 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-06 01:08
As a clarinetist who is beginning to feel some strain in my right hand and forearm, I am now in the market for a clarinet neck strap. Clearly it is easy to search many places and see brands such as D'Addario, BG, Rico, and more.
I did read several of the related threads, but it's been a while since anyone commented on this forum.
Of note for me: I do not want carpal tunnel, tendonitus, or anything resembling either to develop. Gone is any "stigma" about what it means to be exploring this. I want an injury free future, and the freedom that I have read with the right hand not being tied to supporting the full weight of the instrument.
Of course we have Anthony McGill and Ricardo Morales paving the way of pros who have made a similar decision.
I'm especially interested in your thoughts on fixed vs. elastic.
Thanks!!
Scott S
Post Edited (2026-06-06 01:08)
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Author: Claudia Zornow
Date: 2026-06-06 01:43
I've tried both kinds and find the elastic style to be more comfortable and practical. With fixed, it's hard to get the length exactly right, and then you have to change it when switching between Bb and A clarinets.
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-06 03:45
Thanks for your response, Claudia! That makes sense. And with the elastic, I understand that you are a bit freer to move while still having some weight taken off your right hand?
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-06-06 06:09
I think elastic is a "better mousetrap." It simply makes the instrument feel lighter, not constrained to going no further from you than the sinching of a fixed length strap allows.
I considered inventing a system where there are combinable elastic straps of various resistance levels like 1, 2, 4, 7 that allow the player to pick the weight they like best by combining straps, but in truth the Claricord approximates this by how much you sinch it.
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Author: kurth83
Date: 2026-06-06 12:04
My two cents for elastic as well. Mine adjusts on the fly easily, it reduces the weight but does not eliminate it. I already have carpal, clarinet does not seem to aggravate that, but the right thumb seems like it might get an RSI without the strap.
I also tried something called ergo-clar, which is surprisingly well-made, it works to completely support the weight of the instrument, but is a bit clunky to use. I have it on the shelf if I ever become disabled enough to need it.
I guess I missed the stigma here, my fellow clarinetists all told me to get a strap from the git-go. Most of them are elderly women who have had plenty of time to learn what hurts and what helps.
I agree you should deal with it when pain begins to develop, if you wait until later it is often too late.
Aging classical trumpet player learning clarinet as a second.
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