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Author Topic: Looking at getting a sling but...  (Read 2426 times)

Offline LarryS

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Looking at getting a sling but...
« on: January 12, 2022, 02:31:51 PM »
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 .
« Last Edit: January 12, 2022, 02:35:45 PM by LarryS »
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Offline windydankoff

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2022, 03:48:07 PM »
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.
Windy at BLACK • HOLE Clarinets
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Offline LarryS

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2022, 03:53:01 PM »
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
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Offline windydankoff

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2022, 08:26:02 AM »
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?
Windy at BLACK • HOLE Clarinets
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http://www.windydankoff.com/black-hole-clarinets.html

Offline LarryS

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2022, 10:12:17 AM »
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.
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Offline LarryS

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2022, 06:21:40 AM »
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
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Offline windydankoff

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2022, 10:49:50 AM »
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.
Windy at BLACK • HOLE Clarinets
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http://www.windydankoff.com/black-hole-clarinets.html

Offline DaveLeBlanc

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2022, 11:49:29 AM »
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
David Watson of the original The Clarinet Pages
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Offline LarryS

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2022, 01:15:27 PM »
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.
You don't stop playing when you get old, you get old when you stop playing.
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The Music Tree


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Offline LarryS

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2022, 10:13:37 AM »
Some shots of my thumb rest and ring. The ring is quite small so I would need to attach a key ring loop.
You don't stop playing when you get old, you get old when you stop playing.
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Offline windydankoff

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2022, 02:39:33 PM »
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.
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Offline kewald

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2022, 01:47:56 PM »
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.



Ken
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Developing Unique Bells and Barrels

Offline windydankoff

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #12 on: January 22, 2022, 11:57:07 AM »
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.
Windy at BLACK • HOLE Clarinets
"User-Friendly" clarinets in Bb and C
http://www.windydankoff.com/black-hole-clarinets.html

Offline kewald

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Re: Looking at getting a sling but...
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2022, 12:30:47 PM »
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!  😁😁😆
Ken
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Refurbishing Vintage Clarinets
Developing Unique Bells and Barrels