Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina

Subject: Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina
From: GUEST,Guran
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 02:54 PM

Thumb straps according the the traditional concept usually come in two variants:
1)comfortable but offering very poor stability and control
2)uncomfortable but offering a trifle better stability and control

In a way the problem is unsolvable since this traditional handle concept - thumbstrap combined with finger rest - is a contradiction in itself.

The thumbstrap idea (compared to the handstrap idea of Anglos and Duets) offers excellent access to the whole keyboard and this of course favours playing a plenty of notes. The tonal control of these notes however is suffering due to reduced control of bellows work - i.e. the capacity to articulate and playing with dynamics and expression is poorer due to the floppy handle.

IF(!?) using a thumbstrap as the major "handle" at all I mean that it is possible improving the situation at least a little bit by:

a) making the thumbstrap broader and steadier than usual
b) making it more comfortable and thus admitting a tighter fitting

add a) I use 25-30mm wide straps (compared to traditional 18-20mm) which means that the distal thumb joint is immobilized and I use a steady cardboard 'sceleton' making the strap fairly stiff

add b) by polstering the inner side richly (thickness 5-6mm) it fits tight but still comfortably and the instrument may hang passively on the thumb without any assistance by the 4th finger

Something to discuss with producers of "traditional thumbstraps" ?

Göran Rahm

Subject: RE: Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Apr 08 - 03:57 PM

I have no trouble with my thumbstraps,I always have them very loose.,this enables me to move my hand and thumb to reach all the notes with ease.
Goran, I nominated you on c net,to be part of a brains trust with Jim Lucas, Stephen Chambers, and Chris Timsop.have fun.

Subject: RE: Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina
From: GUEST,Guran
Date: 15 Apr 08 - 03:10 AM

Thank You Captain!...and YES - like I said, the thumbstrap concept IS excellent to "reach all the notes with ease ".
Even with the thumb in a fix position in TIGHT straps ALL 72 buttons on a really wide range instrument can be reached by ALL 4 fingers when the thumbstrap is working as a pivot for the hand.
One problem with the thumbstrap concept is the poor contact and control - when (!) that is asked for of course! I agree it is not always so, that depends on playing idiom, style of performance and individual habits.
Another problem is the conflicts related to the 4th finger which usually is occupied stabilizing the system "resting" at the "finger rest" which is no *rest* at all since the 4th is cramped and the movements firstly by the 3rd finger are obstructed but the cramped grip inevitably affects the manipulation by all fingers.
The significance of this is evident when comparing with the Anglo/Duet handle concept and of course when using a variant that even more compensates for these weaknesses (not to say defects) of the "english handle concept". This is what I aimed at with the so called "uniform ergonomic handle"
Goran Rahm

Subject: RE: Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Apr 08 - 06:02 PM

Frankly I don't think I could play my Duet at all without the 'wrist straps' - but then I'm originally keyboard player, and mobility & flexibility is essential for that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Thumb straps on english concertina
From: Guran
Date: 16 Apr 08 - 05:05 AM

Foolestroupe,
The Anglo/Duet type of straps I think most commonly nowadays are called "handstraps" to separate them from "wrist straps" as used for the English and attached in a different way and working otherwise too.
One 'problem' with the Anglo/Duet straps is that they lock the mid part of the hand which restricts finger movements (a significant problem with Duets but not so important with Anglos since the hand can be more stationary) ,another one that they don't counteract rotation by the instrument which mostly has to be compensated by a cramped activity gripping by the thumb.
The advantage with Anglo/Duet handle compared to the English concept is better transversal stability and better contact on pull.
The so far best solution as I have demonstrated is a combination of a "wrist support" AND a broader than usual compromise between hand strap and wrist strap AND a thumbstrap at an individually choosen location
Goran Rahm