 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2001-04-06 19:37
Hi all,
I am starting to feel some pain in my right hand.
Basically my pinky becomes very sour/tense after I have been playing for a while.
I managed to lessen the thumb/wrist pain by sticking the horn between my knees, the pinky is still bothering me.
I suspect my thumb is too low (level of the middle finger).
Do you think moving the the thumbrest higher will help or shall I get one of those fancy (but very expensive) Kooiman thumbrest?
Any of you has tried the "etude" model?
Thanks,
-Sylvain
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Author: sandee
Date: 2001-04-06 23:03
I don't know what a Kooiman Thumbrest is, but I've been using a [Claricord] neckstrap and a foam thingy that fits on the thumbrest. They seem to help.
sj
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Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-04-06 23:50
I would almost have to agree with Sandee...
I have seen more and more neck straps on the Bb clar being played....
that was something that was unheard of when I started.... now is more acceptible....
years ago, I would move my thumb around from time to time, ( it being double jointed, was a bit of a problem.... ) and also took a chunk of sponge and taped it to the thumb rest for a while....
when I switched to the alto, I found the thumb was not needed so much for support cause had the neck strap, and it was a lot easier to play for extended periods of time..... still used the thumb to stablize the horn.... and eventually, I didnt seem to notice it hurting so much....
good luck
Mike
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-04-07 02:49
I use a BG neckstrap from the Woodwind and Brasswind. It fastens on the lower joint like a marching band lyre. The strap is comfortable and I find that by using it, it's easier to move my fingers.
I also have an adjustable thumbrest from buffet. I took some rubber stick sheets (for bicycle innertubes) and covered the bottom of the thumbrest. It's very comfortable.
Included with the BG neckstrap is a leather fob that you can hook onto the back of your thumbrest. I also use that and have placed another stick sheet on that, and now I have very little discomforts.
Those stick sheets can be found at any bicycle store and the BG neckstrap is $30.95 from http://www.woodwindbrasswind.com
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Author: Aaron
Date: 2001-04-07 18:26
i also use a neckstrap. There are many different types, the BG being one, I use the Neotech neckstrap. I use it rather than the BG because it only uses a leather piece that slips over the thumbrest and the nextstrap connects to this, rather than the heavy metal Lyre like piece that is used with the BG strap. Also this one suports all the wieght of the instrument. Some straps are just long elastic bands taht only give some support to the weight of the instrument. The neotech has an elastic foamtype strap then some type of chord going to the thumbrest.
Neckstraps are gaining in popularity. They are more prevalent in college bands and orchestras, probablly because we mere kids just want to find something to help us play better rather than considring what other people will think about us using a strap.
I use one only because my right hand would cramp when not using the strap. Now my hands are both much more free and able to move easier. i dont really like using my knees to hold the instrument because the angle that i play the clarient prohibits me from doing this. Also for proper breathing technique I cant do this. Plus, using you knee is probablly great, however what the heck happens when you stand up to play???? your hand goes to pot and techniques fall quickly. Using the neckstrap allows you to use the same position sitting as well as standing. I would really recomend trying a strap, there are many out there and they all work fairly well...good luck...
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-04-07 23:07
Another cheapo fix is to have a 2x4 (two by four) scrap on your lap.
Gouge a small groove for the bell to engage and play sitting down.
I think David Pino mentioned this one.
If it hadda Selmer or Buffet stamp it would cost a stack.
(Mebbe in various exotic hardwoods, it would add 'sympathetic' resonance?)
The claricord works, and is cheap.
Raising the thumbrest is something to definitely have done.
anji
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-04-09 20:08
Sylvian -
It's easy to turn the thumbrest upside down. You or a repair shop can do it just be removing the screws, turning it over and putting the screws back in. The rest will be curved the wrong way, so go to a medical equipment store (a/k/a surgical supply store) and get about a 1 foot length of silicone tubing. It will be tannish brown, semi-transparent, about 1/2" outside diameter and about 1/8" inside diameter and should cost only a couple of dollars. Cut a piece about 1-1/4" long, put some saliva inside and slide it over the thumb rest. It will last for years.
The nerve for the little finger also controls the half of the ring finger that is next to the little finger. If you're having the same problem with that part of your right ring finger, then you have a nerve problem, which can be serious. You should see a physical therapist right away. Find one who works with musicians. Don't try to play through this pain -- it will only get worse.
When I had hand problems, I went to a physical therapist, who quickly showed me what was wrong and how the keys could be extended to give me a more natural hand position. I had my thumb rest moved up and to the right, and when I play a lot I use a neckstrap. It's no joke. Get medical advice now.
You might get in touch with Diane Karius, who is a Ph.D. physiologist and clarinetist who is a regular on the Klarinet board and knows a tremendous amount. You can ask on Klarinet or get her e-mail address by searching the Klarinet postings from the Sneezy home page.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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