Klarinet Archive - Posting 000822.txt from 1999/03

From: "B. Keplinger" <bcaslin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Thumb Rest Installation
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 11:31:01 -0500

At 07:45 AM 3/14/99 EST, CEField@-----.com wrote:
>Having read the posts about the clarinet's weighing on the right thumb, I now
>have an opportunity to acquire an adjustable thumb rest from a friend who
>plays oboe... Do they go in the same location where the original
>thumb rest was or do you have to drill new holes to position the rest
properly
>for maximum ergonomic benefit?
A few years ago, after increasing pain in my thumb, I discovered that if I
moved my thumb up about 3/4" from where Buffet thought I should have it, I
could considerably reduce fatigue and pain. So I simply unscrewed and
flipped over the thumb rests on both my clarinets. With time I found that
moving my thumb away from the body of the clarinet (in essence making the
clarinet thicker at the thumb rest) helped, so I devised -- with my
instrument repairman friend -- a solution that works well for me.
I wouldn't worry much about putting additional holes in the body of your
clarinet -- you should *definitely* pay mind to what is best for you. One
size most definitely does NOT fit all.
If you haven't tried a Kooiman, I recommend it -- it's adjustable in all
directions, and it extends an arm out to the wrist, removing most of the
weight from the thumb. Is there a music store near where you live that
might have a sample clarinet rigged up with one that you can try?
Good luck!
-Bruce

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