 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-01-11 22:26
I now use the Kooiman plastic thumb rest and like it quite a bit. The only problem I seem to have is that my thumb slides around a little. This thumb rest is a generic "one size fits all". I am considering buying the Kooiman Maestro which is made of metal and adjustable. I would like any opinions on the merits of the metal one over the plastic, besides the strength.
Thanks!
Jim
www.bajaseafaris.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-01-11 23:30
If the Maestro is the one that looks like Robo Cop, then that one is great. Of course the whole gizmo slides off a plate that is installed on to the clarinet (competent repairmen only) so that you can actually fit the clarinet back into the case. If you don't have a large storage area in your case, the "gizmo" needs to be carried elswhere.
Two "thumbs up!!"
................Paul Aviles
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2006-01-12 08:06
The Maestro is a great Thumb rest, but it takes a while before it stands exactly the way you like... it took me about 3 months to find the right angle!
It's adjustable in height, can be moved to the left or the right and of course the arm that rests on your thumb can be moved in every direction.
It's great how it "removes" the pressure of my thumb. I was able to use my fingers fast again and I look like Robo Cop now...
I can highly recommend this thumb rest! It hasn't got the looks, but works very well.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2006-01-12 11:40
I found the plastic slick, too.
I put a piece of "Moleskin" padding in the hook and it's snug (and soft!).
The moleskin has an adhesive coating that will allow for easy fitting.
You should be able to find a small packet under the "Dr. Scholl's" brand in the pharmacy near the footpowders...
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2006-01-12 13:50
I use the maestro on my Bb and the etude on my A. The maestro is much better, it does not slide and offers many more adjustments for your hand position. On the other hand buying a neckstrap is much cheaper and will help you as well.
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-12 15:40
I have an inexpensive (US-made) alternative for you. Try Tom Ridenour's "Thumb Saddle." I think it costs around $10. You can read about it and order it on his Web site. There's nothing to do to your instrument. It just slips over the metal thumb rest. My opinion, after using it for more than a year, is that it is by far the best thumb support ever developed. It opens up the hand, which greatly facilitates right-hand technique. I find it very comfortable. Hard to understand why manufacturers have never come out with a similar device. Kudos to Mr. Ridenour.
Good luck
Post Edited (2006-01-12 15:42)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-01-12 15:51
The only time a thumb rest has a function is when one plays in a standing position. If you only play sitting down then just leave the original equipment in place and rest the bell on your knees for support. Why do we continue to try to work around an artifact that is disfunctional.....except for Marching Bands and Soloists. It's time for clarinet players to Arise....and sit down.....throw away your thumb rests along with your bras.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-12 16:04
I respectfully disagree. The right-hand thumb performs the important function of keeping the mouthpiece in the mouth by way of a gentle upsweep toward the embouchure. If one rests the instrument on the knees, and becomes dependent on this position, the right-hand thumb becomes lazy, and things rapidly start to fall apart. The best solution is always to practice standing up and to play "standing up" (i.e. in a erect position) even when seated.
Cheers
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-01-12 16:47
BobD wrote:
> you only play sitting down then just
> leave the original equipment in place and rest the bell on your
> knees for support. Why do we continue to try to work around an
> artifact that is disfunctional...
The same reason you beieve that all bodies must be proportioned the same. I cannot rest the clarinet on my knee unless I get in a very uncomfortable position.
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-01-12 18:19
BobD wrote:
> you only play sitting down then just
> leave the original equipment in place and rest the bell on your
> knees for support. Why do we continue to try to work around an
> artifact that is disfunctional...
I play jazz and I could never picture myself playing with the bell resting on my knees sitting down. I do like to play sitting because I amplify my horn with a mic on the music stand, but I do like to move around a little.
Thanks for all of the input. It is always interesting and I do love the different opinions. I always like to preface my coments with, "This is what works for me"
Cheers,
Jim
PS I did see the other saddle type thumbrest after I bought the Kooiman Etude. I feel that the Etude would offer more support. The only real way to know would to do a side by side comparrision.
www.bajaseafarsis.com
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-01-12 18:42
I bought a Ridenour thumb saddle instead of a Kooiman thinking it would be an OK option. I have an R13 and when the thumb saddle went on my thumb rest there was this huge gap inbetween the saddle and the body of the clarinet. So, I found an old sock and cut it to fit the back of the thumb saddle and I glued it on (2-3 layers of sock) the back of the saddle. Now there is not gap but I have this problem with the saddle falling off of my thumbrest. It slowly slides off and then falls to the ground which becomes horribly distracting and annoying. Also, the sort of seam on the rubber stuff from the saddle itches my finger. Some may like it, but I don't.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-12 18:58
A simple solution if you still want to use the Thumb Saddle. Put a piece of double-sided tape on the curved, inner face of the Saddle (that's the part that touches the body of the clarinet). It will stay in place that way and you shouldn't have any more problems.
Best of luck.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-01-12 19:02
Paul-
The problem is that there is space between the R13 body and the back of the saddle. That's where the sock came in. I don't think double sided tape would stick to a sock...any other solutions?
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Author: susieray
Date: 2006-01-12 19:12
I bought six thumb saddles from Tom Ridenour over a year ago when he offered them for $6 each with free shipping. I believe they are $11.95 now, but I think they are still worth it. I really like them, and am much more comfortable playing with one than without. I really notice right away if I forget to put it on. I have never had any trouble with them falling off my thumbrest. I don't think they do the same thing that the Kooiman Maestro does though, which is to take some of the weight off the thumb. I've never had problems with thumb or wrist pain, so the Ridenour works fine for me.
In regards to Bob D's comment... little short people like Mark would probably have to lean WAY back in order to rest their bell on their knees which would be really awkward. On the other hand, I have the opposite problem and would have to lean forward in order to do that. I really like to sit up nice and straight when playing.
Sue
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-12 19:27
I too have R13s and the double-sided tape works perfectly for me. But my metal thumb rest -- the one that comes with the clarinet -- is the standard one. Is yours a fancy, adjustable thumb rest? If so, maybe that's what is causing the gap that your describe. It seems to me that the Thumb Saddle is configured to interface with the curved body of the clarinet. In other words, I having a bit of trouble visualizing your problem. I do believe you, though.
Cheers
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-01-12 22:34
Paul-
Yes, mine is the adjustable one so it creates this gap. The sock glued on has fixed the gap, and I even tried to get it so it retain some sort of fixing to it, but the saddle keeps wanting to slide off. It fits well on the Yamaha Allegro though (well, before I glued the sock on it).
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-13 12:59
Carrie,
I would suggest that you ask your local repairman to replace your adjustable thumb rest with a standard one. This will solve your problem.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2006-01-13 19:28
The adjustable thumb rest and Ridenour's thumb saddle do two different things. The former enables you to adjust the device with which you support the instrument up or down. The latter increases the circumference of the instrument, opening the hand and facilitating technique, but remains fixed and cannot be moved up or down.
I suppose you look at the benefits of both and choose.
My opinion is that the benefits of adjustment are less important. I mean, how often do you adjust your thumb rest? Most likely you find the position that feels best to you and leave it there.
As I mentioned, if you wanted to use the thumb saddle, you could remove your adjustable thumb rest and replace it with a standard thumb rest, taking care to install it in the most comfortable (adjusted) position. Then slip on the thumb saddle and away you go. If the adjustable rest leaves unsightly screw holes on the instrument, you could leave them as is, cover them with black electrical tape, or have them filled in.
Cheers,
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