 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-03-19 11:52
I'm looking into getting a Strap for my B Flat Clarinet to relieve the pressure on my right thumb.
That said when I did an internet search I found multiple brands.
Would anyone recommend a particular brand that stands out?
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-03-19 12:07
Just as a side issue, I am aware that there are special thumb rests that take the weight from the single point to the thumb joint.
Never tried one but would like to see comments.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-03-19 17:14
"Just as a side issue, I am aware that there are special thumb rests that take the weight from the single point to the thumb joint.
Never tried one but would like to see comments."
I'm around the same vintage as you, and have arthritic thumbs. A couple of years back this became a problem, so I investigated some possibilities. First was the Ridenenour thumb saddle. This proved to be very good, but did not entirely solve the problem. I then tried the Ton Kooiman thumb-rest, and this is the answer. It transfers the weight of the instrument to the base of the thumb and distributes it through the palm of the hand. There are several models, from a low-cost basic model to complex and expensive models. As I just wanted to prove the concept I bought a couple of the basic low-cost models and find that they are all I need. I can play all day with one of these.
Tony F.
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-03-19 18:50
The Ton Kooiman sounds great!
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
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Author: muppie
Date: 2014-03-19 19:08
I tried the Ridenour thumb saddle... I find it too hard and painful on my thumb. The "rubber" that comes in contact with the thumb (the part that gets callus), is hard, and also curved down, thus further increasing its pressure.
I would rather not use thumb pad at all than using the ridenour thumb saddle.
My teacher has something that looks very similar to my ridenour thumb saddle but hers doesn't feel as hard although I only tried it briefly. I've been looking around for an alternative thumb saddle but so far I have only found the ridenour one. I didn't ask my teacher where she got hers.
I am currently using a BG thumb rubber and find it quite nice and soft.
I have a BG elastic leather strap that I sometimes use. I haven't gotten used to it yet because I feel like it's pushing the clarinet into my mouth (yes it's adjustable). It is slightly beter than not using a strap as it relieved some strain off my arm / hand after playing for a long time.
I am normally very fussy with the quality of things that I use, but I can say that this strap is of excellent quality and design. It comes with a rectangular leather thing that you would slip on to your metal thumb rest, and the strap hooks into this leather attachment. As a result, the strap's metal hook never touches the clarinet, so it is very safe and easy to get on / off. Your Clarinet doesn't need to have a strap hook at all.
If your problem is that your thumb gets sore, try the BG thumb rest rubber pad. It's only $5 from weinermusic - I know this because I'm getting a second one for my second clarinet so I don't have to keep switching it around.
Post Edited (2014-03-19 15:13)
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Author: muppie
Date: 2014-03-19 19:22
I just had a look at Ton Kooiman thumb rest. It looks very interesting, however, it seems that one must drill screw holes into the clarinet to install it.... hmmm
And holy cow the "Maestro2" costs over 200 bucks! The "etude3" is far more affordable at around 40 bucks... but... the drilling requirement turns me off.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-03-19 16:45
muppie wrote:
> I just had a look at Ton Kooiman thumb rest. It looks very
> interesting, however, it seems that one must drill screw holes
> into the clarinet to install it.... hmmm
>
and you can't take it off and it won't fit in case, right?
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-03-19 20:52
The guy who serviced my clarinet said that many thumb problems were due to the rest being too low down. Can be helped by repositioning it.
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Author: muppie
Date: 2014-03-19 16:59
I've been watching some youtube videos about this ton kooiman thumbrests... you screw a mounting place onto the clarinet which is a fairly flat piece. Then the main thumbrest can be attached / detached from this plate.
This is the Maestro version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrizoJZa4d4
This is the etude3 version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvQ8tnUByhY
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-03-19 21:41
Just a word on the Ridenour. For me it was the architecture that was the problem. Once I filed down the thumb contact area to be more of a flat platform, it works fine.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Claudia Zornow
Date: 2014-03-19 17:42
I started using a clarinet neckstrap about ten years ago when I developed tendinitis in my right biceps. I tried several different brands and styles and settled on the BG elastic strap, which gives me the most adjustability and freedom and interferes with my playing the least. I also tried the WeightLifter stand (which sits on the floor and has a spot to rest your bell on), but found I preferred the neckstrap.
Neckstraps aren't terribly expensive, so it might be worth buying a few and finding out what suits you best.
Claudia
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2014-03-19 17:43
Neckstrap: the best, IMO, is the BG neckstrap with the elastic cord.
Yes, thumbrests can be adjusted and augmented thumbrests can be employed...but before you spend that $$$ why don't you spend $30ish to try a neckstrap?
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2014-03-19 22:42
I have a Kooiman Maestro and love it. You slide it off easily to fit in case, and they give you 2 mounting plates, so you can mount the plate only on your Bb and A and switch quickly if needed. There are endless adjustments that you can make to personalize it, but I suggest getting someone you trust to install the plates - Brannen did mine. I find it really helps my hand position, in addition to helping my sometimes numb hands (which never go numb now).
