Dr Downing Music

The Ton Kooiman Etude 2 thumb rest.

This remarkable accessory completely eliminates the dreaded "oboist's thumb".

It is fitted in minutes by merely removing your existing thumb rest and, using the existing screw holes, fitting the back plate. The thumb rest then simply clicks on and is adjusted to your own particular thumb.

Click picture for large image.

The back plate has three separate positions for you to choose - the centre one being most usual. The thumb rest itself is then clipped on and adjusted to the correct height.

(Click picture for image page.) "A direct and positive effect on the freedom of movement of the entire hand (and especially of the ring finger and little finger) will be gained by the improved position of your thumb in relation to the instrument. This is achieved by means of a hollow-shaped casing that is raised at a certain angle. In this way your hand is allowed to 'open' and, as a result, will be more relaxed. From now on, inflammation of the tendons or fatigue in hand, arm or neck may be easily prevented." Ton Kooiman

"I consider this oboe thumb rest the most brilliant invention for the clarinet and oboe that I have encountered in more than 50 years of playing and teaching." Peter Moore.