Klarinet Archive - Posting 000219.txt from 1996/04

From: Bill Kirkley <Kirklyo@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Arthritis and playing (was Metallurgy?)
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 1996 22:43:17 -0400

Stephen, I have some problems as well with tendonitis in my right arm when
playing. As I was performing the Mozart Concerto with an orchestra last
month, I was in terrible pain from not having made myself stand for years. I
finally tried the BG clarinet support strap and it has helped a great deal.
It is designed to hook to your belt or pants at the base of your spine.
Unlike the sax strap, all of the weight of the clarinet is distributed
across your entire upper body. It attaches with a "basically backwards lyre"
which comes with adjusments for playing angle as well as height. The entire
thing costs about $40.00 US, and is available from most of the mail-order
catalogs. I didn't think it was going to work at first, but I was amazed by
how well designed it is. I had gone to a performance of the Mozart by Bill
Hudgins with the Boston Sym. and was surprised to see him use one.
Good luck!
Bill Kirkley in Boston
kirklyo@-----.com