Klarinet Archive - Posting 000127.txt from 1996/08

From: B HUDSON <XDPW41A@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 14:49:20 -0400

A word on neckstraps from an aging beginner-- started the instrument two
years ago at the age of 51.

First. I finally have sufficient embouchure to sustain practice for more
respectable periods of time, and second, I don't seems to be able to
practice sitting down (no resting the bell against anything).

I was developing a deep aching in the second joint of my thumb and some in
the index finger of the right hand. As one who's raced bicycles and
provided pretty rough and ready spinnaker crew in regional sailboat races
my inclination was to ignor it until one morning I found I was haveing
trouble closing the third right hand ring hole.

Mike Cyzewski, my teacher, returned from his summer sojourn in Boone, NC in
conjunction with the NC Symphony's summer residence with a BG neckstrap
from Muncy Woodwinds. Voila-- no more pain. And for those without years of
experience it seems to me that the strap helps support a good position of
the insturment in therms of the angle at which I hold it.

The first professional I saw using a strap-- the same BG strap I believe--
was Ricardo Morales when he played with the Symphony last year in Boone.
He also wore a brace supporting the right hand thumb.

Could the need be related to the number of hours in the practise room :-)

Bruce Hudson, xdpw41a@-----.com