallery Selections?

• Expertly curated by our flute specialists
• Featuring top brands: Haynes, Muramatsu, Burkart, Powell, and more
• Personalized support from our knowledgeable Flute Gallery team

Amadeus Series:

The Haynes Sound at Every Level

Since 1888, the Haynes name has been synonymous with professional artistry—once a dream reserved for those at the highest levels of performance. The Haynes Amadeus Series brings the storied tone and precision of Haynes to flutists at all levels. Amadeus 680 and 780 flutes offer flutists two headjoint cuts: the Amadeus cut and the Classic cut, allowing flutists to find the sound and response that best resonates with them.

The Amadeus cut, recently redesigned to take after the Custom N‑Cut headjoint, offers players the iconic Haynes sound from the very first note. The Classic Cut, from Haynes' Q Series, is designed with the advancing player in mind and offers an expansive, resonant voice. Built using the same quality standards as Haynes' higher‑end flutes, Amadeus flutes offer .016" tubing, Haynes A=442 scale, pointed key arms, open holes, felt pads, and options for flute enhancements such as split E, C# trill, and gold risers—all at a more accessible price.

SHOP AMADEUS FLUTES

Q Series:

Elevated Sound for the Advancing Artist

Crafted for advancing players seeking professional quality at a more attainable level, the Haynes Q Series blends refined design with Haynes craftsmanship. Each flute features a hand‑cut Classic headjoint made in Acton, MA, commissioned by Haynes’ own master headjoint maker. The series offers a progression of materials and performance: from the Q1’s sterling silver headjoint and silver‑plated body, through the Q3’s sterling silver body and mechanism, to the Q4’s soldered toneholes and custom headjoint cuts. For flutists who prefer more warmth and depth, Haynes rounds out their Q series with two gold options: the Q Fusion—which fuses a 9K gold exterior with a silver interior for rich responsiveness—and the newest addition to the Q series, the Q 9K gold flute with silver mechanism. Combining warmth and richness, these flutes showcase Haynes' iconic craftsmanship, offering beauty and tonal sophistication.

Hear the Haynes Q Series with Dr. Rachel Haug

Materials on a flute directly influence and shape our sound, providing us with unique palettes of colors from which to choose. Listen firsthand to the varied tonal characteristics of the Haynes Q Series flutes in this exclusive video featuring Dr. Rachel Haug, Director of Flute Sales.

SHOP Haynes Q Series Flutes

Burkart Resona:

Extraordinary Sound, Exceptional Value

Modeled after their custom flutes, the Burkart Resona Series pairs the essence of Burkart’s handmade instruments with exceptional value. Featuring designs once reserved for bespoke instruments—like French-style pointed arms, open holes, ergonomic keywork, and a headjoint cut that delivers the iconic Burkart sound—these flutes appeal to advancing flutists and professionals alike. Each Resona flute is hand-finished and tested in the Burkart Workshop, ensuring the highest quality standards. With a warm, responsive tone and thoughtful engineering, Resona flutes are designed to inspire artistry.

SHOP BURKART Flutes

Try Before You Buy: Flute & Piccolo Trials

At The Flute Gallery, choosing the right instrument is a personal process, and we make it simple and risk-free:

• In-Store or Home Trials: Take advantage of testing your selections in-store or at home, bringing them to lessons or ensemble rehearsals.
• Ship Up to 2 Instruments: Compare models side by side. Up to 2 flutes and 4 headjoints delivered to your door. You’ll have a full 7 days from delivery to try them out
• Simple Setup: Chat with a flute specialist and we'll curate a trial that suits your budget and artistic needs. Complete a quick trial agreement and leave a credit card on file.
• Transparent Return Process: We'll include a return label with your shipment for a flat rate of $20. Return by Day 7 to avoid being charged for the full price.
• Important Guidelines:
  • Must be 18 or older to initiate a trial.
  • Adult signature required upon delivery.
  • Avoid using included accessories unless purchased.
  • Do not have instruments serviced outside Schmitt Music during the trial, unauthorized repairs may result in damage charges.

