Klarinet Archive - Posting 000132.txt from 1996/08

From: Barry Kruse <bkruse@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 14:49:25 -0400

One of the things that puzzled me back when repetitive motion syndrome
started being a big deal about 15 years ago was that there was no
indication that it was a major problem for musicians. After all, musicians
have been doing repetitive digital motion for hundreds if not thousands of
years before the typewriter was developed. I think I made the assumption
that instrument ergonomics must have evolved over the centuries so that it
wasn't a factor (a questionable assumption given my own experiences trying
to play other instruments).

Anyway, I think that the fact that a lot of us have gotten involved in
activities that damage the carpal tunnel--typing, cycling, etc.--makes us
more susceptible to any strains caused by the clarinet.

I'd be interested to hear what the experience is among any older non-typing
clarinet players.

Barry Kruse

Subject: Re: Neckstraps
Author: XDPW41A@-----.com ( B HUDSON) at INTERNET
Date: 8/6/96 9:01 AM

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