My Moba is a heavy instrument and put a lot of weight of my weak right thumb joint. The lower joint is heavier with the Eb linkage and thicker grenadilla. I am diagnosed with arthritis in the joint. I am 72. Clarinet straps got in the way and often tangled in putting and taking off between music selections. My left hand often hit the strap while playing. The ProTec cushions relieved my thumb. But still there was too much weight on the joint itself. I knew about the Maestro going on line. This was about the time the pandemic was hitting its peak. It was often out of stock, and I was desperate. Mail deliveries were delayed all over. Give up clarinet (as my doctor suggested)? No!. I finally bought one locally at an oboe shop here in California. I got it quickly because I lived about 10 miles away in Berkeley. I stuck the Maestro on my Buffet which I played while my right thumb got better since I discovered it won't fit as is. I have the Etude 3 which I will switch to the Buffet and use the Maestro where it should be used. May I continue while my embouchure is still good. .
