 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-11-19 22:44
Blessed with a "C" clarinet recently I thought I might have to send it to my grandson early. He has been promised it when I kick off. My arthritis has flared up preventing me from "cupping" my wrist to maintain a good hand position on the keys. Couldn't keep the right hand in position on this smaller beauty. I seem to have no (or less) trouble on my Bass, because of the huge spread and my big fingers. My "C" is a Buffett E-11 which has an adjustable thumb rest. After trying this with it pushed all the way back, I noticed it also has a good fitting for a neck strap built into the thumb rest. Got out a Ray Hyman Sax Strap, single hook, and it not only fit, it worked. I can slack off the pressure of my right hand and get back to playing.
So you don't have an E-11? See if you can get some fitting that will allow you to use a Neck strap. I poo-pooed them for years, now I am most happy to be able to support them as they support my hand and wrist.
Bob A
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-11-20 14:27
Bob -
A physical therapist who specializes in musicians can help a lot.
I've tried several neck straps. The elastic BG has a nice leather flap with a slit in it that fits over a standard thumb rest, but I didn't care for the bouncy elastic. I ended up getting a Neotech Soft Strap sax neckstrap -- see http://www.wwbw.com/search/?src=neck+strap&x=12&y=7 -- which has a wide, comfortable padded collar, removing the sax hook and putting on the BG leather flap.
I tried the Fhred stand at a convention, but found it "tippy," at least for the version that attaches to your belt. The floor-standing version may be better. See http://quodlibet.com/FHREDFrames.html.
Finally, don't rule out key alterations. The oboist Josef Marx had severe rheumatic arthritis, which made his finger joints swell up the size of large marbles. He had his keywork extended and played quite well.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-11-20 17:21
You can purchase the Buffet adj. tr with strap hole fitting from Jeanne's(or any auth.Buffet dealer) around $25. Expect to possibly have to fill one screw hole and drill/ and? tap another to fit it.
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Author: Sandee
Date: 2002-11-22 15:58
My problem is pain from holding the clarinet up. I've begun using a couple of 2X4 blocks stacked on my upended case, to support the weight of the clarinet. It works, and I can alternate with resting the horn on my knee.
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