Klarinet Archive - Posting 000199.txt from 1996/08

From: Michael Thrasher <mt0003@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Neckstraps
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 18:01:40 -0400

On Tue, 6 Aug 1996, Elizabeth Lim wrote:

> A student of mine recently was convinced (by a salesperson...) to buy a
> neckstrap for their clarinet. Despite my discouraging the use of this,
> my student's parents aren't convinced about the reasons against using a
> neckstrap. The parents have cited the sorts of health complaints
> suffered by musicians and seem to think the use of a neckstrap can be
> preventative. Incidentally the neckstrap being referred to here is
> basic and of very poor quality.
>=20
> I'd appreciate any comments that might support my opinion that
> neckstraps are unnecessary and unwarranted as far as a clarinettist with
> no incidences of strain injury or the like is concerned and who has no
> problem playing without one.
>=20

I must say that I am surprised about the recent comments regarding the=
=20
use of clarinet neck straps. Many people call the use of straps useless=
=20
or contend that they are the crutch of a lazy player. Others simply say=
=20
that it looks bad. A few have even suggested that neck straps could have=
=20
harmful side effects.

As has already been mentioned, many players who suffer from arm,=20
shoulder, or hand problems (all very real) use straps to relieve=20
themselves from a great deal of pain. To say that such problems do not=20
exist is naive; I personally know several first class performers/teachers=
=20
who are dealing with these types of issues. However, even players who=20
do not have chronic health conditions have experimented with the use of=20
soprano clarinet neck straps. =20

Personally, I began using a strap about three years ago even though=20
I do not have tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or the like. I used the=
=20
=D2clarichord=D3 for a while, but have found the new BG straps to be built=
=20
better as well as being more comfortable. Although I would never require=
=20
a student to purchase or use one, I do encourage my students to=20
experiment with neck straps. For me, the strap provides a greater level=20
of comfort by eliminating excessive weight on my thumb. =20

In conclusion, the use of clarinet neck straps comes down to a=20
matter of personal choice (we don=D5t all use Leblanc clarinets or Bonade=
=20
ligatures). For some reason, a stigma of negativity has surrounded the=20
device; but the reasons I have thus far heard for not using straps=20
provides no basis for summarily dismissing them without a second=20
thought. Will using a strap make you an overnight virtuoso? Of course=20
not. But if they can increase comfort and performance levels even=20
slightly without negative side effects, why not give them a chance?

Michael Thrasher