Why we love them:

• True Piano Touch: The acclaimed Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) and Grand Feel key actions offer an expressive, realistic playing experience.
• Gorgeous Sound Engines: Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging and SK-EX Rendering faithfully reproduce the tone of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand.
• Built for Modern Living: Features like Bluetooth MIDI/Audio, USB connectivity, and onboard recording make these pianos perfect for today’s musicians.
• Elegant Designs: From slimline cabinets to a stunning digital grand (DG30), there’s a style to fit every space.

EXPERIENCE DG30 DIGITAL GRAND PIANO

Tips from our Pros:

We asked Barry Damerell, our Keyboard Manager, what makes Kawai’s digital pianos stand out. Here’s what he had to say:

“Kawai’s award-winning line of digital instruments is the result of a never-ending effort to create the world’s most authentic and innovative digital pianos. Relying on almost 100 years of experience in building fine acoustic pianos, Kawai creates digital pianos that offer the finest combination of touch and tone available today.”

Explore the full line of digital instruments and get to know what makes Kawai one of the top names in digital piano innovation.

EXPLORE KAWAI DIGITAL PIANOSCA701 & CA901 FEATURES VIDEO

Models like the CN301, CA701, DG30, and ES920 cater to a wide range of players—from students and teachers to advanced musicians on the go.

Have questions or want help finding the right piano? Our piano specialists are here to help. Reach out today!

CONTACT US

Heat & Humidity Tips by Instrument

Read on for care tips by instrument type and shop our favorite products to help your instrument beat the heat.

String Players: Watch the Humidity

High humidity can cause wood to swell, seams to loosen, and strings to slip.

• Store in a climate-stable area
• Use a 2-way humidifier to absorb excess moisture
• Loosen your bow when not in use

SHOP STRING CARE & MAINTENANCE

Woodwinds: Keep Moisture in Check

Moisture and temperature changes can warp reeds, crack wooden bodies, and swell pads.

• Clean and swab after every use
• Rotate and store reeds in a guard or case
• Avoid extreme temperatures, like hot cars

SHOP WOODWIND CARE & MAINTENANCE

Brass Players: Oil Early, Oil Often

Heat thins out valve oil and dries out tuning slides.

• Keep slides and valves well-lubricated
• Avoid direct sun or extreme heat
• Wipe down your instrument after playing

SHOP BRASS CARE & MAINTENANCE

Piano Owners: Think Long-Term

Pianos are especially sensitive to humidity changes.

• Keep in a climate-controlled room (ideal: 35–50% humidity)
• Avoid windows, vents, and exterior walls in older homes with less insulation.
• Use a string cover or humidity system, if needed

BROWSE PIANOS

Bonus: Summer Survival Tips

• Never leave your instrument in a hot car.
• Let your instrument adjust before playing, when moving between AC and outdoor heat
• Always store instrument in its case when not in use.

Protec PB325 Screw Bell Tennor Case

Watch our Director of Low Brass break down the Protec PB325 → You’ll hear why he trusts this case for travel, storage, and protection.

Check out the Flute Gallery in action! See why they love the Fluterscooter Bag for fashionable flutists.

ICONIC Black Patent Leather Fluterscooter Bag

• Sleek, high-gloss patent leather for a concert ready look that exudes classic style.
• Woman-owned company, designed by a flutist for flutists.
• Fits your flute and protects it with a luxurious faux fur interior. Plus, it has an adjustable shoulder strap.
• Thoughtfully designed to keep your accessories neatly organized.

Did you know?

Investing in a quality case can extend the life of your instrument by protecting it from temperature changes, moisture, and wear.

🌞 Embrace the Flexibility of Summer

With school out and schedules more relaxed, summer provides the perfect backdrop for consistent practice and exploration. The longer days and fewer commitments mean you can dedicate quality time to your instrument, leading to significant progress.

