The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Remus
Date: 2012-04-25 23:15
Attachment: thumbrest.jpg (36k)
I want to adjust the thumbrest on my clarinet in order to alleviate some pain in my right arm, but I'm not sure how to go about it, and I'm hesitant to experiment (I don't want to hurt my instrument in any way). My thumbrest looks similar to the one in the attachment.
Thanks for any help.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-04-25 23:28
If it's is EXACTLY like this one (some space available on either end), just loosen the center screw until you can move it in the desired direction. Just retighten screw.
Of course if the whole thumbrest needs to move, I would suggest taking it to a tech. The four small screws would need to be move (new holes tapped) and the old holes filled.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-04-26 05:45
I had the thumb rest moved higher on my clarinet and what a difference it makes!!! Really easy for an experienced tech to do as well. Highly recommended.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-04-26 06:19
I had problems with thumb pain that were only partially resolved by moving the thumbrest. I bought a Ridenour thumb saddle and that fixed the problem completely.
Tony F.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2012-04-26 13:49
I did want to go back to the CORE issue for one second. In my history I caused myself undue stress to my hand by moving the thumbrest UP physically on the lower joint WITHOUT changing the way I held the horn (just let my thumb sag under the weight) . So, this put my RH index finger HIGHER than the last side trill key (a commonly used Eb/Bb to be sure). To then get DOWN to this key I was actually (without being conscious of it) having to raise my thumb every time to get the index finger in place.
So be careful where your fingers wind up.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2012-04-26 16:59
If you use a neckstrap that hooks to the ring on your thumb rest, that could also help alleviate hand pain.
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2012-04-26 17:08
There are many thoughts and remedies as how to approach this problem and most are personal preference. I personally position my thumb rest so my thumb is on the same plane as my right hand index finger.
john b
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Author: mvjohnso
Date: 2012-04-26 17:49
I have the adjustable kooiman rest and I use a harness strap (for Bb soprano). I know that is overkill but inefficient fingers IMO are worse than looking square. The kooiman mostly just keeps my hand in the proper position, my thumb is actually in a bad spot to hold the horn in my current set up (w/o the harness I usually get pissed/lazy and let the bell rest on something).
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Author: Remus
Date: 2012-04-26 20:14
Thanks for the input, everyone! I've been thinking about investing in a neckstrap for a while; it sounds like something I should try.
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