Klarinet Archive - Posting 000075.txt from 1995/04

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: tendonitis
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 1995 07:18:46 -0400

>Cindy,
>I have had problems with my right wrist on and of for a couple of years
>now. Although proper hand position is essential, I found it helpful to
>have the thumb rest of my clarinet moved. This helped my thumb move into
>a more natural position and reduced tension. Good luck!
>Natalie Meggison
>Student - School of Library and Information Studies
>University of Alberta
>Edmonton, Alberta
>CANADA
>
>
Natalie,
I had the same problem with my first clarinet, a Signet 100. The
thumb rest was far too low: at the top of the second finger hole. It
bothers me so much I have trouble playing it. My current clarinet has an
adjustable thumb rest; so, position is not a problem. But, weight was. I
had a ring braised onto the thumb rest for a neck strap. It has worked
wonders for me. Now, I can play comfortably while standing for the first
time in seventeen years with the clarinet. I use a standard, heavy
saxophone strap. I'd imagine a lighter one or a bass clarinet strap would
do as well, if not better. I did have to get used to the weight on my neck
and my left thumb touching the strap at times. Overall, I highly recommend
it. The ring soldering only cost me $20 US.

David Gilman