🎯 Maintain and Enhance Your Skills

Taking a break from music lessons can lead to a decline in skills. Regular summer lessons ensure that you retain the techniques and knowledge you've worked hard to acquire, setting you up for success in the upcoming school year.

🎵 Explore New Musical Horizons

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with different genres, instruments, or compositions. Without the pressure of school assignments, you can delve into areas of music you've always been curious about, fostering creativity and broadening your musical repertoire.

🧠 Boost Cognitive Abilities

Engaging in music lessons has been linked to improved cognitive functions, including enhanced memory, better concentration, and increased problem-solving skills. Keeping your brain active during the summer can give you a head start for the next academic year.

🎶 Build Confidence and Discipline

Achieving musical milestones during the summer can significantly boost self-esteem. The discipline required for regular practice also instills a sense of responsibility and commitment, traits that are beneficial beyond the realm of music.

👥 Connect with a Community

Summer lessons offer the chance to meet fellow music enthusiasts, leading to new friendships and collaborative opportunities. Sharing your passion with others can be both motivating and inspiring.

At Schmitt Music, our dedicated instructors are here to guide you through a fulfilling summer of music. Whether you're continuing your lessons or starting anew, we're committed to helping you achieve your musical goals.

Ready to make this summer melodious?

👉 Sign Up for Lessons Today

For Flutists:

Introducing the Pneumo Pro: A favorite of Team FG, this revolutionary tool allows players to visualize their airspeed and direction, resulting in greater control of tone and dynamics. We find it especially helpful for practicing articulation and large interval leaps. Plus, The Pneumo Pro's portable design makes it perfect for practice sessions anywhere!

To see the Pneumo Pro in action and understand its impact on flute playing, check out the video of Bianca Najera, our Flute Gallery Manager, demonstrating how this innovative tool enhances air direction and control.

For Brass Players:

The Yamaha Silent Brass System offers brass musicians the freedom to practice anytime without disturbing others. This innovative system combines a high-quality practice mute with a personal studio, allowing players to hear themselves with studio-quality sound through headphones. It's perfect for maintaining your chops and technique in environments where noise is a concern.

To see the Silent Brass System in action and gain insights from a professional perspective, watch this demonstration by Keith Hilson, our Director of Sales for the Trombone Shop. In this video, Keith showcases how the Silent Brass System can be an invaluable tool for brass players seeking effective practice solutions without compromising on sound quality.

Equip yourself with these tools and experience a noticeable improvement in your practice sessions.

Brass Mouthpieces

Over time, brass mouthpieces can accumulate grime and oxidation. Keep yours clean and performance-ready with these tips.

Top Tips:

• Soak weekly in lukewarm, soapy water for a few minutes. This helps loosen debris and sanitize without damaging the finish.
• Use a brass mouthpiece brush to gently scrub the inside.
• Dry your mouthpiece completely with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish and mineral deposits.
• Use a non-abrasive polishing cloth to restore shine and remove light tarnish.
• Store your mouthpiece in a padded pouch to prevent dents and scratches.

Woodwind Mouthpieces

Woodwind players: your mouthpiece is your voice! Bacteria, saliva, and reed residue build up quickly, but routine cleaning keeps your tone pure.

Top Tips:

• Clean your mouthpiece every 1–2 weeks using cool or room temperature water and mild soap. Avoid soaking corks on clarinet mouthpieces.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently remove buildup, especially around the tip and over the patch.
• Avoid HOT WATER and alcohol-based cleaners like Santi Mist, they can discolor hard rubber over time.
• After each use, run a mouthpiece swab through the inside to prevent buildup.
• Store your mouthpiece away from direct sunlight and heat, which can cause fading and oxidation.

Pro Tip from Dr. Melissa Morales:

If you find NONE of your reeds are working with your mouthpiece anymore, it may mean your mouthpiece is warped and merits replacement. We're here to help you find the perfect fit. Make an appointment with one of our experts today to find the best tool for the job. 

