Klarinet Archive - Posting 000479.txt from 1998/07

From: <GrabnerWG@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Bass Clarinet Stand (was Bcl peg)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 16:12:18 -0400

This summer I finally got frustrated and did what I have wanted to do for
years. I built a bass clarinet stand. My stand holds the bcl in an upright
position, so that moisture does not accumulate in the tone holes.

But the real point was to make a stand to hold the bass while I was playing. I
have experimented with pegs and neckstraps and harnesses for years. I always
found using a peg only very awkward and unstable (yes, Teri, I have used your
trick, I have even put the peg in my shoe!) I have always liked using a neck
strap, because it helped me to get the mouthpiece angle comfortable. However I
found this VERY fatigueing.

So, I have used peg AND neckstrap together for years. But man is it awkward,
and difficult if you are doubling.

So, with spare pieces of metal, wood, velcro, foam, etc. I built my bass
clarinet stand. It holds the bass clarinet upright, at all times, and it
allows a wide degree of adjustment for the angle by which the clarinet is
held, while still maintaing great stability.

The biggest bonus is the freedom of my hands. No longer do I have to LOCK my
right thumb under the thumb rest, and bear some of the weight of the
instrument. My technique has improved as a result. The other benefit is
ENDURANCE. I can play for much longer without the fatigue, and the neck and
back pain I have always associated with playing the bass.

So I'm wondering. Has anyone seen something similar to this anywhere? Has
anyone else done something like this?

Bass Clarinetists of the World.......let me know what you think!

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