Klarinet Archive - Posting 000738.txt from 1997/10

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: re:straps/muscles
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 1997 08:22:22 -0400

I would avoid the strap, as you should build up the muscles that support
the Clarinet. The strap may impede that process. Make sure that you aren't
playing with too much hand tension. The spelling is Claricord.
Jen (my student from the previous article) uses a strap, as she does jobs
that have her playing for 3-4 hours at a time. The strap does have its
uses, and if you are already having hand problems, it is quite useful.
Another good idea is to raise the thumb rest so that it is even with your
index finger. That removes much of the stress on the thumb, as now the
thumb is in a more ergonomic position.

D.B.

Jen Wrote:
> There are all sorts of thumb cushions available, or try a piece of
surgical tubing. Tenseness can cause pain on the inside of the right hand
all the way up to the elbow. Be careful, because this can lead to
tendonitis. My favorite solution to help both of these is a neckstrap.
The one I recommend is the "Caricord". It is a long piece of elastic (with
Velcro adjustment) and connects to the thumbrest using a soft leather strip
with a slot cut into it. This does not "hold" the clarinet, but removes a
lot of its weight. It usually costs no more than $10 and is found in most
catalogs.

Good luck!

Jennifer

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David C. Blumberg
reedman@-----.com
http://sneezy.mika.com/OCR/reviews/reviews.html
http://sneezy.mika.com/clarinet/Music/Blumberg.html
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