That being said, I would still try the neckstrap first - the Kooimans aren't for everyone.
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Author: gkern
Date: 2014-03-19 22:58
I like the Protec cushion; very soft and larger than most. Thumb does not get sore at all during a 2 hour practice session. The Ridenour is really comfortable, but it is harder, and the thumb gets sore much quicker. If it were softer, that would be perfect.
Gary K
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Author: Wes
Date: 2014-03-19 23:49
About 20 years ago, I developed a tendonitis in the right arm from playing the clarinet. I would practice with the bell sitting on a box on the floor or on my leg.
Then I made several thumb rests from nickel silver to put the thumb higher on the clarinet which helped a little. I then realized that I could think of rotating my hand CCW while playing and that helped a lot! In addition, I started a ten minute regimen of running in place, stretching my limbs, and weight lifting. The problem is entirely gone long ago and never returned. Good luck!
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Author: MichelleAnderson
Date: 2014-03-20 01:20
I really like the BG neckstrap with the padded neck piece, and a slider to easily adjust the length. Personally, I prefer to rigid string over the elastic so that I can set it at a good length. However, if you move a lot when you play, the elastic version makes sense. This does take considerable weight off of your right hand, and helps to balance the instrument as well. I hope this helps!
Michelle Anderson - www.clarinetmentors.com
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Author: AAAClarinet
Date: 2014-03-20 01:34
I really liked the BG elastic. Had it for about a week, then my dog chewed it up. :(
AAAClarinet
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2014-03-20 19:05
For my saxophones I use expensive Neotech straps with substantial neck pads. But a clarinet is much lighter than a saxophone.
I'd go for the lightest adjustable length strap you can find. I use an old Selmer bass clarinet strap which has a narrow leather neck band and an adjustable-length non-elastic (and somewhat rigid with age) cord. I cut the cord to remove one of the two hooks and shorten it and then tied the two cut ends with a square knot.
It isn't pretty, but it fits in the accessory pocket of my clarinet case.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-03-20 15:11
"I just had a look at Ton Kooiman thumb rest. It looks very interesting, however, it seems that one must drill screw holes into the clarinet to install it.... hmmm
And holy cow the "Maestro2" costs over 200 bucks! The "etude3" is far more affordable at around 40 bucks... but... the drilling requirement turns me off."
"and you can't take it off and it won't fit in case, right?"
Not so. The Ton Kooiman thumb-rest uses the existing thumb-rest holes and screws, there is no necessity to drill the instrument. Fitting takes about 5 minutes and the thumb-rest slides off the mounting plate so that everything fits in the case exactly as normal. I found that the etude works OK for me.
Tony F.
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Author: Dibbs
Date: 2014-03-20 15:42
Have a look at the clarinet support from Wood Wind and Reed in the UK. Designed and manufactured by Daniel Bangham, it takes all the weight off the right thumb. You can play an open G with no hands.
Whilst I don't use a strap myself, I've tried this one and it really does do what it says on the tin. If I had thumb trouble it's definitely what I'd go for. A normal strap isn't very efficient on a clarinet.
http://www.wwr.co.uk/clarinet-accessories/pid89425/cid417/clarinet-support-to-suppliment-the-use-o.asp
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-03-20 20:37
The best thumb rest I ever tried: a clarinet strap.
For those finding the weight of their clarinet difficult on the right arm, often affecting the ease of right hand fingering, the best thumbrest in the world (at the risk of pointing out the obvious) only distributes weight better, not eliminates it.
I'm not anti thumb rest. Not all all. In fact strap and thumbrest changes often work well in unison. My point is that if the problem's your thumb, use a different thumbrest and possibly a strap. But if the problem's your arm, use a strap and possibly a different thumbrest.
BG does make a good strap. I like and use it.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2014-03-21 00:21
Add my vote to those who like their BG elastic neck strap. I adjust it so that it "floats" the mouthpiece right where I want it. That reduces the amount of "lift" you have to provide with your thumb.
You still have to push the horn away from your body with your right thumb.
The Koimann costs a lot, and I know a couple of folks who have not been able to make them work.
Bob Phillips
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2014-03-21 05:36
I got my BG neckstrap (the one with the elastic band, not the rigid band) at least 3 years ago. At first, I didn't think I'd ever like it, so I gave up on it until last year when my right thumb gave me the devil with pain. I then tried it again more or less from necessity I thought, this time vowing to give it at least a good week or so. Well, it didn't even take a week before I didn't want to play without it. Now it's just a part of playing the clarinet. I don't leave home without it!
Now, zero pain in the right thumb.
Hope this helps.
CarlT
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-03-22 04:25
I was having a lot of pain in my right thumb, so started using a strap. What ultimately happened was that I traded the pain thumb for neck issues;( The Ton Kooiman thumb rest was recommended to me by Tony, a member of BBoards from Australia who has replied to this post. I bought the one that costs $35 (Weiner Music) and LOVE it. It sits high up on the thumb, very close to the palm of my hand and takes all the pressure off my thumb. The neck strap was just not a solution for me. I'm also going to purchase one for my Eb. Best of luck.
