 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2010-08-18 23:56
I just bought an R13 Prestige from John Weir yesterday, and it's so great! The sound, response, evenness of the scale, intonation, everything is wonderful.
I'm not sure, though, how to figure out where the right spot for the thumb rest is. I've never had an adjustable one before, so I haven't a clue.
Also, I'm already finding the left hand Eb/Ab useful, but I'd like it to become more instinctual. Any suggestions for studies or exercises that put particular emphasis on Eb/Ab? I'm trying to incorporate it into my warm-up with chormatic scales, but I can't think of anything else.
Thanks!
Post Edited (2010-08-18 23:57)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2010-08-19 00:49
"Also, I'm already finding the left hand Eb/Ab useful, but I'd like it to become more instinctual."
E major up and down first octave.
F# major up and down first octave.
Rose Etude 31 in Db major will also put it immediately to use.
Have fun!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-08-19 02:17
Scales and chords and 3rds 3 flats and more. Start with the thumb rest as it is and then experiment every day or so with it a little lower until you find the perfect spot. I keep it very low, even had it extended for my hand but most players like it high. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-08-19 14:42
For me, the key to the thumbrest is where your right index finger sits. Your right index finger should be able to hover just over the last sidekey. If this finger is comfortable over the second trill key or higher, then you need to move the thumbrest down so that your index finger will be lower.
Now, I've played horns where my index finger was below the trill keys and that seemed to be ok, the issue above though can lead to carpal tunnel.
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2010-08-20 05:38
The best position for the thumbrest is what feels most comfortable to you. I know players who put the Buffet adjustable thumbrest the lowest, some the highest and some re-install it even higher. I've seen people with about the same hand and finger size as me who preferred a completely different position.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-08-20 10:13
Dear clarnibass
..........yes, but............
I am actually living this issue.
I have had the thumbrest opposite the top of the second tone hole for YEARS !!!! Now I have it in the middle of the first tone hole......GAD !!!
What's the difference between the two?? Originally I let my thumb sag naturally with the weight of the horn; the thumb angles from palm to tip pointing towards the floor. Recently (thanks to an article pointed to on this board) I read a teaching guide by Elsa Ludwig-Verder of MSU who clearly states that she has her students support the weight on a thumb angled in such a way that from palm to tip the thumb is angled towards the ceiling. At first I thought this beyond odd. However, there is strength in this posture in that the skeletal structue of the entire right hand and arm are engaged this way (as opposed to thumb out strictly horizontally).
Ok, there is a bit more muscle needed for this attitude of the thumb but there are benefits........... and the thumbrest, out of necessity needs to be raised quite significantly since your sidekeys are now further up and away from your index finger.
.....................Paul Aviles
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2010-08-20 15:48
I met John Weir at Clarinetfest in Kansas City a few years ago. My impression of him is that he is very knowledgeable and helpful. I'll bet, if you went to him, he would be happy to help you find a thumb rest position that makes sense for you.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2010-08-20 17:54
Paul's thumb rest advice makes a lot of sense.
But more than that, a hearty congratulations on your new Prestige!!
Over the past few years, as I recall, you've discussed your clarinet and mouthpiece acquisitions and you've had some good luck with both. This new purchase sounds like the right clarinet at the right time.
Best of luck.
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2010-08-20 18:03
My bass clarinet has the extra left hand Eb/Ab key. Just start using the key on slow passages where it does not really matter which hand you use. That gets your finger used to finding the key.
After that, use of the key is automatic. If you hit a passage where your right little finger is down, and the next note is an Eb or Ab, your left hand will find that key. And people without the key will mutter, "I need one of those."
I'll let you determine if this recommendation is biased by me being left handed.
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2010-08-20 21:10
Thanks for the advice! I've found a good spot for the thumb rest now. The reason I didn't go to John is because both he and my teacher are a three hour drive away. I went there to pick out a clarinet, but I can't just hop back for advice, unfortunately.
And weberfan, thanks for remembering little ol' me! It does indeed seem like the right clarinet at the right time. My old Imperial 926 Bb has been having some issues for a while, and after just a few days with this new clarinet I can already tell there's going to be vast new vistas of clarinetting that I'll be able to explore.
And as I go off to university in (gasp!) 13 days, I'd like to thank everyone who has given me advice in the past few years; I really feel like I'm a better clarinetist and musician for it. Hopefully in a few years I'll be knowledgeable enough to in turn help out!
Post Edited (2010-08-20 21:13)
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