Klarinet Archive - Posting 000546.txt from 2003/01

From: Gil Guerrero <gilster@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] RE: Thumb Pain
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 23:38:41 -0500

I've been watching this discussion and no one has offered what I
believe to be one alternative. Has anyone considered that they might
adjust the balance point of the clarinet on their thumb so that more
weight is being carried by the pad of the thumb rather than the side
where the joint pivots?

This is something that I've been curious about in many orchestral
players: I realize that floor space is at a premium on a stage but
many players seem to position the horn in a manner where the bell is
facing the floor, placing the most force in a manner where it is
trying to bend the joint unnaturally (90 degrees to the pivot.)

Can someone say whether this offers some particular playing
advantage? Is it affectation? Is it trying to occupy as little space
as possible?

Early on, when I complained of thumb pain with my teacher, he said
that I was pointing it too far down and that if I aimed a wee bit
higher, the weight would fall more naturally on the pad.

I'm not suggesting that everybody should be pointing the thing at the
sky, but with such odd ergonomics, a subtle adjustment can make
things much more comfortable.

Best to all on the list.

--
Gil Guerrero
gilster@-----.com

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