Klarinet Archive - Posting 000719.txt from 2001/06

From: Neil Leupold <leupold_1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] A Thought on the Right Hand
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 22:11:59 -0400

--- "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.net> wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Will Cicola" <clarinetguy@-----.net>
>
> > I remember hearing once that the clarinet is unusual in that mouth acts as
> > both the sound producer and as a supporter of the weight of the instrument
> > (at least in part). With the standard student clarinets, the strain on the
> > right hand is great, and I wondered if this might lead to beginners biting
> > harder on the mouthpiece in order to alleviate some of the weight on the
> > right hand. >

> At least one author of student materials (Robert Lowrey) thinks so. I
> agree with his opinion. The clarinet is actually rather heavy to be
> supported by a structure like the thumb.

Yes, of course. That explains why thousands of players around the world
have played their entire lives, decades on end, without debilitating effects
from using their thumb -- not even severe discomfort -- for many years before
neck straps, Kooimans, or any other modern remedial devices were invented.
The thumb is a completely inferior means of support, destined to require
some form of augmented aid before long. The numbers of clarinet players
who use these forms of aid have been, continue to be, and probably will
remain in the underwhelming minority for the length of time that the
clarinet continues to be played by human beings.

Neil

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