Klarinet Archive - Posting 000803.txt from 1997/10

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: straps/muscles
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 1997 10:18:58 -0400

At 09:48 PM 10/17/97 -0400, you wrote:
><<what about people with arthritis, small children, or even small adults?>>
>
>I can understand about arthritis or other joint problems. But I am one of
>those small chilren. (I had to play the clarinet because my arms wouldn't
>reach all the positions of the trombone) I didn't use a neck strap. I used
>extra padding for my thumb and basically had to tough it out. I eventually
>grew into my instrument and am now very proud of my thumb, wrist and fore-arm
>strength. I am still quite small, but my arm is strong. I say; DEAL WITH IT.
>
>
The advantage of elasticised straps like the Claricord is that they take
SOME, but not all, of the weight off. This gives someone with a
particularly weak thumb a chance to build up strength before taking on the
full load. With the initial torture period eliminated, maybe fewer young
players would quit.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.