Upgrade Your Routine with These Must-Have Tools

• Shop Caps & Ligatures
• Shop Brushes
• Shop Swabs

A Celebration of Saxophone Artistry at Schmitt Music

Mark your calendars, saxophone enthusiasts! Schmitt Music is proud to present the Twin Cities Saxophone Series—an exciting lineup of live performances featuring some of the finest saxophonists in the region. From November through April, our Bloomington Performance Hall will come alive with the vibrant sounds of world-class saxophone artistry. Whether you're a saxophonist yourself or simply a lover of live music, these events are not to be missed!

Each concert offers a unique musical experience, featuring a diverse lineup of talented artists who will showcase the versatility and emotional depth of the saxophone across genres. Here’s a glimpse of the artists and upcoming performances:

Twin Cities Saxophone Series Lineup:

Saturday, March 29th – Scott Sandberg | 11:00 AM: Scott Sandberg, a versatile performer in both classical and jazz realms, is known for his engaging stage presence. Expect an inspiring performance filled with energy and technical prowess.

Saturday, April 5th – Brian Hanegan | 11:00 AM: Dr. Brian Hanegan is an internationally-touring saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Sioux Falls, SD. As an Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the Augustana University School of Music, Hanegan directs the Northlanders Jazz Ensemble, Blues & Gold Jazz Combo, teaches studio saxophone, jazz improvisation, and the history of jazz, blues, and rock.

Event Details:

• Location: Schmitt Music Bloomington Performance Hall
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Ample parking available on site

This series offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the saxophone in a variety of musical styles, performed by some of the most talented musicians in the area. Whether you're a saxophone student, a fan of live performances, or simply curious about the instrument, you'll find inspiration and enjoyment in every concert. To see the full listing of performances visit our news and resources page. 

Visit our events page to learn more and RSVP HERE:  https://www.schmittmusic.com/pages/events

For all your clarinet needs, don’t forget that the Clarinet Gallery at Schmitt Music is your go-to resource for everything clarinet! From new and used instruments to mouthpieces and accessories, our dedicated clarinet specialists are here to help.

What an unforgettable day of music and community! Stay tuned for more events, and if you missed out this time, we can’t wait to see you next year!

Regular Cleaning 

It is essential to clean your trumpet regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the instrument after each use, and clean the mouthpiece with warm, soapy water and a mouthpiece brush at least monthly. Additionally, give your trumpet a thorough cleaning with a snake brush and valve brush every month or so to remove any debris from the tubing and valves. Consult with a repair technician or your teacher about how to give your trumpet a proper bath.  

Valve Maintenance 

The valves are the heart of your trumpet, so it is crucial to keep them in excellent condition. Apply a drop or two of valve oil to the body of each piston every time you play to ensure smooth and efficient operation. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as sticking or sluggish valves, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. IMPORTANT: Avoid spinning or rotating the valves in the casing: this can cause damage to the valve and impede fast action. 

Lubrication 

In addition to oiling the valves, it is essential to lubricate the slides of your trumpet regularly. Apply slide grease to the main tuning slide and slide oil to the valve slides to prevent them from sticking or seizing. Make sure to wipe off any excess grease to avoid attracting dirt and debris. 

Avoiding “Red Rot” 

In addition to cleaning the instrument, place a drop of valve oil in the leadpipe every day you play the instrument; this coats the leadpipe with oil and prevents pitting and red rot. If you discover significant red rot or pitting in your trumpet, bring it in for a consultation with a repair technician. 

Storage 

Proper storage is crucial to protecting your trumpet from damage. When not in use, always store your instrument in its case to prevent dust and moisture from accumulating and preserve the finish. Avoid exposing your trumpet to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause damage to the finish and internal components. 

Professional Inspections 

Finally, schedule yearly inspections with a professional instrument repair technician to ensure that your trumpet is in optimal playing condition. A technician can identify any issues early on and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to keep your instrument performing at its best. 

By following these care and maintenance procedures, you can prolong the life of your trumpet and enjoy years of beautiful music-making. Remember, a well-maintained trumpet is a happy trumpet! 

