 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: igor
Date: 2005-06-12 02:11
Looking through the archives, I figure I am not alone. But I don't really practice all that long, maybe 2 hours a day total, 2-3 sessions a day with long breaks.
During the first few days I noticed that I was applying too much pressure.
You know, the left hand was kind of pushing down, and the right hand would have to push up the same to keep the balance, and my right thumb got pressed real hard on the barrel/thumbrest. I am not doing that anymore. I make sure the thumb is relaxed.
I find it strange that it is the thumb *tip* that is sore. Not the part that rests on the thumbrest. It feels both sore or numb, kind of like frostbite. Must have to do with blood circulation?
Considering that I am just starting I thought maybe this would pass with time just like the sore lip which is not a problem anymore.
Or is it something that is NOT going away by itself and will only get worse?
I heard about straps and custom rests and I will probably have to go that route. I am just curious what is going on with my thumb.
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-06-12 03:28
I haven't tried the thumbrest-cushion-things, but I have a neckstrap and it works great. More and more clarinetists are using neckstraps nowadays. BG makes a good one. Check out your local music store and see if they have them/or could order one for you.
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Author: b.roke
Date: 2005-06-12 03:51
i started playing clarinet for the first time in Jan. of this year at the age of 52.
after 2wks the pain had become a real hindrance to my learning and enjoyment and i had visible swelling in the base joint. i bought a ton kooinan etude thumbrest, and most of the pain, but none of the swelling, has disappeared.
i cannot play a clarinet with a conventional thumbrest for more than 5mins without severe pain.
i have not tried a neckstrap and am tempted to try both together. maybe then the swelling would go. maybe the neckstrap alone would be enough which would be great as it is more easily transferred from instrument to instrument.
things such as reversing the thumbrest and putting a pad on it are easy and also worth trying, though they did not work for me.
goodluck
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-06-12 03:56
You can buy like $1-2 cushions that help a little, but they always fall off of my clarinet somehow, so I've given up on those. It may help you though.
I actually just found my neckstrap in my basement a couple of days ago. My teacher told me to get one like 3 years ago because I would clench my clarinet. Mine is called a claricord and it has an elastic bungy thing around the neck. It's a little weird, but if you read Tom Ridenours concept of upward thumb pressure, it actually aides in that quite nicely. Also, it helps me the most when I'm standing up to play-that's where most of my thumb pain occurs.
My old teacher taught me that I could rest the bell in between my knees when I was playing sitting down. It helps me a lot, and it takes away most of the pressure off of my thumb.
You could (if you are 100% serious about the clarinet or have weak hands due to numerous reasons) buy a Ton Kooiman thumb rest. http://www.tonkooiman.com/
I would recommend the Maestro thumb rest (http://www.tonkooiman.com/fr%20TK%20ergonomics.htm) because it can be adjusted to YOUR hands and it has a lifetime warranty.
Good luck!!!!!!!
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Author: senior
Date: 2005-06-12 10:27
Here is the web page for a thumb saddle that I use. I find it to be very comfortable, because it is a thick cushion. You just slide it into place when you play and slide it back off when you put the clarinet back into the case. Takes less than a second.
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Thumb.htm
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2005-06-12 11:42
Another idea is a simple 1/2 inch piece of rubber tubing, probably sold at a hardware store. It's cushy enough to be comfortable and small enough to leave on, and tight enough to stay there.
Whatever you end up using, you shouldn't have to suffer in order to play.
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Author: joannew
Date: 2005-06-12 13:12
I think if the tip of your thumb, not the part that is in contact with the thumbrest that hurts, then it is likely a circulation problem. Look in the mirror as you play, to see what your hand position looks like, and compare it to pictures of other clarinettists to make sure it is a natural position.
The cusions are a good idea, as suggested above, but you can also try using an adjustable thumbrest (with cushion) to get yout hand into a more comfortable position. However, all the adjustable thumbrests I have seen only adjust down, not up, so you may want to get it installed at a higher position than the original.
I often use a neckstrap for at least part of my practice sessions. The elastic ones are quite comfortable and take most of the weight off your thumb, leaving you to concentrate more on your fingers.
Good luck!
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Author: igor
Date: 2005-06-12 19:44
In addition to the thumb tip, I noticed today that I have a very minor pain in joints when grabbing things. I totally need to take a break...
to b.roke:
My situation is similar to yours. I am 40 (actually 39 which sounds much better!) and I started a week ago... I don't know if it has to do with age but I find it very frustraring that even a few short exercises can create that level of discomfort!
Thanks, everyone!
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2005-06-13 03:50
I've been happy with little foam thumbrests I picked up on WWBW (bought 4 different kinds, this was the only one I found acceptable). It's the Herco, and runs $1.74 atm (IIRC, they send two for that price).
Look into using a neckstrap as well.
Loosen up, and work on your posture.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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