 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jim
Date: 1999-04-24 02:15
Hello everyone,
I'm still a novice so I could be wrong on this but my thumb rest feels like it's mounted too low and I'm wondering if there is any rule of thumb for where they are to be located. I have seen adjustable ones so I guess there must be some leeway as to what the proper positioning is. My question is: If I simply remove it, then turn it over and screw it back into the same holes, it will be probably about 1/2 inch higher which might work out for me. Does anyone see any problem with doing this?...other than the fact that the bend in the thumb rest would then be opposite of how it normally is.
Thanks very much,
Jim
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 1999-04-24 12:21
If you are like me and have a large hand, the thumb rest is usually too low. You can get the adjustable thumb rest, which usually cost over $100 and have it mounted OR you can invert it as you have stated. I used to play my clarinet that way for years. The only problem is cork or piece of latex tubing placed on the now "down" side helps with the contour. Another low budget option is to figure out the best position for the thumb rest and have it moved by a technician. I've done this many times for players (as well as myself). The old screw holes can be filled with grenadilla so as not to be noticed.
J. Butler
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Author: Katherine Pincock
Date: 1999-04-24 14:35
As mentioned, thumbrests are often too low, and you've got good instincts! It took me a lot longer to figure out that was a real problem for me. The rule of thumb I found worked was that the thumb should ideally be directly opposite the position of the first finger. It's not exact, but it gives you a starting point. Rather than invert the thumbrest you have, I'd suggest going to a technician and getting them to put in an adjustable thumbrest quite a bit higher up the horn--then you have room if your hand position changes, and you can make tiny adjustments that may make things much more comfortable (I discovered myself this summer what a difference a millimetre could make.) There's an adjustable model out there for about $20 Canadian, and installation takes about half an hour, so I'd say it's worth it. Hope this helps you out!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-04-24 14:58
I have done the inversion method on both my Selmer and LeBlanc pro cl's, and have purchased the "slotted" thumb cushions [at $1 each] to compensate for the curvature. I discovered the problem some time ago when I had difficulty rapidly pressing the right little finger low E/B key without touching the F/C key above. I intend to do this [if needed] on my alto and bass, or get the adjustables. Don
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Author: Jim
Date: 1999-04-25 05:11
Thank you everyone for your very helpfull responses to my post. After posting my message I went ahead and remounted my thumb rest upside down and it did indeed feel more natural with regard to my thumb position however the part of the thumb rest which the screws go through absolutely drives me crazy. It is very annoying and feels like it would give me a blister given enough time. So I believe I'll take your advice and either have it relocated by my wonderful clarinet repair man or else have him mount an adjustable one like he has on his own clarinet.
Thanks again,
Jim
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Author: SeAn
Date: 1999-04-25 08:13
where can you find adjustable thumbrest??
thanx
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