Klarinet Archive - Posting 000930.txt from 1998/03

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: NeckStraps
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 14:25:38 -0500

I can't believe all the brouhaha about neck straps. Nobody is trying to MAKE
anyone use it. It is merely a tool available to address a need. Here's my take
on it.

1. A neck strap can improve hand position. Since you no longer have to support
all the weight on the thumb, you are more free to position the hand for correct
playing.
2. A neck strap can improve embouchure. The student is less likely to bite or
pinch on the reed or mouthpiece trying to "steady" the horn.
3. The thumb was never designed or intended to support the weight of ANYTHING.
As an engineer, I would never design any load carrying structure to be like the
thumb. It is extremely weak. It's reason for existence is to allow us to
manipulate objects not carry weights.
4. The neck and shoulders are much better designed for carrying loads.
5. If it comes to a choice between neckstrap or quit, there is no choice.
8. It is merely tradition that clarinettists don't use a neck strap. The
instrument is light enough that many people don't have to use one and it is a
nuisance if you don't need it.
7. I have even seen an occasional oboist using a strap (and an oboe is really
light). See comment about thumb structure above.

The following paragraphs are NOT directed at the majority of this list, as most
of the members are rational people with legitimate points of view, pro and con,
about the use of a neckstrap.

WARNING: emotional blast follows.

Normally I don't get emotional about things (my husband even complains that I am
too calm and logical) BUT when one person said that using a neck strap made a
person a "wuss", I went ballistic. A comment like that shows a great deal of
immaturity and macho egotism (regardless of sex). We are here to make music.
If that means some one needs to use a neckstrap, they should be able to do so
without being putdown. If someone wants to be a body builder, well, they can
just sign up for Gold's Gym rather than take music lessons.

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net