The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bethmhil
Date: 2014-11-04 05:13
I've unfortunately been suffering from quickly worsening tendinitis in my right hand. I've done a multitude of things to remedy my pain-- I recently had the thumb rests moved up on both of my clarinets, I have pieces of kid's craft foam attached right beneath the thumb rests to create more space in my right hand (similar in concept to the Ridenour thumb saddle), and I use a neckstrap. My next solution is to put a belt around my knees and support my clarinet that way! :o)
I know that many support products exist; There is a new support rod on RDG Woodwinds, and Stephen Fox has some interesting products as well. I'm nervous about the Ton Kooiman thumb rest, as I once saw the plate rip away from a clarinetist's instrument (and take wood away with it). Unfortunately, I don't have much money to shell out. Any ideas or home-made support ideas? Thanks!
BMH
Illinois State University, BME and BM Performance
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2014-11-04 05:18
I've been seeing physical therapists since June for a variety of right arm & hand issues. One of the things I've gotten is a SaxHolder neckstrap and I find it very very helpful. I do have to adapt it for clarinet with a rubber band/hair binder but it supports without pulling on my neck and shoulders (another area of problems which have resulted in the right arm & hand issues).
I would get a FHRED if they still made them.
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Author: always learning
Date: 2014-11-04 05:36
There is an option from England called "BHOB kickstand" for clarinet, english horn & oboe:
photo & description http://www.howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/BhobGutRestStand.jpg&pid=989983
to purchase http://www.howarth.uk.com/textsearch.aspx?what=bhob
It's about $69.00 USD pre-shipping.
Hope this helps, Ken
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Author: bethmhil
Date: 2014-11-04 05:39
I've seen saxophone players using the SaxHolder neckstraps. I'll ask around about that!
On RDG Woodwinds, they are selling the "BHOB", as Ken said... however, $70 + $25 for the adapter is a bit pricey... I also wear dresses/skirts most of the time, so it wouldn't necessarily work in that regard. Stephen Fox makes something pretty cool, but again... $150 is pricey.
BMH
Illinois State University, BME and BM Performance
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Author: nbclarinet
Date: 2014-11-04 06:29
There are two kinds of kooiman, that plastic one which is still finicky sometimes and the plate isn't the most stable, and the metal one which has a higher quality aluminum plate. I have the later on my clarinet. highly recommended!
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2014-11-04 11:21
The Ton Kooiman Étude has worked wonders for me.
I don't find it finicky or unstable when installed properly. It has saved me a lot of pain in my right hand and when playing a clarinet without the thumb rest, I realise how helpful the kooiman actually is.
Leonard Bernstein: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-11-04 11:32
I also use the Kooiman Etude, in fact 2 of them. Properly installed they are quite stable and have transformed playing for me. I thought my right thumb might bring my playing to an end, but now it's no longer a problem.
Tony F.
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Author: grenadilla428
Date: 2014-11-04 18:39
In addition to supports for the instrument (an oboe player in one of the ensembles I play in always used and really likes the FHRED or kickstand), if you haven't already, ask your therapist about supports and exercises for you. I have a student who plays with a thumb-stabilizing wrap on her right hand in addition to a neck strap, and a couple of others who we regularly take a few seconds to stretch and/or do circulation exercises during their lessons.
BTW - slightly off topic, but for anyone who finds this sort of thing interesting, a great introductory book on the subject is "Playing Less Hurt" by Janet Horvath.
Hope you can find something to help you better enjoy the instrument! :-)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-11-05 15:20
Wear slacks and rest the bell on your knee. Very economical.
Bob Draznik
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