Looking at getting a sling but...

[LarryS]

I can't see from pictures online how the leather tab attaches to the clarinet! My thumb rest has a ring at the top at right angles to the actual thumb rest, (looks like L )which is able to be moved up and down via a large screw .

[windydankoff]

You mean a neck strap? A strap or sling sold for clarinets may have a leather tab to attach to a typical thumb rest, because a typical T rest does NOT have a ring. Yours HAS a ring for a strap hook (common on Chinese clarinets). It probably gets in the way of the tab. So, you want to buy a SAX strap - one with a simple hook, that will go through your ring. A cheap one with string is good, because you may have to shorten the string, and it's easy to do.

You can also make one easily - just copy a typical cheap sax strap. I use a strap now because I strained my R thumb.

[LarryS]

You mean a neck strap? A strap or sling sold for clarinets may have a leather tab to attach to a typical thumb rest, because a typical T rest does NOT have a ring. Yours HAS a ring for a strap hook (common on Chinese clarinets). It probably gets in the way of the tab. So, you want to buy a SAX strap - one with a simple hook, that will go through your ring. A cheap one with string is good, because you may have to shorten the string, and it's easy to do.

You can also make one easily - just copy a typical cheap sax strap. I use a strap now because I strained my R thumb.

Cheers Windy

[windydankoff]

I strained my R thumb, struggling with bass clarinet positioning. If not for thumb pain, I would not need (or want) a strap. Why do you wish for one, Larry?

[LarryS]

I strained my R thumb, struggling with bass clarinet positioning. If not for thumb pain, I would not need (or want) a strap. Why do you wish for one, Larry?

After a while my thumb hurts. I don't think its pressure pain, I think it's positional.

[LarryS]

You mean a neck strap? A strap or sling sold for clarinets may have a leather tab to attach to a typical thumb rest, because a typical T rest does NOT have a ring. Yours HAS a ring for a strap hook (common on Chinese clarinets). It probably gets in the way of the tab. So, you want to buy a SAX strap - one with a simple hook, that will go through your ring. A cheap one with string is good, because you may have to shorten the string, and it's easy to do.

Something like this @Windydankoff ?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Padded-Saxophone-Neck-Strap/dp/B005FQH0DY/ref=asc_df_B005FQH0DY/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310829044542&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=113836261917036857&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006669&hvtargid=pla-756658546752&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

[windydankoff]

The cheapest string-type strap is more than sufficient., like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rico-Strap-Alto-Soprano-Saxophone/dp/B0019ZHDD2/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1I2R0KL6P345F&keywords=saxophone+neck+strap&qid=1642272371&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=saxophone+nec%2Cmi%2C229&sr=1-24

2 reasons I like this:
the string can be easily cut and shortened (make a knot then glue it)
the hook is thin material, and open (no snap)

Option: This is I have now: I make my own out of 3/4" wide sewing-shop elastic. Then make my own hook out of wire, like coat-hanger wire. I like the elastic effect just to take most, but not all the weight.

[DaveLeBlanc]

I strained my R thumb, struggling with bass clarinet positioning. If not for thumb pain, I would not need (or want) a strap. Why do you wish for one, Larry?

In high school marching band I thought I was being extra macho by marching without a strap. I always wondered why my thumb always hurt all the time.

PS - nobody was impressed

[LarryS]

The cheapest string-type strap is more than sufficient., like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rico-Strap-Alto-Soprano-Saxophone/dp/B0019ZHDD2/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1I2R0KL6P345F&keywords=saxophone+neck+strap&qid=1642272371&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=saxophone+nec%2Cmi%2C229&sr=1-24

2 reasons I like this:
the string can be easily cut and shortened (make a knot then glue it)
the hook is thin material, and open (no snap)

Option: This is I have now: I make my own out of 3/4" wide sewing-shop elastic. Then make my own hook out of wire, like coat-hanger wire. I like the elastic effect just to take most, but not all the weight.

I'll have to check the size of the loop on my thumb rest, although I could attach a key ring loop to it.

[LarryS]

Some shots of my thumb rest and ring. The ring is quite small so I would need to attach a key ring loop.

[windydankoff]

Adding a keyring loop makes it awkward. A cheap sax strap with a thin, open metal hook should fit the ring just fine. The molded metal or plastic hooks are too thick. And for sure, you don't want a snap hook.

[kewald]

Two related topics:


I use a Jazzlab Harness for playing my Saxophone.  Takes the load off my neck.  Would likely work with a Clarinet, but is probably overkill.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012EAMM9U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I have arthritis in my hands, and using a standard clarinet thumbrest is quite painful.  A neck strap might help, though I doubt it because there would still be quite a bit of pressure on the base joint of my thumb since the rest would still be resting between the tip and 1st joint.  So, I use a Ton Kooiman thumb rest, which has truly eliminated the pain.


https://www.tonkooiman.com/index.php/products/etude3


I've forgetten whare I bought the Etude thumb rest, but it is available in the USA.

[windydankoff]

My strap helps me completely with my condition, which seems to be tendonitis around the Metacarpophalangeal (MP) Joint (where thumb joins the palm). It helps enough that the condition is slowly healing. Since it was caused by excessive downward force, the strap relieves the cause.

Like I said above, I prefer my homemade strap with a section of elastic, and an open hook. The elastic make it feel more natural, taking about half the weight. It also helps keep the simple open hook from falling out.

[kewald]

My strap helps me completely with my condition, which seems to be tendonitis around the Metacarpophalangeal (MP) Joint (where thumb joins the palm). It helps enough that the condition is slowly healing. Since it was caused by excessive downward force, the strap relieves the cause.

Like I said above, I prefer my homemade strap with a section of elastic, and an open hook. The elastic make it feel more natural, taking about half the weight. It also helps keep the simple open hook from falling out.

Both of my hands hurt constantly in every joint - definitely osteoarthritis.  I've had more steroid shots in many joints than I can count.  Just today, I started using Voltaren on my hands, and the first application helped a little.  I've tried many supplements without much success, even the ones that my hand Dr. Recommended didn't make much difference.  Another clarinetist on The Clarinet Transformation Community mentioned Voltaren so I'm trying it.  So far, so good, but they claim it takes a week to see Substantial improvement.


If I hadn't already bought the Ton Kooiman rests, I'd try a strap.  But, I love gadgets and cool tools, so I reckon I'll win the race to see which guy dies with the most tools!  😁😁😆