 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Elizabeth
Date: 2000-07-18 00:37
Okay, I've been playing clarinet for almost three years. I practice every day, but when I finish practicing, my right thumb is sore! You think I would have built up a calluse by now or something, but no such luck for me. I have a full-fledged dent there, but that's not helping. Anyone else know why or have this problem?
Thanks
Elizabeth
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-07-18 01:22
Use an additional thumb cushion. If that does not help enough, use a neckstrap. The thumb was never designed to support the weight of the clarinet.
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Author: Amber
Date: 2000-07-18 01:56
get a better thumb rest. I have a Bay thumb rest. I no have no marks at all!
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Author: Bob Gardner
Date: 2000-07-18 02:28
There are a couple of adjustable thumb rests available. They move the weight from the thumb to the joint between the thumb and the first finger.
Bob
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Author: MRidgeP
Date: 2000-07-18 04:11
It makes a difference exactly where the thumbrest is on your thumb. One of the reasons that you may have a dent is because you have your thumb too far under the clarinet. Make sure that the thumbrest is not on the knuckle of your thumb but around 1/2way between the knuckle and the tip.
I'm a sophmore in college and have been playing with the thumbrest on the knuckle. This has caused an indentation for me. This may or may not be the problem for you. It's just another thing to examine, how you hold the clarinet.
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-07-18 15:36
Thumb stigmata can be remarkably persistent. I started playing clarinet at age nine and played until I was 18. I never had pain in my thumb, but I did develop a painless "thumb bump" that looks similar to a bunion with a calloused surface, on the side of the thumb between the base of the thumbnail and the first joint. The callous persisted for at least five years after I quit. The bump stayed the same otherwise. The callous re-appeared within a month after I began playing again. The difference between the profile of my right thumb and that of my left is very noticible. I still don't use a neckstrap for soprano clarinet, although I would certainly begin using one if I had any discomfort. I do use a neckstrap for alto clarinet, a harness for most saxophones and a support stand for bass saxophone.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-07-18 15:38
My right thumb "dent" disappeared when I put rubber cushions [the rectangular version] on all of my favorite cl's and saxes. Also on several of the clar's I inverted the T R so as to bring the thumb up to nearly a good "pinch" level [cushion required] to relieve strain AND improve my access to the rt hand l. f. E/B key as is needed in multi-# keys. Try it, its inexpensive. Don
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Author: drew
Date: 2000-07-18 20:48
I had a problem with pain, which was totally resolved by having the thubrest remounted further "up" the lower joint (placing my thumb and index finger opposite one another, just as if I am making the "OK" sign). I had a professional woodwind technicain perform the surgury, including filling the old holes. You'd never notice it in a million years. My thumb is now much happier....
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Author: stew
Date: 2000-07-19 20:28
The pain is exquisite, I love my battle scar...hehe
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