 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-09-08 02:05
Thanks to a fellow BBoard contributor (Tony from Australia) for recommending the Ton Kooiman $40 thumb rest. I'd only seen the advertisements for the $250 ones and knew I'd never own one. I installed it in about 5 minutes yesterday and practiced today with it in place. My neck is loving the fact that I'm no longer playing with a neck strap that's holding up a heavy clarinet. My right thumb is loving the fact that the weight has been redistributed to right below the knuckle joint. The instructions mention NOTHING about adjusting the height of the side piece. Fortunately, I figured the screw that holds it in place must be there for some reason. Just tighten or loosen the long screw to adjust the height of the piece that goes over your thumb. What a great invention for those of us with terribly misshapen, arthritic old thumbs!
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2013-09-08 22:48
Another approach would be to form a floor support from below consisting of a stable base, an adjustable length vertical rod, and a compression spring attached to the rod and the center ring of the clarinet. This combination will support the instrument weight while allowing for some motion and varying hand finger pressures. ( I have not made one, but think it would be effective )
richard smith
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-09-09 01:20
Funny you should mention that. There USED to be something like that available for purchase. Unfortunately, it no longer is...but probably for a good reason. I had the opportunity to play an A clarinet last week. I forgot my neck strap so had to make do with what was available...an upside down garbage can...worked great:) I used the new thumb rest for 1 1/2 hours tonight. LOVED it. There was no need to "get used to it" as it felt "right" immediately.
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