Klarinet Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 2006/04

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay3020@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Product Review
Date: Sun, 09 Apr 2006 16:23:58 -0400

There's only one product I can think of that is universally beneficial - one
*every* clarinetist should use on a regular basis.

. . . a metronome. On everything else, personal preference takes hold.

With that said, I tried a simple, inexpensive product that has really helped
- Tom Ridenouer's "thumb saddle." It's really nothing more than a rubber
cover for the thumb rest that you pop on before tooting.

It takes a little getting used to, but I've found that it makes by right
thumb more comfy, which *has* to be a good thing, right? In addition, I
believe that it's helped my right-hand technique a bit, if only because
there is less tension.

It looks a lot like the (wood) thumb rest that Rossi attaches to his horns.
Tom's saddle costs a whole lot less though - under ten bucks. I urge ya'll
to try, as you might like.

As always, YMMV. For less than $10, it's not much of a risk.

Kjf

PS - I used to own a beautiful metronome, made by Franz. It was a black box
that plugged in the wall, had a little light on top. While I didn't care
for the light much one way or the other, it was nice and loud, easy to
adjust and didn't eat batteries.

Apparently the Franz folks don't make them any more (although still in biz
with high-tech battery-powered units). I guess I'm old school; I wistfully
remember mine from years ago. Anyone have one for sale?

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org