Hi Scott, Two strategies I’ve used to reduce hand strain: I wrap my right (lower) thumb with a couple of turns of vet wrap tape. It sticks to itself, without adhesive; the 2-inch width fits my thumb perfectly. It does three things-it supports my thumb, a little bit like a tiny ace bandage; it cushions my thumb against pressure; and it makes the contact area between my thumb and the body of my low D grippier, without interfering with movement at all. My second strategy is about practice, rather than ergonomics, per se. I study new tunes on my high D first, so I can get thoroughly familiar with the fingering sequence before I pick up my Howard. I find that “the pinch” is most severe when I’m anxious about getting a piece “right.” If I give myself a chance to learn new music in a featherweight whistle, I’m more relaxed when I pick up the larger, heavier instrument, and the likelihood of death grip is much reduced. Hope this might be useful! Lynne
Lynne, these are both brilliant! Thanks. I’ll share these in a few days. We’re out of town until Friday. (I did a little recording ahead.) I find I also do that with the Heidi for ornamentation practice, but I really like your addition of using it just for comfort as well
Thank you, Neil. I saw that as well. I had been talking with David at Howard over the last few months. I knew one was coming. I saw Cutie Pie’s video. I bought one from Howard, and they let me get a little discount. It should arrive soon and I can give everyone the low down.
This is perfect! Thank you. I was one of those who mentioned having this issue. I'm going to try that last suggestion. BTW, I have a hard time getting high notes when I try to hold my whistle higher up.
Thank you for the reminder Sandy. I had written your name and a few others down as folks who wanted that info. I’ll experiment with trying to hit the high notes while holding the whistle out. I’m not sure what I’ve done to compensate for that. It might be That the airway is a little restricted, but I’ll check and see if I can duplicate that.
Hi Scott,
Two strategies I’ve used to reduce hand strain:
I wrap my right (lower) thumb with a couple of turns of vet wrap tape. It sticks to itself, without adhesive; the 2-inch width fits my thumb perfectly. It does three things-it supports my thumb, a little bit like a tiny ace bandage; it cushions my thumb against pressure; and it makes the contact area between my thumb and the body of my low D grippier, without interfering with movement at all.
My second strategy is about practice, rather than ergonomics, per se. I study new tunes on my high D first, so I can get thoroughly familiar with the fingering sequence before I pick up my Howard. I find that “the pinch” is most severe when I’m anxious about getting a piece “right.” If I give myself a chance to learn new music in a featherweight whistle, I’m more relaxed when I pick up the larger, heavier instrument, and the likelihood of death grip is much reduced.
Hope this might be useful!
Lynne
Lynne, these are both brilliant! Thanks. I’ll share these in a few days. We’re out of town until Friday. (I did a little recording ahead.)
I find I also do that with the Heidi for ornamentation practice, but I really like your addition of using it just for comfort as well
Very helpful. Great ideas. I note Stephanie Cutie Pie has a new Howard low d that has a key for the lowest hole.
Thank you, Neil. I saw that as well. I had been talking with David at Howard over the last few months. I knew one was coming. I saw Cutie Pie’s video. I bought one from Howard, and they let me get a little discount. It should arrive soon and I can give everyone the low down.
This is perfect! Thank you. I was one of those who mentioned having this issue. I'm going to try that last suggestion. BTW, I have a hard time getting high notes when I try to hold my whistle higher up.
Thank you for the reminder Sandy. I had written your name and a few others down as folks who wanted that info. I’ll experiment with trying to hit the high notes while holding the whistle out. I’m not sure what I’ve done to compensate for that. It might be That the airway is a little restricted, but I’ll check and see if I can duplicate that.
I put duck tape on my pro low d i find that finish very slippery. The low f has a shiny surface and is not slippery.
That tape is a good idea. I wonder if the shiny MK Pro D is not slippery. May be a reason to purchase that one.