The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Jean
Date: 2002-12-12 13:20
A few weeks ago I wrote asking about ganglian cysts since it is a medical condition musicians are often afflicted with. Here is the update. Mine is in an unusual spot, behind my kneecap. On December 20th I will go under the knife and will be in the hospital a couple of days. Yes folks, "I'll be home for Christmas...." The doctors had originally hoped to "scope" the knee, but that is out of the question due to the size and location of the cyst.
I know this is off-topic, but so many of you have been so kind in the past. If you could send some positive vibes towards the Twin Cities I would be very appreciative. I have a new clarinet coming soon and sure hope to play it before next Friday.
The next question is this: "How the heck do I carry my bass clarinet while on crutches?" Does anyone sell some sort of backpack type mechanism? I'm not young and cute anymore so getting some strong fellow to carry my horn won't be easy to do. But wait, I'm middle-aged and cute, maybe I can still manage some help. On the bright side, I will have a handicapped sticker for several months, so parking near the building for rehearsals and performances won't be an issue.
Let me be the first to wish all of you a joyous holiday season. Hope you get a chance to hear/play some great music. As for me I have some fabulous b.c. parts on Resphigi's "Church Windows" and "The Nutcracker" this weekend.
Jean
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark S.
Date: 2002-12-12 14:16
Check out Frederick Weiner and the WW/BW -- they've got some light cordura-wrapped cases with backpack straps that should fit the bill for you.
Good luck with the procedure!
Mark
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jen L.
Date: 2002-12-12 16:12
Good luck with the operation!
Is your bass standard or low C? Bam makes a low C case with backpack straps, shoulder strap, and built-in raincoat that I've had for about a year. I adore mine, it's lighter fully-loaded than my original (30-year-old) Leblanc case was empty. The backpack rides high so you can still sit down while wearing it, the backpack straps tuck away neatly when not in use, and there's also a waist strap for added stability. The amount of storage space isn't fantastic, but neither is it horrible. The outside music pocket expands, so it has wound up being my general "stuff" pocket.
I think it's on the pricey side--mine was a present from a very generous Santa--but for me well worth it.
All the best for a speedy recovery,
Jen L.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2002-12-12 16:57
I'd like to return the happy holiday wishes to you, as well as other BB'ers, Jean and hope your operation does the job and your recovery goes well.
I'd carry your bass clarinet for you, anytime, anywhere:) But, until that very unlikely occurance, let the flute section to help you. They have it about as easy as it gets. They might be even more appreciative of you when they discover what you have to put up with to get there
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2002-12-13 12:07
"....ganglian cysts since it is a medical condition musicians are often afflicted with"
How does this affect musicians more than other people?
I just hope this thread does not set a precedent for writing about all our various ailments!! :-)
I have quite a number which remotely relate to clarinet playing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jean
Date: 2002-12-13 13:59
Gordon,
I had originally asked if people knew about them because they are often found on people's wrists and wondered if anyone knew how they were treated. It apparently can be caused by repetitive motion that is why musicians are often affected.
I am not going to apologize for asking, and you should be ashamed for being a jerk. The surgery I am having will put me out of commission for a very long time and will make it difficult for me to transport instruments. Since when is asking this group if they know of a better to carry an instrument out of line?
And yes, I am more than a little scared about having this surgery and the lasting affects. Would I like a little empathy from people who have on this board in the past been so kind? You had better believe it.
May you and everyone else be blessed with good health. Unfortunately for me I have a list of health concerns a mile long.
Jean
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clare
Date: 2002-12-15 08:13
Jean
To add to Jen's post, BAM make their lightweight cases for both types of Bass, Eb & low C, but she's right they're pricey (c.£250 GBP). Fel/Gewa also do lightweight cases (same price). Haven't tried the bass ones, but their Bb cases are adaptable so you can carry either as a shoulder bag or as a back pack.
Good luck with the operation and the subsequent hopping & carrying of cases.
Clare
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David
Date: 2002-12-15 20:45
Good luck. I respect your application.
I just wimped out and played at home when my GSXR-11 decided to get a little medieval on my ass (or my leg, to be more precise...) I only went back to band and orchestra when I was down to one crutch, leaving the other mitt free for the case.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|