 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-03 07:06
I found a wonderful little accessory today at the local music store. It is a GEL thumbrest cushion made by Protec. Made to fit standard thumbrests, the material easily stretches onto the over sized Buffet adjustable. It is slightly tacky (no slip) and is very, VERY comfortable (just like its sole insert cousin). It even has a lip on the outer edge to "hold you in."
Protec should get a design award for this !!!
AND.......... it's only 5 bucks !!!!!!
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-06-03 07:14
Then again, I take a package of pencil grips and cut them up to give to students as thumb rest cushions. Works great and is super cheap. I have used both the foam and gel type.
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-06-03 13:28
I get rubber fuel tubing and cut it into little pieces- super cheap, my students love it. As many of the student clarinets now have adjustable thumb rests (which I must say seem to create more problems than they solve) I often have to cut a little bit out of one side of the tube so it can fit over the upper bit of the thumb rest. (I know i didn't explain that well, but if you look at an adjustable thumb rest and imagine trying to fit a tube over it, you'll get what i mean)
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Author: Katfish
Date: 2014-06-03 17:31
I have trouble with my left little finger slipping off the B/C key, so I use a small velcro dot on the key. It gives me much more traction.
John Kahrl
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2014-06-03 18:40
I'll have to get one to try - it looks great! So far, I'm partial to the Ridenour thumb saddle:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Thumb.htm
I like the way it feels, and I also like the way it opens up my right hand - my fingers tend to move more efficiently when I use it. It slides on and off easily, so your clarinet still fits in the case. At $12.95, it's definitely worth a try.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2014-06-04 01:58
One thing that works well too is going to your local office supply store (staples, Office Depot, etc), and buying those little foam tubes meant to go around a #2 pencil to provide grip. It fits great on the thumbrest and you just cut the excess leaving a LOT left for other clarinetists!
http://www.staples.com/Pencil-Grip-Foam-Pencil-Grip-Multi-36-Pack/product_846134
That's a 36 pack, but you should be able to buy them at the store in little five packs for a few bucks.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-04 04:09
Very interesting Chris.......this IS an image of the Ridenour Thumb Saddle......hmmmm.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: RLarm
Date: 2014-06-04 04:12
Another cheap thumb rest is spear gun tubing. It is extremely cheap and lasts a long time. When it eventually breaks down just replace with another piece. Just cut a piece with scissors and put it over the thumb rest. It should take less than 10 seconds. I find that the black tubing lasts longer than the yellow. Go to a fishing supply store. They should have it in stock. Well at least in Hawaii it is very easy to find!
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-06-04 08:11
Chris,
That looks exactly like a Ridenour thumb saddle. Could this be a bit of piracy or perhaps rebranding?
Tony F.
I like the look of these which are on sale for £5:
http://www.howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/DutchThumbRest.jpg&pid=988399
Chris.
Tony F.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-04 16:38
David,
I am curious about the concern over "low" thumbrest position. The major issue with "lining up" for the right hand is to ensure that the index finger is no higher than the level of the last side key. If the index finger hovers HIGHER than the last side key, this can cause undue strain for the wrist/thumb trying to reach 'down' for the "Eb/Bb." If the index finger sits lower than the last side key, there is only more "reach" required.
.............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2014-06-04 23:51)
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