 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2008-07-08 13:51
Hey all,
I suffer from severe RSIs in both hands but particularly the right and this year they have nearly stopped my career completely. I recently purchased the Ton Kooiman Maestro thumb rest hoping that along with physiotherapy and stretching it would make all my problems go away.
I had it installed by a professional tech but he just mounted the plate so I'm left to do the adjustments on my own which is been a challenge but I think I'm handling it pretty well. That being said, I don't find it immediately all that comfortable. And honestly, the weight of the clarinet still does cause some tension/pain in my hand which is unsettling. I don't want to jump to conclusions but after paying about $300 I'm scared that this isn't going to make the difference I had hoped it would.
I'm wondering how long it took all of you who have this model to get used to the new feeling and if you have any advice about how to make it more comfortable or to adjust it better.
Thanks,
Katie
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
Post Edited (2008-07-08 13:52)
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Author: clarionman
Date: 2008-07-08 14:13
I also had a big problem with RSI and I was going to buy the Ton Kooiman Maestro thumb rest. I did not care how much it cost, I just did not wanted my wrist to hurt when I was playing. With exercises and a lot of rest my problem pretty much went a way and I did not buy the thumb rest but I did a lot of research on it.
Since you are going to physiotherapy you should ask your physiotherapist to help you find the best positions for your hands and do the adjustments with his/her help. During my research the people that complain that the thumb rest was not working well were the people that were doing the adjustments by themselves. Everybody that had help either by a clarinet instructor or a physiotherapist they all loved the thumb rest. Also during my research most people say that it took a little getting used to it. The people that had their thumb rest setup correctly had less problem getting used to the new thumb rest since they were changing positions all of the time.
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2008-07-08 15:41
I am a avid user of the Maestro for the past 6 years or so and I never get pain anymore... never.
The key is to 'open' and relax the area between the thumb and index finger. Adjust it so you feel like you are wrapping your hand around a big coffee mug. The thumb should always be slightly curved almost like you want to touch the top of your index finger nail.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-07-08 22:48
I have a couple of colleagues who use them and love them. They say it has helped hand and wrist problems tremendously.
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Author: denner22
Date: 2008-07-09 11:22
I have helped two people with this thumbrest. It does do a great job. I would think that you need to work with your teacher and/or physiotherapist to find the best compromise between what you need for agility on the instrument and comfort for your thumb.
It does take time however. Of the two I helped with this, one completed her performance degree and then went on to do a masters in Composition. The other is playing professionally in the UK.
So take the time, seek the advice of people you trust - they may not even be clarinet players and I think you will find that it helps greatly. Maybe even use a neotech neck strap for even more support. You may well find you do not need it after a while but it can help.
Good Luck
David
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-09 13:28
Along with the excellent suggestions above I would echo the use of the neckstrap.
I would suggest the BG neckstrap...it's the best product that I've come across.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-07-10 13:35
About the neckstraps - I was surprised to see how many of the participants at ClarinetFest used them! So it's not an uncommon thing to be using.
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Author: autumnsilence
Date: 2008-07-12 07:38
before a few days ago, i had never herd of someone using a neck strap for a clarinet but it does seem like a good option. I noticed that when im playing a passage where i have to move my fingers a whole lot i tend to hold the bell lightly between my knees which usually takes some of the pressure off of the thumb. I dont really know if its a good habit or not but i dont think it made a bad difference, if anything it has helped me although it has become a fairly bad habit now.. maybe that will help, but the neckstrap is also a good suggestion.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-12 17:14
Holding the bell between your knees can alter the quality of the long tube notes: low E and F as well as low clarion B and C.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2008-07-12 19:34
hey,
Thanks for the great suggestions. Since my first post I have found a more comfortable position and will soon be taking it in for my physiotherapist to check out. About the neckstrap - I have one and had used them in the past... Do I just hook it on to the arm that connects the thumb rest to the cushion part? Is it safe? Because there's no ring to attach a neckstrap to on the Kooiman.
Also, I am finding now that the rest is in a comfortable place if I rest the clarinet on top of my knee (which I hate to have to do) but that I feel awkward when I try to lift the instrument and support it with my hands. Does it simply take some time to get used to the new balance point and to 'trust' it?
Thanks again,
Happy music making!
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2008-07-12 21:36
It took me 3 months to find the adjustment I like. Give it time.
I do not reccomend putting the neckstrap hook on the arm.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-12 21:46
There are neckstrap hooks that can be added to the clarinet when you assemble it.
Imagine a clarinet Lyre...but pointing towards you instead of in front of you, and the arm allows the neckstrap to hook in.
The one that I have for my clarinet was made by someone else (not a commercial production) and so I can't tell you where to buy it. I would love to know where to buy another one for my other horns...
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: David Niethamer
Date: 2008-07-13 03:12
I've had a Kooiman Maestro for 7 years now. I echo the advice to have your physical therapist help you with the setup. Initially, I had mine placed on a backup clarinet to try it out. I was ready to remove it when my former physical therapist asked about it for a high school student she was treating. When I told her I didn't think it was helping very much, and was about to remove it, she said "Of course it isn't helping - you have it set up wrong!" 30 minutes later, she had helped me to adjust it properly, and I've never looked back. It is a great help.
Your right hand will feel much freer. At first the balance of the clarinet will feel a bit odd, but you'll learn the balance with practice. After you do, you'll like it a lot better than a standard thumb rest.
I have students who have experienced some success with the Etude. It's not quite as good, but the installation is less invasive, and it does offer some relief if your problems aren't too severe. Of course, everyone's hands are different, so YMMV.
Having my repair tech install the Kooiman Maestro was the most nerve-wracking tech procedure I have ever experienced! Not for the faint of heart, and not for the "average" music store tech.
On the subject of neck straps, my PT told me that supporting the weight of the clarinet with such a strap might simply transfer the weight and stress of holding the clarinet to the players neck. She didn't recommend that. Once again, though, YMMV. Just something to keep in mind as you experiment.
David
David
niethamer@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/index.html
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