Klarinet Archive - Posting 000392.txt from 2001/04

From: Will Cicola <clarinetguy@-----.net>
Subj: re: [kl] Right Hand Thumb Position
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001 09:40:13 -0400

I had this problem too, and by the time I reached 11th grade, the pain would
become unbearable after only 10-15 minutes of playing. (I didn't play much
clarinet in junior high, either, having concentrated on the saxohpone until
the beginning of 10th grade when I came back to my senses. Anyway, for a
full-time clarinetist the problem might show up even sooner.) Solution? A
neck strap works from what I know, but it does seem like it would hinder
your playing. I got a Kooiman thumb rest from the Woodwind and brasswind and
have been playing pain-free ever since. It's a bit pricey ($150, I believe)
and needs a repairman to install the plate it attaches to, but once you get
used to it (only takes a couple days), it feels great! I don't think it's an
understatement to say this saved my clarinet career. Anyway, if you're
helped by an Ace bandage or a neck strap, I don't see any reason to go off
and blow that much money, but if the problem becomes worse, then I'd
reccmomend you to give it a shot.
--
Will Cicola
I don't need a life. I've got orchestra!

> Dear List,
>
> I was talking to a friend of mine at orchestra practice tonight and she
> brought up an interesting issue. First, however, I should give some
> background. . .
>
> I have double jointed thumbs, so that when I hold them out stiffly they bend
>
> backward at an almost 90 degree angle. When I hold my clarinet, my right
> thumb bends backward at the first knuckle, which causes my second knuckle
> (closest to my palm) to jut out sharply. I have been playing for about 8
> years now, and in the last year I have had some wrist soreness when I play
> for more than a few hours at a time (such as at an all-day honor band
> rehearsal). This problem is remedied with an Ace bandage or a neck strap.
>
> Here is my question. My friend was telling me that her fifth grade student
> uses the same thumb position and is already having wrist problems. Does
> anyone have experience with this? Am I doing serious damage to my hands by
> continuing to play this way? I have tried to curve my thumb the other way,
> but this is very uncomfortable because my arm and fingers get very tense and
>
> locked up. Is there another solution?
>
> I would appreciate anyone's help and ideas. I am looking at playing
> professionally, and I can't afford to damage my wrists.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robyn
>
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