Kooiman Etude 3 Thumb Rest (Clarinet/Oboe)

The Etude3 is a lightweight thumb rest for clarinet and Oboe made out of durable plastics.  The Etude enhances the freedom of playing. Faster and easier movement of the ring- and little finger and it prevents fatigue of the thumb and hand.
It gives you a sense control and of a firm "grip" on your instrument.

The Etude makes it possible to move the pressure point of the thumb rest to the first phalanx of the thumb to the space between the two joints. The lever momentum is much smaller at this point so the thumb can support the weight more easily.

Much of the energy used for supporting the weight then becomes available for handling the instrument.
And can be used to improve control and speed up paying technique.

New features:     1) The Etude3 has a new metal hook covered with soft rubber and a casing with improved ergonomics.
                             2) The hook is adjustable in height as well.

There are several hidden features to improve the physical strength of the design such as better materials and a redesign of dove tail slide and mounting slide.

The use of the Etude invites you into a new way of carrying your instrument!

Instead of "hanging in the tendons", the musician will now  carry the instrument in an "active" way!

The thumb is held higher and is either straight or slightly bent.
The result is a "natural and individual" posture.

It can't be emphasized enough.
The tip of the thumb has to make good contact with the thumb rest casing (in hollow shaped cavity). It will take only a short time to get accustomed and to make it your "new way of life".

When you pull the muscle at the inside of the thumb, the thumb will bend a little.
This is most essential and will ensure that you make good contact with the hook!

Chose the row of holes in the mounting slide, that allows the Etude to be fitted on
the instrument at a height, that when you are playing the instrument,
the thumb will be opposite the index finger.
No new holes have to be drilled. You can use the holes from the "old" thumb rest.                                                         

The Etude can be put on the mounting slide from top down - the number of 'clicks' reveal the progress in height.         

                                                      
The Ton Kooiman thumb rests are supplied with a manual in the box.
The manuals or instructions how to use and mount the thumb rests on your instrument can also be found on this site, as well.