Musical instrument accessories: strings, pedals, covers
Which instrument it is for and what exactly you need
Accessories are the widest group in a music shop: strings, picks, straps, tuners, metronomes, effects pedals, stands, covers, cases, rosin, mouthpieces, reeds. Almost all of it is chosen for a specific instrument, so the first line of your request should always say what it is for.
For example, nylon strings for a classical guitar will not suit an acoustic with steel strings, and the other way round. An effects pedal needs 9 V power with the right polarity, and a keyboard stand depends on the keyboard's width.
Details that are easy to miss
Some items come in a long list of variants. Acoustic guitar strings can be bronze or phosphor bronze, bass strings come in different scale lengths, and violin strings are matched to the instrument's size. A tuner can be a clip-on or a pedal, a metronome can be mechanical or digital. Before buying, check with people who play that instrument.
- Strings: gauge (for example 10–46 for electric guitar), material, coating; Elixir Nanoweb strings last longer than ordinary ones.
- Pedals: type of effect, bypass, power.
- Covers and cases: size for the model, rigidity, straps.
- Reeds and mouthpieces: strength number and size for a saxophone or clarinet.
What to put in your request
- what exactly — strings, pedal, stand, tuner;
- which instrument it is for;
- model — for example, Boss DS-1;
- specifications — gauge, size, power rating;
- quantity — how many sets;
- condition — new or used;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need 5 sets of Elixir Nanoweb 10–46 strings for electric guitar, new. Shah Alam, courier delivery, budget up to RM 98 for everything.”
Why it makes sense to ask for several items in one request
Accessories are small, so delivery for a single tuner often eats up the saving. If you are putting together a set, for example strings, a strap and a gig bag, write it all in one request and sellers will offer one total price and one shipment.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe it once, and music shops and private sellers reply with offers in the chat. They can see where their offer stands and compete for your request. Contacts are hidden and it is free for buyers. See “How it works”.
Common mistakes
Buying strings without checking the gauge and the type of end (ball or loop), picking a case “roughly” for the size, and not checking a pedal's power supply. Also don't skimp on a tuner and strings: cheap strings go out of tune fast and annoy you more than they save.
You can also look at the instruments: electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bowed string instruments.
