 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-03-03 18:50
Well, you all are probably tired of hearing from me, but I am new and I find I have so many questions. On by R-13, I have a standard thumb rest. I have really small hands, and my fingers collapse partially because I can't reach the right pinky keys. I have read the articles about turning the thumb rest upside down, but this is obviously the opposite of what I need. I tried a friend's clarinet with an adjustable thumb rest, and it helped a great deal. My question is: Are there any good adjustable thumbrests that use the same holes as my standard thumb rest, or do I have to have it drilled. I know that drilling for thumb rests happens all of the time, but it makes me nervous, so if I can avoid it, then I will do that. Thanks.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-03-03 18:59
I use the Bay adjustable thumbrests and had the necessary holes drilled for instillation. My advice: adjustable thumb rests will be the solution to your problem and don't worry about the extra holes--they can always be filled in if you later decide to change again and you will never know they were there. Good Clarineting!!!
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-03-03 20:46
I personally don't care for any adjustable thumb rests on the market (the Bays are a good product) and had Mike Hammer drill 2 additional sets of holes in my R-13, 1 set above, and 1 set below factory. I use my standard thumb rest and manually change it to the height I feel most comfortable with at the time. If it's done right there shouldn't be any problem with splitting or cracking.
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Author: anna
Date: 2002-03-03 21:43
what's the bay like compared to the buffet adjustable?
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2002-03-04 08:39
Get an instrument repairer to fit one and fill the original holes. A good one to try is the Loree Dutch Thumbrest which is ideally for oboes but adjusts and has a hook for a strap.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-03-04 23:33
One can also ask a skilled repairman to make a new thumbrest out of a piece of nickle silver or silver sheet, making the thumb rest occur where you want it. He/she can make it so that the holes fit the original holes. One can save the original thumb rest in case the instrument is sold and no new holes need be butchered into the instrument. The drilling of new holes into a fine wood instrument should be avoided. Good luck!!
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Author: Tabitha Mori
Date: 2002-03-05 09:56
Melanie
I don't know how old you are, but I also have small hands. Your hands may still have a chance to grow. When I started learning I did not have the option of adjustable thumbrest and so I just learnt to play with a smaller hands. I do have adjustable thumbrests on both of my clarinets now and still as an adult my pinky fingers fall on the keys on my A.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-03-05 20:14
Melanie -
You can experiment with lowering your thumb position at no cost. Take the cork from a wine bottle. Cut a piece about 1/2 inch long. Turn that piece on end and cut it lengthwise about 1/3 of the way across. Take the larger of the two remaining pieces (the 2/3 piece of the 1/2 inch piece) and cut a lengthwise "V" shape in flat part so it will fit around the body without wobbling. Attach it to the bottom of the thumb rest with Scotch Tape and experiment by shaving off bits at the bottom until you feel comfortable. I suspect you'll end up with something 1/4 inch long or less.
Then you can go to a repair shop and have them sand the piece of cork to fit perfectly and glue it in place.
It's easier than fixing reeds, and you'll be able to set it so it suits you exactly.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-03-05 21:08
Tabitha, I wish it was true that my fingers could still grow, but unfortunately, I am 22, and I don't think that will happen. The main reason for wanting to adjust the position of my hand is because with my fingers stretched to reach the keys, they collapse and lock. This severely affects my finger movement.
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