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Re: Thumb Troubles!

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2008-07-10 21:24

I'm reviving this thread because I found a new instrument support in the latest IDRS Journal.

The W.R.I.S.T. support attaches to a music stand or floor stand and hooks into the bottom of the bell http://www.chicagoreedcompany.com/wrist.html. On their site, Larry Combs says it's a good idea (but doesn't use it). It's also rather expensive.

To review, other supports include the fhred, which is a rod that attaches to the thumb rest and transfers the entire weight of the instrument to the seat of your chair or a special belt http://www.quodlibet.com/FhredGen.php. Their brochure is at http://www.quodlibet.com/Brochure.pdf. I've tried it and thought it would take some getting used to. The chair rod is OK, but the belt (used to play while standing) seemed unstable and hard to control. They also make more elaborate supports that hold the instrument in playing position with no effort from you.

There's also the MUTS (Michael's Ultimate Thumb Saver), from Michael Benthin, 24 Poor Farm Road, Pennington, NJ 08534, 609-737-3867. He has no website, but if you email him at muts@verizon.net, he'll send a description and photos. It's similar to the fhred, but less expensive, and perhaps not as sturdy. On the other hand, he makes each one to fit your instrument and height. See http://test.woodwind.org/Databases/Klarinet/2001/04/000665.txt.

Steve Fox makes a belly pad for use with his basset A clarinet. I tried it and thought it was uncomfortable, but it certainly reduces strain http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Accessories.html.

Ken Shaw

Post Edited (2012-02-20 11:52)

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