Klarinet Archive - Posting 000079.txt from 1995/04

From: Robin Fairbairns <Robin.Fairbairns@-----.UK>
Subj: Re: neck straps
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 1995 07:18:50 -0400

> In the discussion on tendonitis, a number of people have referred to using
neck
> straps. While I have heard of people using them, i shall have to profess my
> ignorance on this matter and admit I have never seen a neck strap 'close
up'!!!
> Can someone please enlighten me!!!! [...]
> How do they attach to the instrument?
> Do they inhibit movement?
> Are there different styles of strap?

There are several different styles. The simplest (the sort I have)
has an elastic loop that goes around the neck, and something to attach
it to the thumb-rest. This sort gives a fair degree of support, and
doesn't restrict movement (much). Most others that I've seen require
a mount on the instrument itself (basically, just a small ring), and
are fundamentally appropriately scaled versions of the straps that an
alto (or saxophone) player would use.

The ultimate is owned by a *very* small woman in our choir: she not
only has the mount, but also has an `angled barrel', which enables her
to reach the top of the instrument with moderate ease. This kind of
major surgery requires a high-class instrument builder (not a problem
in Cambridge, where Daniel Bangham is based, but could be tricky
elsewhere...).

R