Best clarinet bags & cases according to redditors

I've been using the D'Addario reed case for years and years (in fact mine still is branded Rico, RIP) and I love it. Holds 8 reeds of varying sizes with no problem and keeps the reeds pretty flat so they don't warp. I bulk order humidity packs so it's also pretty cost effective.

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!

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!

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 :)

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.

Yeah, this is it! You can buy a second strap that turns the case into a backpack.

I've had my Protec slimline case for a single clarinet for almost four years now, and it still looks like new! It's such a small case because there's no storage on the inside of the case at all; everything has to be put in a pouch on the outside.

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

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

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

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'd stay with a Bb clarinet. Soprano clarinets in A, Bb, and C are really all nearly the same size. Even Eb clarinet isn't smaller enough to make a tremendous difference in terms of carrying it around. A used plastic Yamaha would probably be the best bang for your buck.

I have a really small case, a pochette by Jakob Winter, the German firm which may supply some Buffet cases. It does not take up a lot of space in a single backpack, and while it is not outrageously expensive like some cases are, it isn't the cheapest either. There is also little room for accessories.

https://www.amazon.com/Jakob-Winter-Wooden-Boehm-Clarinet/dp/B007J4DBNS

I agree, and it doesn't really seem like something a prop department would bother to make specially. Clarinet seems pretty close as well, though thicker. Too bad I can't combine them somehow! Although the black plastic is smooth on both unfortunately.

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

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.

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.

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

I'm using their humidity control pack case with 73% humidity packs.

this is the one I use