 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-04-16 17:29
Does anyone know if a Clarinet rest stand exists?
The main issue is taking the weight off the right thumb.
Like everyone else I've tried rubber thumb rests, straps as well as resting the the Clarinet on my knees and thighs.
And really none of these things work as well as I would like.
I sit in a Windsor Chair when practicing.
I've noticed if I sit up perfectly straight I can rest the Bell on the front protuberance of the chair.
Its a little awkward however
That said I got to thinking wouldn't it be nice to have a small stand of sorts to place in front of the chair to support the clarinet.
It would need to be about 18 inches high and could have a flat piece on the top with nonskid rubber to allow the Clarinet Bell to rest on it.
99% of my playing is just sitting there, so something like this could come in very handy.
This could work maybe with the base of a music stand.
Does anyone have an idea for making something like this?
Or maybe something like this exists already?
Post Edited (2014-04-16 17:33)
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-04-16 18:59
I posted an almost-identical BBoards question a year ago. If you can find that strand, you can read through it. There USED to be a stand available to rest your clarinet on, but it's no longer in production. It was suggested I try a neck strap, but that only transferred the pain to my neck. Ultimately, I purchased a Ton Kooiman Etude 3 and it solved the problem. Unfortunately, it doesn't solve the problem for everybody. For a mere $35 investment, you can see if it works for you.
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-04-16 21:02
"The main issue is taking the weight off the right thumb."
Stephen Fox has some interesting stuff--click on "clarinet"
http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Accessories.html#clar acc
that in conjuction with a clarinet neck strap effectively allows the clarinet to dangle in midair, at the correct angle for proper embouchure, as if there were a stand that was holding up the clarinet by the bell.
Alternatively, I'd look at stands for other instruments and see if any of them can adjust in height, and/or be placed on a low table to keep your clarinet bell suspended.
Good luck.
(I bear no financial interest in Stephen Fox's products.)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-04-16 21:15
There was the Quodlibet Fhred which was an adjustable telescopic monopod-style support made of brass that clipped onto the thumbrest (ideally you need an oboe/cor anglais thumbrest with a ring soldered to the back of it) and rested on the chair seat which took all the weight off your right arm, but unfortunately the company went under fairly recently. These were excellent as they also allowed you to retain a good posture and there was a lot of freedom for movement instead of being rooted to the spot. But as I said, unfortunately they're not available anymore which is a real shame.
Slings/neck straps don't take the weight off you right arm and aren't good for posture as they make the clarinet drop downwards. They're alright for alto/tenor sax (and bass clarinet if you use them) due to their shape, but not so good for straight instruments like clarinet or soprano sax.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2014-04-16 22:12
actually found an old small plant stand at a junk store this morning for $3...works quite well
even better was this combination cane /stool I have, you sit in your regular chair and just rest the Clarinet Bell on the stool in front of you...works perfect and no more strain on my Thumb here it is...
http://www.improvinglifestyles.com/Imroving-Lifestyles-Folding-Cane-with-plastic/M/B0002CFEHU.htm
Post Edited (2014-04-19 01:04)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2014-04-18 16:32
So now I'm wondering why the instrument makers don't (haven't?) offered a curved neck for the Bflat and other smaller clarinets of the family. Such a design would then allow for a support rod as with the Bass Clarinet.
Bob Draznik
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