 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rgoldem
Date: 2009-09-06 11:44
I am looking for a new thumb rest for my clarinet in order to make it more comfortable in my hands. One of the options I am considering is an adjustable thumb rest for English horn that I found at www.rdgwoodwinds.com/adjustable-thumbrest-english-horn-p-832.html. However, I am not sure it will work on the clarinet and will appreciate suggestions from more experienced people. Thank you.
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2009-09-06 11:50
I use the Kooiman adjustable thumb rest - when I bought a cheaper student clarinet with the usual metal bit that sticks out, I found I couldn't get a grip on it! I bought another Kooiman for it and it fits straight into the holes already there, so you don't need to fiddle about (though I have been told it may need a bit of araldite if it shifts - so far it hasn't).
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-09-06 14:25
If the placement of the current thumb rest is acceptable, you can save a great deal of money by simply purchasing one of Tom Ridenour's Thumb Saddles for less than $15 USD. They last a fairly long time and make the clarinet much more comfortable to play. They require no modifications of the clarinet, itself. When the rubber finally comes apart, it's cheap to replace it with another.
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Thumb.htm
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2009-09-06 14:26)
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Author: William
Date: 2009-09-06 15:11
I have some Bay custom thumb rests on my set of Leblanc Concerto's and currently have a couple of Selmer adjustable rests on my Buffet R13's. I have also used small sections of rubber tubing just slipped over the stack rests and that is comfortable. However, I have really never had any problem with the stock rests--strong rh digit, I guess.
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2009-09-08 15:12
I'll follow up and say that the Thumb Saddle is great. I'm using it on my Oboe and Clarinets. Going to buy one (or 2) more so I don't have to switch them back and forth on my Clarinets, and possibly leave one in my Oboe Case.
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2009-09-10 17:45
I recommend the Kooiman metal Etude II (not the plastic Etude). Very comfortable and easy on my arthritic thumb. Also the Ridenour thumb saddle.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-09-10 18:40
Being an advocate for the "upside down", T R with a rubber "cushion", I've delayed joining in. You could likely determine where a comfortable T R should be located, by puting your thumb On Top of the present T R, with additional support of course, or just inverting your TR , which usually raises the level some 3/8". Hope this may help in decision and adjustable TR selectiom. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2009-09-11 01:19
Another vote for the Ridenour Thumb Saddle. Cheap, durable, a no-brainer to use, inconspicuous, and puts your hand in a very comfortable and correct position. I use it on my oboe, English Horn, and clarinets. My (very traditionally correct) teacher even liked it!
Susan
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-09-11 11:20
Those are all very good suggestions. I have a student with a Kooiman rest and it does feel great when I try it, never tried the others mentioned. You can also go to a hardware store and buy a piece of tubing, usually you have to buy at least a foot, may cost you a buck or two. Cut off the length your want and place it over the thumb rest you now have and see if that makes it more comfortable. That's what I always did before getting a new clarinet with an adjustable thumb rest. I also had all of my thumb rests lowered to take the stress off of my right hand playing the pinky keys. I know many players have the rest raised but I find it to my advantage going the other way. I all depends of the stress in your hand. Yeas ago I tried a students clarinet that had that done and I loved it so I had my rests lowered because it felt so comfortable for me. It brings the pinky closer to the lower keys. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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