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Re: moving from thumbplate to conservatoire

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-09-02 13:10

I used to play thumbplate years back (learnt on a B&H Regent), but switched to conservatoire system when I took it up again (when I bought a Yamaha Custom) as it keeps more fingers on the instrument, though I play dual system which has the best of both worlds and only use the thumbplate fingerings for Bb and C in arpeggios and tremolos, but use the conservatoire fingerings as the main ones as they have more warmth to their tone - especially the Bb.

The best way to convert is to either get a conservatoire system and make yourself play the Bb and C with the conservatoire fingerings as you won't have any choice but to use these fingerings, or if you have a dual system, disengage the thumbplate (either undo the spring, wedge it closed or remove it completely) and learn to use the conservatoire fingerings.

It will take some time to get used to it, but if you really miss the thumbplate for the comfort (like the LH thumb button on saxes) or miss the convenience of playing such intervals like A-C with the thumbplate, then dual system will allow you to use the thumbplate fingerings for these intervals (and get you out of trouble if you rely on still using some thumbplate fingerings) and also let you use conservatoire fingerings at all other times.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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