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Etude Thumbrest question for those who use it

Author: Matt
Date: 2001-09-03 02:38

I just mounted my Etude TR onto my horn. Thus far, I'm not impressed. Why? Because I feel like there isn't a nice tight linkage between where my thumb rests behind the clarinet and the lower joint fingerings. The best example I can give is going from the alternate fingered Bb above the staff (using left/right index fingers) to the high C just above and back. Repeat as necessary, toss in the next up D for good measure. The clarinet just pivots in my hand as I play these notes. It's pivoting on the rest at the 2nd phalanx because my thumb isn't tight in the pocket that's designed for it. Unfortunately I can't seem to adjust any way to make it tight. So I'm looking for suggestions on what I'm doing wrong.

Help would be appreciated.

TIA,
Matt

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RE: Etude Thumbrest question for those who use it

Author: Anji
Date: 2001-09-03 22:26

I play the Maestro version, with a metal construction.

The Etude is inexpensive, and does tend to rotate with any kind of elbow swing.
I found the plastic kinda slick.

Mebbe put some 'moleskin' or padded material inside the curve for a more snug fit to fight the rocking motion.

The height needs to be carefully set with the adjusting screw, to minimize the extra motion you mention.

How far out from your sides are your elbows?
anji

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RE: Etude Thumbrest question for those who use it

Author: Matt
Date: 2001-09-04 11:34

Hello Anji:

My elbows are comfortably at my side. I like the idea of the moleskin.

Since I sent the original note out, I moved the mount one screw hole higher. That helped a lot. I'm still not 100% happy but getting much closer.

Thanks,
Matt

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RE: Etude Thumbrest question for those who use it

Author: Anji
Date: 2001-09-04 13:47

Hust so you have SOME frame of reference, I widdled the version I have for about 3 weeks until it felt solid. The TK people are a little vague when it comes to advice, prolly because everyone has a different 'reach' in the right hand.

Here's a cheat to try out to get the setting close, sitting upright clamp the bell of your horn between the knees (I don't recommend playing this way for long.) and move the horn around until the upper C plays with some stability.

This should be combined with your back being rather straight.

When you find this postion, set the height of the TK to allow the thumb and index finger to oppose playing Bb below middle C.

The 'wing' resting on your thumb can be rotated (a strength AND a weakness of the design) until you can reach the lowest RH keys. If you tighten the plastic set screws, take care... they're pretty soft and may break.

I would then use some poster putty above and below the wing assembly to keep the screws from backing out. LocTite or other adhesives are a bad mix with injection molded plastic.

If this doesn't provide complete comfort, it should match up well with a strap.

What I like best about the TK is the added bulk between my RH thumb and index finger, less squeeze required.

anji

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