When it comes to trombones, one of the key factors that differentiate them is the bore size. The bore size refers to the diameter of the inner tubing of the instrument. 

In the world of trombones, you will often come across two main categories: large bore and small bore trombones. Here are some of the differences between these two types and their respective use cases. 

What is a Large Bore Tenor Trombone? 

A large bore tenor trombone has a bore size of .547 inches. The larger bore size allows for a more open and powerful sound projection.

Large bore tenors are commonly used in orchestral settings and for playing pieces that require a rich, full sound. They are also favored by experienced players who have developed the embouchure strength and air capacity needed to control the larger bore.

Shop Large Bore Tenor Trombones

What is a Small Bore Tenor Trombone? 

In contrast, a small bore tenor trombone usually has a bore size between .480 and .509 inches.

The smaller bore size results in a more focused and compact sound. Small bore tenors are often preferred by jazz and commercial musicians for their agility and ease of playability. They are also a popular choice for beginners and younger players due to the lighter weight and more manageable size. 

 Shop Small Bore Tenor Trombones

When to Play Large Bore Tenor Trombones 

Large bore tenor trombones excel in situations where a powerful and resonant sound is required.

They are commonly used in orchestras, concert bands, and other classical music ensembles. Advanced players who are looking to project their sound over a large ensemble or in a solo setting often opt for large bore tenors. 

When to Play Small Bore Tenor Trombones 

On the other hand, small bore tenor trombones are well-suited for genres that require agility, flexibility, and a brighter sound.

Jazz, pop, and commercial music settings often feature small bore tenors due to their ability to navigate fast passages and blend well with other instruments in a smaller ensemble. Beginners and students also find small bore trombones easier to handle and play. 

Conclusion

Whether you choose a large bore or small bore tenor trombone ultimately depends on your playing style, musical preferences, and performance needs. Both types of trombones offer unique characteristics that cater to different musical contexts, so it's essential to consider these factors when selecting the right instrument for you. 

Keep your clarinet properly humidified

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. To prevent cracks from forming due to dryness, it is essential to keep your clarinet properly humidified. Use a humidifier in your case or store your clarinet in a room with stable humidity levels. This is particularly important in the winter and in very dry climates. 

Swab your Clarinet Regularly

Consistently swabbing your clarinet each time you play is an important part of regular clarinet maintenance. Swabbing removes the moisture that collects on the wood as you play, preventing the moisture from being absorbed into the wood, making it swell and creating cracks. This small habit will keep your clarinet and regular repair technician happy. 

Handle your clarinet with care

Keep in mind how you assemble and store your clarinet. You want to be sure when you store your clarinet at home or school, you are placing your wooden clarinet in a safe space. Making sure it is not placed next to a very hot or very cold source will be vital to the health of your clarinet. 

Informed Assembly

When assembling your clarinet, you also when to be sure you are handling each joint with care. If at any point it is difficult to assemble your joints, you should contact a repair technician to have your tenons adjusted. You never want to force your joints together. You run the risk of adding too much stress to the wood and causing a stress crack at your joints. This can happen during your break-in procedure or during large weather and humidity shifts (when it gets warmer and more humid in spring and summer).  

Inspect your clarinet regularly

Take the time to inspect your clarinet for any signs of cracks or damage when you swab and disassemble your clarinet for the day. Key places to look for hairline cracks include along tenon receivers, around trill keys, throat tone and register key mechanisms. If you discover a crack, it is essential to address it promptly with a local technician to prevent further damage and more costly repairs. 

Seek professional help for repairs

If you discover a crack in your wooden clarinet, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Seek the help of a professional instrument repair technician who has experience working with wooden clarinets. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to repair the crack so you can get back to making music. 

 By following these tips for maintaining your wooden clarinet, you can help prevent cracks from forming and ensure that your instrument remains in top condition for years to come. 

If you find a crack in your clarinet, The Clarinet Gallery is here to help. Visit your local Schmitt Music for a repair assessment, or contact the gallery to speak with a clarinet specialist.