 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mags1957
Date: 2006-09-25 21:04
I have done a search on Kooiman, and I have read other threads, but I want to ask a slightly different question concerning the Kooiman Maestro thumb rest. Please only respond if you have tried both the Etude and the Maestro thumb rest.
I have a slight case of carpal tunnel, and thought I would give the Kooiman a try - I figured at $26 it was a worthwhile experiment. Well, I liked the Etude a lot (once I got used to it), but I had the same problem that others have had - the screws started to wiggle a lot, to the point where I couldn't trust it at all, AND the part that actually touches your thumb had some play in it as well. I couldn't tell from the website or instructions whether this was intentional or not.
Now for the questions: I have read where the quality of the Maestro is far superior to that of the Etude, and I'm sure the quality issues will be fine if I try the Maestro. What I'm wondering specifically about is the hand position. Does the Maestro feel substantially different than the Etude? If you were blindfolded would you know which one was which? Did you have your technician set it up? If so, did the technician also do the adjustments, or did you trust yourself to adjust it correctly? Are the Kooimans well thought of/ respected? Will some"top" technicians sneer at me if I ask them to put it on?
I know, a lot of questions - My hand did feel better when I played the Etude, and when I got used to the hand position I actually did prefer it. I switched back to my old thumbrest ( because of the wiggle issue) and WOW I noticed more of a difference then when I first put on the Etude. I'm ready to spend the money on a Maestro - just want to make sure I have all the info.
Thanks,
Marty
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2006-09-25 21:53
I have an etude on my A and a Maestro on my Bb.
I like the Maestro better.
1- The Maestro feels different than the Etude. It is more stable and has less play.
2- Yes, I would be able to tell the difference blindfolded. They are made of different material and the Maestro is almost infinitely adjustable so the position on my Bb is different.
3- I installed it on my Bb, but if I had to do it again I woudl go to a tech. However, the fine adjustment are best done by the player.
4- It took me about a week to find a comfortable position and 2 weeks to really get used to it.
5- Kooiman is well respected, but the neckstrap is cheaper and does the same thing.
6- Many technicians sell the product and I have not heard of one snearing at it.
Also consider the cheaper solution of the neck strap, works quite well.
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: libera_clarinet
Date: 2006-09-27 04:18
I have the maestro on both my A and my Bb clarinets. I think it's one of the single best clarinet-related decisions I have made, and I would highly recommend it. I used the lower model Etude first, but I had a LOT of trouble with it, although the changes I felt in hand position were great. The main problem was frailty. The plastic thumb "holder" kept breaking, which is quite inopportune if it happens before a concert (trust me). Thus, given the fact that I loved what it did for my hand position - not to mention relaxation and longevity! - I decided to buy the Maestro.
As Sylvain states, it does feel different from the Etude, but in a good way. You can adjust it in so many different places - it allows for you to find a truly comfortable position for your hand. I highly recommend going to a tech as well, and have one piece of advice - tell the tech that you need the plates installed in the same place on both of your clarinets (assuming you have an A and a Bb)!! Mine were attached in slightly different places, and it resulted in some slight awkwardness while playing my A. I've since bought a second thumbrest, though, which will work out better for faster switches anyway.
It does take time to find a comfortable position, but don't worry - it will happen. It's important to conform the thumbrest to your relaxed hand, and adjust one joint on a time.
So, I'd highly recommend the Maestro, especially if you thought the Etude was an improvement. It is an investment, but for me, it has definitely paid off!
-- Matt
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Author: charlie_star_uk
Date: 2006-09-28 14:33
I can not recommend the maestro enough. It takes a while to get the positioning correct but once you have it is brilliant.
A technician fitted it on the instrument for me and me and my dad mucked about with the positioning. I find it encourages a more rounded shape in the hand.
It feels very different from the etude but def in a very positive way.
Definitely worth the expense.
Charlie
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Author: denner22
Date: 2006-09-30 09:33
Take the time to set up the Maestro properly and it will pay dividends in much less stress on your hand and thumb. I recommend the Maestro rather than the cheaper Etude, as several poeple I know have had problems with the Etude breaking.
David
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2006-09-30 17:11
I have been using the Maestro for about 4 years. I used to play sax and I had pain in my neck, back, numb hands!!, you name it. After switching to Clarinet, I tried the Etude and then the Maestro.
The Maestro is the best. I can practice for any length of time with no pain at all. I does take getting used to, but the pay off is amaizing.
I liked it so much that I started to import Kooiman products here in Japan.
Best of health to you,
Sky
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Author: Mags1957
Date: 2006-10-01 18:45
Thank you all for the help. I've ordered a Maestro, and will have it put on by a reputable tech.
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