Klarinet Archive - Posting 000754.txt from 1997/10

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: straps/muscles
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 1997 19:17:04 -0400

David C. Blumberg wrote:

> I would avoid the strap, as you should build up the muscles that support
> the Clarinet...

I disagree. Every instrument heavier than the clarinet and of a configuration
that makes a neckstrap possible is normally played using a neck strap. I
consider the clarinet borderline in weight for supporting with the thumb.
There will be a lot who will have problems. Not everyone is going to have or
be able to develop the strength necessary to support the clarinet with the
thumb. What about people with arthritis, small children, or even many small
adults? How very many questions come to this list, the bulletin board and the
OCR question and answer page on thumb pain, wrist pain, tendonitis, and carpal
tunnel?

Anyone who has taken martial arts and studied releases knows that the thumb is
inherently weak. If done correctly, even a child can break the grip of an
adult when they know the proper direction to move against the thumb.

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net
Canton, SD