Doublereed Archive - Posting 000097.txt from 2008/05

From: "Miriam Williams" <mwquacker@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] thumb rest position - MUTS
Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 16:30:08 -0400

It takes almost all the weight entirely off the r thumb. It also makes oboe
playing a bit more complicated with having to use extra equipment, but MUTS
is so portable, it's not been a problem. And now I've got an extra backup
one in case I leave one on the desk at home.

I have arthritic deterioration of the basal thumb joint. It only used to
bother me in the r hand; started in college with getting tired and having
shooting pains in my forearm. Now both thumbs are affected. Using any kind
of hand-held tools for a time is also not good.

I have invented a clip which makes the MUTS instantly detachable instead of
the Michael Benthin original, which is to tape a hinged plate on the back of
the oboe. (Email me personally if you'd like more info.) This hinge then
slides into a 6 - 7" brass tube which telescopes into another pc of brass
tubing. The whole tubeset sits on the chair seat (making wearing dresses or
skirts for playing not very practical, but I doubt you'd be concerned about
that, Brian ; )) The bottom of the tubeset is attached to another hinged
piece on which the loop part of a wide pc of velcro. This attaches to the
fuzzy velcro which is sewn to a piece of fabric or leather.

The tubeset slides apart & fits in the outer pocket of my oboe case. The
chair pad is foldable & fits easily into my gig bag. I made mine out of
fabric backed with black tool box liner stuff which makes it non-skid.

A picture is worth a thousand words in this case. I'm sure Michael will be
happy to post photos or send a link to which they may be viewed.

MUTS has been a lifesaver for me; I would not be able to play without it.
Previously, I had tried a neckstrap, but the angle is not right, and I still
had the weight of the oboe on my thumb. I found a product called the Weight
Lifter, which is great for saxophone, but does not allow enough movement. I
also use it to hold my EH when I have the peg attached to it. I even tried
making my own thumb brace, which I think might also work, but it's tricky to
hold that base of the thumb stationery and at the right angle.

Another product is Fhred, but that attaches to the thum rest and holds the
oboe at too close an angle for me. Some use it though. It does not detach
intantly as with my clip, however.

Miriam

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian [Charles Double Reed Co]" <brian@-----.com>
To: <doublereed@-----.org>
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 3:13 PM
Subject: Re: [DR-L] thumb rest position

> I've always had trouble with my thumb. Exactly what does the MUTS do for
> you?
>
> Brian
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Miriam Williams" <mwquacker@-----.net>
> To: <doublereed@-----.org>
> Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 4:04 PM
> Subject: [DR-L] thumb rest position
>
>
>> Okay, guys 'n gals, I've learned all I wanted to about the plastic reed,
>> plus so much more! That was a bit 'o fun. Sameer, thanks for the vid; it
>> was worth it for all the grins & possible other emotions it may have
>> generated. I may post a link to it from my web site for my students as an
>> example on how they should NOT sound!
>>
>> New thread:
>>
>> This may seem obvious or unimportant to some, but here's my question:
>>
>> Why is the thumb rest placed where it is on the oboe?
>> It's not at the balance point; it's actually where it puts the hand in an
>> awkward position & causes stress on the thumb. Now, this may not concern
>> some of you, but with those of us who have thumb problems (and possibly
>> other kinds of physical problems), it is.
>>
>> It seems to me that the rest could easily be moved a bit higher, about
>> 1/2". Using MUTS, this should not make any difference to the player,
>> except make it more comfortable.
>>
>> I'm going to try it with my old oboe & see how I like it.
>>
>> Best to all on your spring concerts. I have to do 3 in one day next wk.
>> for the kiddies. Oh boy, will MUTS come in handy then, along with my EH
>> peg! And my thumbs still hurt sometimes.
>>
>> Best,
>> Miriam
>> *******************
>> The information in this e-mail is confidential and intended solely for
>> the
>> individual or entity to whom it is addressed.
>> *******************
>>
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>> For personal help: email doublereed-owner@-----.org
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>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> For personal help: email doublereed-owner@-----.org
> Doublereed is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org
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>

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