Post Edited (2014-03-22 04:26)
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-03-22 04:28
There is NO need to drill into your clarinet. Simply remove the existing thumb rest and replace it with the Ton Kooiman plate that's provided. Then slide the thumb rest down over the plate. It clicks into place in a wide variety of positions so you can find the position that works best for you. It's highly adjustable. When you're done playing, just slide the click-on thumb rest off of the plate and store your clarinet as usual. Just don't forget to take the thumb rest to practices with you! The $35-$40 works just fine. No need to spend $200.
Post Edited (2014-03-22 04:33)
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-03-23 03:25
A good thumb rest should keep the neck strap off your buy list.
TAS
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-03-23 03:54
I know it's "wrong" but I just rest the clarinet on my knee. The thumb then has no weight on it and only has to stabilize the instrument.
To avoid acoustic damping I made a small attachment that raises the bell an inch or so above the knee and contains a foam strip to absorb drips.
I found that straps tended to get in the way of my left thumb and never quite seemed in the correct length for comfortable playing, however there are some devices ( I think S Fox makes one) that attach to body and enable a strap to be fixed further out and avoid the thumb conflict.
I agree with earlier post that most fixed rests are set too low and have moved all mine at least 1/4" upwards. Also gluing a thick pad of cork just below the rest seems to open up the hand and feels a lot more comfortable for me.
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-03-23 03:58
...provided its the portion of your thumb that makes contact with the thumb rest, or your thumb in general is the source of your grief. It its your arm, like me, the neck strap is necessary, and a good thumb rest can't hurt, but probably won't be necessary as well.
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Author: ruben
Date: 2014-03-23 21:55
I fully agree with Norman's solution: the clarinet between the knees. Of course, this precludes playing in a standing position, which is a drawback for playing with a piano. The audience doesn't like to see you sit through a recital. I find, like Norman, that my left thumb hits the strap with the neckstrap and I hate the sensation of the strap pulling on my neck. If there were some way of using a harness, like bassoonists use, resting on one's shoulders. I might get to work on that this week; it'll keep me off the streets.
I broke my wrist running after a bus about ten years ago and it is a wonder I can play at all. As it is, I'm not handicapped, but can no longer rest the instrument (it's a clarinet, by the way; not a horn) on my thumb.
The Dutch Kooiman thumb-rest feels to me like dancing with your leg in a cast.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-03-24 18:33
"The audience doesn't like to see you sit through a recital"
Ruben: I know you are a Professional player with considerable experience but I question if your comment is truly accurate. I feel pretty certain that when making an audition the judges might object to the player sitting but I wonder about audiences in general. Audiences might not like to see a pianist playing standing but then both Victor Borge and Jerry Lee Lewis did so successfully. Itzak Perlman plays violin sitting but he has a disability.....Oh, Uh, you do too. Accordionists play both ways as do some guitarists. Most players in ensembles play sitting. So...I wonder.
Bob Draznik
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Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-03-24 19:20
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WRT (with respect to) sitting or standing- about the time I restarted clarinet in 2010, I read an article about how standing jobs were more heart healthy than sitting ones, even if just in one place. And how some folks were elevating their computers etc so they could work standing, just in the interest of health. Maybe that got debunked later like so many things, I don't know. But that made me decide to stand for most of my practice time- especially since I expect to stand to play during concerts. And I've done that so much that I feel strange to play sitting down, though it is OK. Let's see, 5 hr/week x 52 wk/yr x 4 years = about 1000 hr standing when I could have been sitting, probably worth about 1 hr longer life, LOL.
I've had some RH thumb discomfort also. Sometimes toward the end of an hour of play, it's been bad enough to thoroughly distract me, no matter how hard I'm trying to concentrate on the music. Not- I'm sure- at the level some of you have experienced, for that I'm grateful. So I read this thread with interest. And I priced the Ton Kooiman at $40ish, it does look neat. And the Ridenour thumb saddle at $9. And a variety of cheap options on eBay, one of which was just some stiff foam padding to push over the existing thumb rest. And I thought, hey- I can do that myself. My photos show the result. 2 days later I'm comfortable and have already pretty much forgotten the issue. I used black shipping foam that came with something from eBay, and my favorite Marine Goop that holds securely but can always be removed without residue, so no permanent commitments. Net cost $0 plus maybe 15 min of fiddling. (Do violinists call goofing around with something "fiddling"- or perhaps "clarineting"?)
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
Post Edited (2014-03-24 19:27)
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Author: ruben
Date: 2014-03-25 00:24
Bob: I agree with everything you said, on second thought. Anyway, people are stuck with me sitting, because that's the only way I can play. the great Harold Wright also played sitting. I will not take this lying down though!
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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