 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ken
Date: 2001-05-21 18:43
Does anyone have any experience using a neckstrap for a clarinet? Do I need to have a ring on my clarinet to attach the strap to? Thanks
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-05-21 18:54
Yes, I've tried them. The strap attaches to the thumb rest of your instrument. I used a claricord and really hated it. It was thick and elastic and got in the way. After 40 years of playing, I just didn't like the change. But, I will say it did take the weight off my wrists and hands. I think BG makes a good one that is thinner like a sax neckstrap. That would probably be better. I've had friends swear up and down it cured their carpal tunnel.
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Author: MIchael Kincaid
Date: 2001-05-21 21:04
I use the BG neck strap--I bought it at Clarinetfest last year. It's very soft on the neck
and attaches to the thumbrest with a piece of leather so there is no need to put
a ring on your thumbrest. I had to trim the leather to keep it
from interfering with a pad. I would rather not use a neck-strap (it does feel like it's in the way sometimes,) but it really does help
take the weight off my right hand and thumb.
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2001-05-21 22:11
I use a Neotech neckstrap. My E11 happens to have a ring on it that I can attach the strap to, but you can also attach it directly to the thumbrest. I highly recommend using a neckstrap (though my band mates do mock me mercilessly for it!). I had pain in my wrist and elbow - both have been solved by consistent neckstrap use.
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Author: Nick Conner
Date: 2001-05-22 03:05
I began using a neckstrap last fall due to building wrist problems. Eventually, I got to the point where 15 minutes would leave my wrist in unplayable pain, so I sprung for a neckstrap. It took me about a month or so to get used to it, but now it really helps me. I can practice for long periods without pain. The neckstrap I have is velcro. While it works, I discourage it. The velco wears out, and sometimes if the strap is not adjusted properly, it rips apart, makingn a loud noise at innapropriate times. As soon as my velcro strap becomes unbearable, I'll be searching for a neckstrap with more longetivity.
Nick Conner
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Author: Gavin
Date: 2001-05-22 09:58
Be careful you don't create other problems by your employment of a neck strap. I no longer use one as I found it altered my embouchure, caused neck discomfort and wasn't terribly effective at combating wrist problems in any case. Try having more breaks in your practice sessions, or see a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with an interest in orchestral players for professional help. Your problems may also conceivably be tension-related and utilising a neck strap may be counterproductive rather than tackling the tension causing any wrist discomfort. I know of players that have some sort of contraption that straps to their right hand wrist when playing which is used in conjuction with a neck strap. I also know of a professional player that utilises straps that goes over his shoulders (instead of around his neck), cross over and clip onto his belt, like a set of braces. They seem that this idea would be better than a neck strap, but I haven't discussed it with him, and I haven't tried the idea myself - as I said I now don't use any strap. I think it was a fashion thing when I was at Uni to have a strap like everyone else.
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Author: Andy
Date: 2001-05-23 08:36
I used a harness for a while after I tore three tendons in my right arm. It was a pair of braces converted so that the clips hooked onto the back of your pants and the part which used to be at the back now actually hooks onto the front of the clarinet. I found it better then a strap because it didn't effect my neck at all. Also people remembered you clearly because of the stupid contraption. The nickname "Harness boy" is a must for anyone who ever used one.
Andy
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Author: DLE
Date: 2001-05-23 11:57
I hate neckstraps - there's something alien about them. I refrain from using one with my bass clarinet, simply because I'm not sure how to handle it. It just doesn't feel natural to wear one.
Feel free to disagree.
DLE.
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-05-24 05:18
DLE--what if you wanted or needed to play your bass while standing?
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Author: Gavin
Date: 2001-05-24 06:55
I saw a fabulous solo bass clarinet performance/recital earlier this month - no strap or harness in sight. The player used a very long spike.
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