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Re: Morales' Neck Strap

Author: NBeaty
Date: 2012-01-03 23:40

KDK: I've heard of this issue and I know someone who created a solution. He had extensions made that extend the top of the thumbrest back towards you about an inch, keeping the neckstrap farther away from the instrument. I'm not sure the cost of the extension, but it was custom made with probably 2 bucks worth of metal.

I personally use a neck strap and appreciate the assistance. I only use the elastic neckstrap because I consider it an assistance rather than something to hold the instrument up completely for me. I believe it is still important to be aware of the right thumb pressing up ever so slightly to keep everything solid and consistent. When players use the inflexible neck straps, it is more likely to let the clarinet hang off the neck or to create unnecessary and uncomfortable tension in the neck from making the strap too short. This can also transfer tension to the embouchure, hands, etc. which defeats the purpose of the neck strap.

I like to think of it as something that makes the clarinet weigh less, making my job of proper playing mechanics just a little bit easier. It is not uncommon for me to practice with it off, or to go for extended periods without using it if I feel I've become too complacent letting the instrument "fall" rather than keeping the right amount of pressure with the right thumb.

As for Ricardo using a neckstrap- I'm not surprised, with the amount of playing he does.

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Author

Date

Morales' Neck Strap new

Bob Phillips

2012-01-02 04:40