Klarinet Archive - Posting 000054.txt from 1999/11

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] clarinet thumb support and hand problems addendum
Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 21:55:30 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: J. D. Kent <boris@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] clarinet thumb support and hand problems addendum

> Hi,
>
> I can't answer the original question at this time as I am only a
> beginner, but I would like to add a question of my own to this thread.
> After many years of downhill skiing my thumbs have taken a lot of abuse
> from the constant pounding of the poles, and having the straps wrapped
> around the palm and thumb. Needless to say, when I try to practice for
> any extended length of time I have a fair amount of pain in the joint at
> the base of my thumb. Although it has been many years since I last went
> skiing the pain is still there, although thankfully not as severe as it
> was. Any hints or suggestions to this problem would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave

I would suggest a neck strap. This will actually take some of the weight
off the thumb. Different styles of thumbrests and cushions help but they
only redistribute the weight (and this is sufficient for some people). My
thumbs are weak from getting banged up in the martial arts and when I play
for extended periods of time have the same problem. The neck strap allows
me to play as long as my embouchure does for the day.

The Woodwind & Brasswind sells two different types. Their web site is

www.wwandbw.com

You can order their catalog and see what you would like.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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