 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sharon
Date: 2000-02-27 03:11
I was an advanced player years ago and found great pleasure in playing music. I am currently recovering from spinal injuries and have come pretty far, but I am unable to support the weight of my clarinet and still move my fingers. My PT is hoping playing again would help with coordination as well as emotional well-being. Does anyone have any ideas on how my clarinet could be adapted without ruining it? Neckstraps are out. Thanks.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-02-27 04:17
Maybe a long floor peg like a bass would work. It would need special bracket to clear the bell but this could be made from maybe a couple of modified lyre clamps as the soprano is much lighter. This would save drilling and putting large screws in the wood which could start a crack. The peg itself could probably be smaller in diameter too for this same reason. The upper part of the rod could be fitted with a very light coil spring to allow some up and down movement over the rod at the brackets to give flexibility and allow for head movement. Just a thought, might be easier to see if I drew it out.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-27 05:01
I believe there is a special stand available to hold the clarinet while playing it. Try calling the Woodwind and Brasswind or International Music Suppliers. You can find the contact info under the Retail section of this site.
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Author: James Marioneaux
Date: 2000-02-27 05:41
Like Dee said, there is a stand (or more accurately, a peg) made for the clarinet. I do not know where you can buy one, but they are definitely out there. Good luck in your return to the clarinet.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-02-27 22:47
I agree that a floor support would be of help to you and admire your desire to resume playing. Many of us support much of our clar's weight on a thigh and lower jaw so as to "free-up" our right hand fingering. Best wishes, Don
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Author: James
Date: 2000-02-28 01:28
I also heard something about a peg that sits on the chair. It would not be nearly as long as one that would sit on the floor and and maybe less cumbersome to work with. It may not be practical for a lady in certain types of atire. I do not know if this would be useful to you or not, but it might be worth checking out. Good luck to you!
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-02-28 18:23
Sharon wrote:
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I was an advanced player years ago and found great pleasure in playing music. I am currently recovering from spinal injuries and have come pretty far, but I am unable to support the weight of my clarinet and still move my fingers. My PT is hoping playing again would help with coordination as well as emotional well-being. Does anyone have any ideas on how my clarinet could be adapted without ruining it? Neckstraps are out. Thanks.
Sharon -
Try <A HREF=http://www.quodlibet.com/>http://www.quodlibet.com/<A>, listed here on Sneezy under Equipment. They make a device called Fhred that puts a ring around the center joint (like a music holder for marching), which attaches to a rod that fits into a cup on a belt around your waist. The versions I've seen also have a neck strap, but it's used only to keep the instrument in position, and not to support it.
They also make saxophone stands that support the instrument in playing position, which could probably be adapted to a clarinet.
I met the owners at the Clarinet Fest in Columbus a couple of years ago. They were very nice and completely open to suggestions about how to accommodate players who have difficulty holding the instrument. At the very least, they could give you ideas on where to look, if their equipment is not right for you.
There are physical therapists that specialize in helping musicians. I went to one, who recommended that I have some keys altered and the thumbrest moved to create a less strained hand position. There are at least three repair people in New York who do this kind of alteration. If you want more information, get in touch with me by e-mail.
Let us know how you progress. Everyone is interested and pulling for you.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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