Ton Kooiman Etude 2 Clarinet Thumbrest

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I have always used the standard thumb rests that come on Buffet clarinets, but recently, I began to get hand cramps and was not able to play for long periods of time standing up. I decided to purchase an Etude thumb rest. It was rather easy to put on my clarinet (it only took about 5 minutes). I absolutely love this thumb rest. It moves the weight of the clarinet from the first knuckle to farther back toward the palm. Everyone I know who plays clarinet always wants to try it out!

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As a long time player of Clarinet and Bass Clarinet, I have always experienced thumb fatigue while playing the clarinet - numbness and cramping. I was amazed when I first tried this thumb rest. It transferred all the weight of the clarinet evenly over the entire thumb. I first thought it might be a little cumbersome and restrict movement on alternate fingerings, but it did just the opposite, it made it easier to control the alternate fingerings and actually improved my playing ability. What a difference.

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During college, when I was playing five or six hours a day, I developed severe pains in my right wrist. I tried neck straps, an adjustable standard thumb rest, and even a wrist brace, but the pain still increased every week. A teacher recommended the Kooiman (which fits easily on the oboe as well as on the clarinet), and it was an immediate relief. Combined with warm-up exercises before practice and stretches afterward, my pain is basically gone. I highly recommend this for oboists!

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As an older musician I have had problems with right hand fatigue when playing clarinet. (With) this thumb rest, right-hand fatigue cramps are eliminated!

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I was unaware, during all these years that my right hand fingers were restricted in their movement, until I tried this thumb rest. It's a revelation! My technique has improved no end. I might even consider moving up to the professional model.