 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: momma
Date: 1999-11-23 17:39
A student at the high school has been told by her private teacher that she needs a LARGER clarinet because her hands are too big for the one she currently has. Our teacher has never heard of this before. We all rationalize that if the diameter of the instrument or length or any dimention would change, why the pitch would also change and you wouldn't call it a Bflat clarinet anymore. (we suggested she try a bari sax...)
Has anyone out there ever seen a larger sized clarinet for big hands that produces the same sound as a Bflat clarinet?
I'll pass this on...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-11-23 18:05
There may be soprano clarinets that are more comfortable for those that have larger hands ...but possibly the teacher meant moving to bass clarinet? Larger hands are an asset there.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 1999-11-23 18:12
As far as I am aware, there isn't any such thing. Or, if there is some clarinet with special keys for larger hands, I would expect it to be a specialty item with a price.
As you are probably aware, the larger members of the clarinet family - bass, alto, etc. - have keys that have a greater spacing, but, as you point out, they are pitched differently. (A bass clarinet is b-flat, but plays an octave lower and has a different part.)
Although I have long fingers and play a bass clarinet, I could play a soprano without any problem regarding finger position. Is she really having difficulty playing the instrument because of her fingers?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 1999-11-23 18:25
I have very large hands myself. On my ring finger, I wear a size 8 1/2 ring, which is large for a woman. I have no problem playing a standard soprano clarinet and very little problem due to playing the much smaller Eb soprano clarinet (I just have to practice to maintain the discipline necessary to be sure to get the placement of my fingers correct every time).
Different brands do have slight variations in key size and length of the touchpieces. Thus a clarinettist can feel more comfortable playing one brand in comparison to another.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MikeH
Date: 1999-11-23 18:50
Frankly, I doubt the wisdom of the advice to get a larger clarinet because of hands that are too large. I have hands large enough to palm a regulation basketball and have never experienced difficulty with any soprano clarinet. There might be a problem with the person's hands but I doubt that sheer size would be it.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kontragirl
Date: 1999-11-23 22:44
I have big hands too, but I don't think that affects me in anyway. Sure, I'm pretty good on the low horns, but I didn't switch because my hands are big. I think the teacher is just trying to get a bass clarinet player.
Just my useless opinion,
Kontragirl
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 1999-11-23 23:18
There are some student clarinets that have slightly smaller and repositioned keys for small hands. However, I am pretty sure the keys involved are only for the little fingers.
Off track a bit, I once tried a G clarinet at Lark in the Morning and large hand hands would be a major help there. I have small hands and experience real pain trying to reach the hole for the third finger of the left hand.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: momma
Date: 1999-11-23 23:59
By large hands I mean long fingers. They feel quite cramped and bent when she plays...can't move fast enough cause things are too close. She gets along splendidly with her piano.
I am unsure what her teacher means ... whether she would prefer ****** to play a bass clarinet or whatever. We just got to talking in our private lesson about this and all there didn't have a clue what is expected of her.
THANKS!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HIROSHI
Date: 1999-11-24 00:29
The teacher said "key work" for larger hands. In fact a Japanese music shop is contracting with Hammerschmidt to make clarinets with a key work for smaller hands of Japanese people.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-11-24 02:51
Momma - check my son's picture up there. He has long fingers and played piano quite well. No problem playing clarinet, either, including Eb :^)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Alec Thigpen
Date: 1999-11-24 14:01
I suggest that the parents sit down with the teacher and ask the questions that have been suggested here. Many people are too shy or intimidated to ask professionals to explain their positions, let alone to write the info down. This is true with clients of doctors, lawyers, and it seems here with musicians. All professionals have the ability to explain in detail, in layman's terms their professional assessments. Ask where this instructor is going with the suggestion. Have the instructor locate one of these "larger clarinets" to try out.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Drew
Date: 1999-11-24 17:33
I had a similar problem which was manifested in a sore right thumb and hand position problems. Hand position is an important issue, especially for those of us with large hands.
My teacher corrected this problem for me by recommending that I have the thumbrest moved toward the center tenon, or "up" the clarinet body. I had a qualified technician do the work, and the improvement was immediate, at least for my right hand; the left hand is improved by working on hand position.
I know of several professional clarinetists who have hands even larger than mine, and they generally have the thumbrest position altered, or have instruments with adjustable thumbrests. Hope this helps.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Blumberg
Date: 1999-11-25 22:08
The larger hands could be a problem being comfortable on some of the student brand Clarinets, as the Right Hand key position is more cramped. Specifically the Buffet E-11 compared to the E-12. It is a real difference (the stretch).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sir Green Knight
Date: 1999-11-27 04:26
Ah. i had this same problem when i 1st started the clarinet, 6 or 7 years aro, but my instructor told me to cock my wrists down to help the techuneque and the speed of the fingers, it also took off some length from the fingers too. oh-yah, try to keep your fingers as flat as posable, and don't use the tip of your finger, bcause that doesn't close the key right and it lets air escape.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: momma
Date: 1999-11-29 19:48
Thanks for all your help. I will pass these on to the child who has been told to get a different instrument. We haven't had school due to the holiday and today due to first day of hunting season here....so tomorrow at earliest.
Thanks again...I knew I could rely on you all, even you, MARC!! ; )
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
