Klarinet Archive - Posting 000551.txt from 1998/08

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Adjustable thumbrests
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1998 12:38:58 -0400

At 11:55 PM 8/18/98 +0100, Mary Sotnik wrote:
>Hello...
>
>I think my thumbrest is too low (my clarinet is a Yamaha student model, at
>least 10 years old, plastic). I tried turning it upside down, which was
>better, but not much - some fingering is still awkward and my arm also feels
>uncomfortable. I've now tried taking it off, but it's difficult to play
>without one, even if I rest the bell on my knee.
>
>I've looked in the archives, which was useful, and on the Internet, but
>haven't managed to find enough information on thumbrests. I'm also stuck in
>the house and can't personally get to a repairman or woodwind accessory shop
>(though I can get someone else to go).
>
>What I'd like to ask is -
>
>1. Can I fit an adjustable thumbrest myself (i.e. without drillling any
>holes)?
>2. Does it matter which make I get?
>3. Does anyone know of a mail order supplier (preferably in the UK), either
>on the Internet or otherwise, which will also let me send it back if it's
>unsuitable?
>4. Will the same thumbrest be OK if I eventually have to fit it to a wooden
>clarinet?
>5. Is there anything I can use instead of a thumbrest until I get one?
>
1. (and 2.) An adjustable thumbrest made by the same company, or made FOR
that company's instruments by someone else, WILL fit without drilling. At
least in theory, all Leblanc clarinets (Leblanc, Noblet, Normandy, Vito)
use the same thumbrest and thus same screw spacing. I believe the same
would be true of Buffet and Evette, as it is for all Selmers.

3. I doubt anyone would accept returns, but the price will not be that
great, and the likelihood of success (see item 1) is high.

4. If the wood clarinet is of the same family (see above), yes.

5. Try a neckstrap to ease the pressure and relax the hand. I just started
using a DEG Claricord for sustained playing, and it does seem to help.

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
ICQ UIN 4862265

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------