Hi all,

Just a quick note about tingling, the weight of the instrument, and
such. Far too often as I meet other nyckelharpa players, I find people
holding the instrument "off center". By that I mean that the center of
gravity of the instrument is not centered left-to-right with respect to
their shoulders (or nose).

If you hang your nyckelharpa on your neck and play, and find that you
hold it parallel with your shoulders, then its center of gravity can't
help but be to the left of your center of gravity. This means you'll
have to constantly strain muscles sideways to keep it (and you) from
falling. That kind of tension is bad, and could lead to constrictions
that could lead to tingling (though I'm not a doctor). It would be much
better, mechanically, if you could keep the center of gravity of the
harpa directly in front of your center of gravity. Then at least your
back and neck will only have to pull "back" to hold it up, not
"sideways" as well.

To move your harpa's center of gravity, you should "rotate" it, moving
your arms but keeping your shoulders square (facing forward). Swing it
around to the right, so the tail is further under your right arm, and
your left arm is more or less sticking straight out in front of you to
reach the keys. The centerline of the harpa tends to be 45 degrees or
more from the line of your shoulders. This also makes it easier to
reach keys that are far apart, as a nice by-product. If you're sitting,
your bow should go on the right side of your right thigh -- keep your
knees together, and your left hand will be more-or-less above your left
knee.

Your problems might be helped by examining your body for static loads
like this, which cause great tension and eventually seem to wear out
your muscles. I forget where you live, Laurel, but if you're ever in
Seattle feel free to contact me and we can meet and play some tunes and
I might be better able to suggest some changes that might help you.

Bart

Bart Brashers
3039 NW 62nd St
Seattle WA 98107
206-789-1120 (home)
206-550-2606 (cell)
425-921-4020 (work)

> --- In nyckelharpa@yahoogroups.com, Laurel <veraloe@c...> wrote:
> > I am researching ways to distribute the weight of the instrument
> > and relieve some of the pressure on my shoulders, causing tingling
> > in my fingers when i stand and play. I have tried a wider webbing
> > strap with sheep skin padding and that helps. I have seen some
> straps
> > made like vests by some of the players in the North West. Can
> someone
> > refer me to the inventor of this? I see straps here that seem
> like they
> > would be good. has anyone tried these? http://www.slider-
> straps.com/
> > http://www.janetdavismusic.com/derek-July.html I would like to
> hear
> > from folks with experience with this. Happy Playing!! thanks.
> Laurel

--
Bart Brashers The ANA's Address,
American Nyckelharpa Association (not my address):
http://www.nyckelharpa.org PO Box 661
bart.brashers@... Lahaska PA 18931-0661
Phone: 206-789-1120 Fax: 253-323-9993