Having some thumb issues (the latest pain) which is aggravated by Tenor, Soprano, and Clarinet. Fortunately, I can position the alto avoiding the thumb pain. I also have a really nice set-up using Legere reeds which makes everyday so consistent. Been interesting - haven't really spent a ton of time on alto for a decade or so.
Been Practicing Alto Lately
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Which thumb?
Alto is great fun for me too. I think many tenor players like to dabble in it because they really respect and like all the widely varied alto tones and styles of the greats, like Earl Bostic, Sanborn, Desmond, etc., and a lot of great alto styles just do not translate to tenor that well, and vice-versa.
Greene, for the thumb, you might try this simple exercise - do it on both hands, and its something you can do anytime when not using your hands - just touch the fingertips to the thumb in any order. You may find the the right hand thumb and little finger hard to do at first but this simple exercise will help with saxophone thumb hook pain. Beyond that, you may have to take some kind of action to fix what is causing this 'use injury'. I recently removed an extra-long brass thumb hook from my VI tenor and put a plastic one back on. I had a little collection of black hooks and could not decide which one was the original so I picked the one that was longest (but not as long as the brass one). After a gig, I did notice improvement in how my right hand felt. You might also need to take a fresh look at your strap strategy as it affects hand position and perceived weight on the thumb. Hanging the sax low will cause thumb stress as well as adversely affecting your neck and sax mouthpiece height/angle. Maybe we don't want to go 'Sanborn' with the sax really pulled up high but there is probably an improvement there for anyone. We all just get used to doing everything the same way, which is okay until it makes something hurt.
Greene, for the thumb, you might try this simple exercise - do it on both hands, and its something you can do anytime when not using your hands - just touch the fingertips to the thumb in any order. You may find the the right hand thumb and little finger hard to do at first but this simple exercise will help with saxophone thumb hook pain. Beyond that, you may have to take some kind of action to fix what is causing this 'use injury'. I recently removed an extra-long brass thumb hook from my VI tenor and put a plastic one back on. I had a little collection of black hooks and could not decide which one was the original so I picked the one that was longest (but not as long as the brass one). After a gig, I did notice improvement in how my right hand felt. You might also need to take a fresh look at your strap strategy as it affects hand position and perceived weight on the thumb. Hanging the sax low will cause thumb stress as well as adversely affecting your neck and sax mouthpiece height/angle. Maybe we don't want to go 'Sanborn' with the sax really pulled up high but there is probably an improvement there for anyone. We all just get used to doing everything the same way, which is okay until it makes something hurt.
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I have Forza thumb hooks on my tenors and alto - had one on my sop, but it blocked function of a key, so I went back to the original thumb hook. I have been using the Forzas for several years now and really like them.
The osteoarthritis in my left thumb is a different story. I still haven’t figured out a way to moderate that, so I just cope with it by switching instruments when one becomes too painful to play.
I’m glad to hear that you are finding relief with the alto.
The osteoarthritis in my left thumb is a different story. I still haven’t figured out a way to moderate that, so I just cope with it by switching instruments when one becomes too painful to play.
I’m glad to hear that you are finding relief with the alto.
If your thumb can endure the alto at the moment, a curved soprano (with a neck strap, of course) also should be manageable for you. Maybe give that a try if you'd like to retain the sop in your quiver. A straight sop with a curved neck also might help, but the curved horn makes a much bigger difference.
A neck strap might help with the clarinet as well. I know that sounds weird, and I've never tried it myself (a foam pad on the thumb rest is really all I need on clarinet), but I've seen more than one player in my concert band do that. I've even seen a person use a strap with an Eb clarinet! So it definitely can be done.
Both big toes and I still wear flip flops
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If it is the left thumb, you might try building up a larger pad with sugru. It worked great for my Chu.
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I picked up a Forza thumb rest for my tenor several years ago when my thumb was giving me trouble (probably not from the horn but I think I sprained it somehow; after a month or so it was fine) and it definitely helped. Even though my thumb is fine now, I still really like the Forza. Not sure if it's still available?
Actually, thumb issue aside, I get the impression A Greene is enjoying the alto.
“I play sax but mostly it plays me”
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I had no idea there were so many with thumb issues. Both of mine are so painful at times I have to medicate to alleviate the pain but I seem to be able to play through the pain other times. The worst thumb is my left which has been killing me for
nearly 8 years. The right hand started last year but so far hasn't stopped me from practicing and performing.
nearly 8 years. The right hand started last year but so far hasn't stopped me from practicing and performing.
Right Thumb - I had an Xray and it looks like Tendonitis. The joint area right above the wrist is the culprit. I wear a brace when I exercise and do anything that might put pressure on the thumb. Trying a little ice in the evenings. I don't think it's saxophone related but who knows. Just another joint that hurts. Good Times.
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I have only had a passing trouble with the right thumb, the result of a sprain.
But it made me think at once about the efficacy of a brace.
Even a wrap helped mine, and I wonder if a more solid device might be a prevention or cure.
The brace does not fit or help while practicing the sax?
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I feel your pain. I did damage to my right thumb with an old Dolnet with a bad fixed thumb hook. Put too much weight on the right one and eventually it has caused all sorts of pain. No issues on my alto and my last few tenors have been much better. I found a lot of positioning and allowing the neckstrap to do it’s job instead of manhandling the horn.
Many years ago I had problems with my right thumb.( non sax related ) and both alto and tenor were a problem.
I ended up removing the right thumb rest. It felt funny to begin with, but I got used to it.
Eventually I had an operation which fixed the problem. No more pain.
But I never went back to playing with the right thumb rest.
I know others who have done the same thing. Try it...it may work for you too.
I ended up removing the right thumb rest. It felt funny to begin with, but I got used to it.
Eventually I had an operation which fixed the problem. No more pain.
But I never went back to playing with the right thumb rest.
I know others who have done the same thing. Try it...it may work for you too.
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