Klarinet Archive - Posting 000350.txt from 2010/08

From: Jennifer Jones <helen.jennifer@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] LH Thumb Placement
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:18:00 -0400

Dear Cath,

Regarding hand position:

To gauge the angle of my thumb, I support my clarinet with the right
thumb on the thumb rest and let my left hand relax around the clarinet
(in playing position). After my left hand is relaxed, I close the
tone holes, take the clarinet out of my mouth, being careful not to
change my finger angle, and look at the angle of my thumb.

Moving my thumb to 90 degrees relative to the clarinet makes my elbow
stick out straight or wrist bend excessively. Shorter index and
middle fingers would increase comfort as would a rotated thumb. Under
current circumstances, the thumb nail almost hits the thumb chimney.
Moving my thumb parallel to the clarinet bends my wrist uncomfortably
and scrunches up my fingers, making it difficult to cover the tone
holes and avoid bumping the g# key. Longer fingers would cause more
discomfort.

On my Bb Selmer CL210 clarinet I hold my thumb at 60 degrees to the
vertical. Instrument diameter at left thumb: 32.2 cm (calipers set on
bottom of thumb ring and top of index finger ring, anchored against A
key).
On my alto Yamaha plastic recorder, I hold my thumb at 45 degrees to
the vertical. Diameter at left thumb: 26.6 cm
On a soprano recorder of which I have no idea of the provenance, my
thumb lies at 45 degrees; diameter at left thumb: 22 cm

Thumb to pinky distance fully stretched: 21 cm.
Thumb tip to proximal knuckle 5-7 cm depending on whether the knuckle
is included. 5.8 cm w/ ruler stuck deep into webbing.
Pinky with ruler stuck in between ring and pinky finger: 6.5 cm
Middle finger with ruler stuck between middle and index finger: 8.5 cm
My middle finger is the longest of my fingers.

With regard to your playing, I suggest trying stuff and if it is
comfortable it is ok. I am sure there are people with ergonomic,
clarinet etc. knowledge that I am lacking.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Jones

This message relates to posts of the following dates:
On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:13 AM, Cathryn Calitz <ccalitz13@-----.com> wrote:
On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 4:48 AM, Martin Baxter <martinbaxter1@-----.com> wrote:
On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 5:27 AM, Karl Krelove <karlkrelove@-----.net> wrote:
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