Just about every musical instrument will need some form of accessories, from carry cases, to stands, straps and just about anything else you can think of. We’ve described some of the more common accessory requirements below for you.

Guitars

There are very many different types of guitar on the market and a correspondingly huge number of accessories, some vital and some rather more optional. Probably the most important guitar accessory is a case or carry bag, while straps are used with most guitars as are picks or plectrum. Of course the different types of guitar have their own specialist types of case, although sometimes this is more a matter of style than necessity. Then there are storage options such as wall hangers or floor stands. Getting into the more specialist requirements, you will find accessories such as capos, slides and machine heads. And, of course, don’t forget extra guitar strings.

Keyboards

Electronic keyboards and synthesizers are another hugely popular musical instrument; with many different types of matching accessories. Synthesizers need a large range of electronic accessories, from entire workstations and synthesizer extensions, through to pedals, power adaptors and leads. Non-electronic accessories such as stands, cases, cover and stools are also commonly required, depending on the type of keyboard and the preferences of the player.

Pianos

As possibly the largest musical instrument, the piano has few accessories, possibly the most common of which is the piano stool. Of course, a new piano will require a range of sheet music to follow and maybe lesson books to work from. Pianos, along with drums, also use mechanical or electronic metronomes.

Drums

Probably the most popular of the percussion instruments, there are a mind boggling array of drums available and an equally large range of drum accessories. Drum sticks are no doubt the most vital drum accessory along with drum stands and stools. Then there are cymbals and their accompanying stands, brum bags and cases, drum heads and skins, brushes, practice pads, metronomes and damper pads.

Brass and wood wind instruments

Most wind instrument accessories are confined to cases and cleaning equipment, along with reeds and mouthpieces. Entire maintenance kits for brass and wood wind instruments are a popular accessory. Brass instruments will need special cleaning fluids depending on the materials they are made from – which is usually but not always brass. Wood wind instruments require different sorts of cleaning fluids and materials to preserve their finish and thus their sound.

General electronic accessories

Electric instruments of all kinds will need a range of electronic accessories if you are contemplating playing in public or even recording or broadcasting your musical performance.

Live performance accessories can include:

• Digital and analogue mixers
• Powered mixers
• Amplifiers
• Speakers and stands
• Effects processors
• Enhancers and pre-amps
• Compressors
• Noise reduction

Microphone and wireless accessories can include:

• Wireless and wired microphones
• USB microphones
• Microphone packs
• Condenser microphones
• Instrument wireless stands
• Clips and filters

Specialist amplifier accessories can include:

• Guitar amplifiers
• Guitar amplifier heads
• Bass amplifiers
• Bass amplifier heads
• Keyboard and PA amplifiers
• Speaker cabinets

Probably the best indication of the types of accessories you need for your musical instrument is the level at which you are playing. If you are a beginner, you will need accessories which will allow you to practice and play in a private or tutorial setting, and maybe a travel case.