Top 3 Accessories You Need For Your Next Gig

Let’s be real: there’s nothing worse than walking into a gig underprepared, scrambling for space to put your reeds, or dealing with a flimsy music stand that sags halfway through rehearsal (or gets knocked over during break by a string player). Here are three accessories I actually use at nearly every gig that make my life easier, and they might make yours easier too.

this blog post in video form so you can see everything in action!

1. KraftGeek Capsule (Bravo) Music Stand

I’ve tried a lot of portable stands over the years, and most are either too light and wobbly or too bulky to bother carrying. The KraftGeek stand solves both problems. It’s sturdy, sleek, and folds down incredibly compact. The design is intuitive and the build quality is solid enough for orchestral, pit, or chamber gigs without worrying it’ll collapse mid-page turn.

new music stand, who dis?

Pros:

✅ Packs down to almost nothing

✅ Stable on uneven floors

✅ Easy and quick to set up

Cons:

❌ Pricey compared to standard folding stands

❌ Tray size isn’t huge if you use oversized folders

If you’re ready to replace your rickety fold-up stand, I have a 15% off code: OBOEARI at kraftgeek.com.

2. Stellar Oboe Products Oboe/English Horn Stand

If you double on English horn, you know the awkward shuffle of using that rickety giant plastic peg that seems like it's going to break. The Stellar stand is a proper double stand: solid wooden construction, piano hinge mechanism, secure pegs, and it packs down easily for travel. No worries about your English horn toppling over when someone brushes past your chair in a crowded pit.

please ignore my robot vacuum

Pros:

✅ Holds both oboe and English horn securely

✅ Collapses small enough for your gig bag with pegs inside, it's CUTE

✅ Reliable sturdy construction

✅ Holds the instruments at a 6° angle so that water runs down the back of the bore: avoids water in your keys!

Cons:

❌ Heavier than plastic stands

❌ Price is higher than a basic oboe-only peg

Check it out here.

3. Amazon Microphone Tray Attachment

This one is dirt cheap but shockingly useful. It’s marketed as a microphone tray, but clips easily onto almost any music stand and gives you a shelf for reeds, reed water, tuner, or pencils. No more reed cups on the floor being kicked over by accident. I added some cheap black felt to mine to make it feel premium!

Pros:

✅ Under $25

✅ Fastens to almost any music stand

✅ Keeps your reeds and tools accessible and safe

Cons:

❌ Not designed specifically for music stands, so positioning can be awkward depending on the stand, there are a small handful of stands that it didn't fit

❌ Cheap plastic construction – won’t last forever

Here’s the link but you can find something similar by searching for "microphone tray stand"

Final Thoughts

These three accessories are simple, practical investments that remove frustration and keep your setup clean and professional. No gimmicks: just gear that works so you can focus on playing your best. Thanks for reading and have a great day!