 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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Author: Claudia Zornow
Date: 2026-06-07 02:12
> And with the elastic, I understand that you are a bit freer to move while still having some weight taken off your right hand?
Yes, exactly. It doesn't take off a lot of weight, but enough to be helpful (depending on your needs).
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Author: graham
Date: 2026-06-07 21:57
https://www.wwr.co.uk/daniel-s-claritie-clarinet-support-that-takes-all-the-weight-off-the-thumb-aclarinetsupport.html
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Author: marcia
Date: 2026-06-07 22:44
I found an elastic neck strap to be not helpful, so I use a fixed neck strap. I have not had any difficulty finding the correct length. As for needing to change it between A and Bb, my clarinets did not have hook rings on them. I had a very long conversation with my repair guy and asked if it was possible to make it so I did not have to adjust when changing instruments. When he put on the hook rings, he put an extension on the A hook ring so no adjustment is necessary. Works like a charm.
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2026-06-08 01:38
marcia wrote:
As for needing to change it between A and Bb,
> my clarinets did not have hook rings on them.
One solution to this might be, as I've done when I wear a neck strap (not most of the time) is to steal the metal clip off of a referee's neck whistle, clip it on the aforementioned Claricord, and use one of Stephen Fox's neckstrap extension rod mounts http://www.sfoxclarinets.com/Accessories.html
The ring portion of Fox's mount sits permanently on my clarinet. I screw in the piece with the ring when I want to attach a neck strap.
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:23
Thanks for your share, Second Try! I really like your idea of being able to set the resistance levels! Seems like a possible "patent idea!"
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:26
Thanks, kurth83: I appreciate your message! And agree. At this point, I'm not worried at all about "stigma, judgment, discernment" of others. I mean, we've all even had to intermittently put up with the jokey comments about WHAT we play!. Mostly good-natured, but recently I had to "forbear" a trumpet player making a sarcastic comment about clarinets. Inside I was like, "are you KIDDING me?!" You're a 30 something. This is elementary. So for sure whether I use a strap to support my R-13 or not is a non-issue. I can FEEL it in my right wrist after about an hour of rehearsal. Time to address that
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:28
Thanks for your links and ideas, Chris P!
I appreciate your taking the time to share!
I DO utilize a Jazzlab harness with my alto sax. Absolutely LOVE it!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:29
Claudia,
Yes! I'm happy to read that. I saw in a few places that those who say the elastic takes ZERO weight of the clarinet off ~ are incorrect. It definitely takes LESS weight off than the fixed. But not "NONE." I'm going to go with the elastic for now!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:31
So interesting, Graham!
Looks like a combo of the Jazzlab idea and the typical neckstrap idea!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:33
Thanks, Marcia!
I have two friends in the band that I play in that would agree with you 100%!
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-08 16:34
Thank-you all for the shares! Sorry, I needed to work the "quote" your thought and then respond rather than simply your name.
Learning curve!
Sorry!
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2026-06-09 00:06
If you're only using the one clarinet, then the JazzLab will be ideal for that unless they do offer an extra piece so both Bb and A clarinets can be used with it without having to make any adjustments.
If you're using the RDG 'BHOB' or ErgoBRASS supports, then you're best getting one for each clarinet and leaving it fixed to the thumbrest so it's ready at a moment's notice. The only alteration you'll need to make is having thumbrests with a vertical sling ring fitted to them.
I personally like these Yamaha adjustable ones as they'll go straight onto most clarinets without having to drill any extra screw holes in the lower joint as well as being nice and compact, plus they're only around £20.
https://www.dawkes.co.uk/adjustable-thumb-rest-assembly-yamaha-ycl-6503-clarinet/27525
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes
NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: ScottS
Date: 2026-06-09 04:21
If you're only using the one clarinet, then the JazzLab will be ideal for that unless they do offer an extra piece so both Bb and A clarinets can be used with it without having to make any adjustments.
Thanks for the share, Chris! I'll have to see if my Jazzlab will offer enough room to hold my clarinet!
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