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Re: Why adjustable thumb rest?!

Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2020-11-21 14:57

Concerning the "ideal" positioning of the thumb for each player, how about using a completely relaxed hand (without holding a clarinet) and the position of the thumb in relation to the index finger at that state as a starting point? In my case the bottom surface of my thumb is then more or less in line with the left surface of my index finger (when looking at the "upside" of my hand). Thus not the right surface, which is where the usual thumb rest position forces it. By the way, the former is also how the l.h. thumb is positioned in relation to the l.h. index finger while playing, since the tumb hole is a bit higher up than the first finger hole.

In practise this means that my r.h. thumb is most relaxed when I place it on top of the existing thumbrest, instead of below it. In my case this placement also eases up the movements of other r.h. fingers, and recently I've actually started playing this way - supporting the bell with my knee and using a neckstrap.

This way the thumbrest of course becomes useless as a support of the instrument, but I've been considering moving it about 2 cm upwards (good input from Chris about the socket, since I've been wondering how much margin there should be between the socket end and the thumb rest screws).

Those of you who have gotten problems from a higher than usual r.h. thumb placement, how is the relative position of your thumb and index finger when your hand is relaxed and not holding a clarinet? Does a higher than usual thumb rest position "force" your thumb away from where it's relaxed?

Post Edited (2020-11-21 15:47)

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Why adjustable thumb rest new

mamanvatsa

2020-11-17 17:01