10/18/12

SHOP TALK
Comment:  For what it's worth, I still prefer the longer neck with head-stick going all the way to the bottom inside of the body. The ball-and-socket neck is just too short for me. The fact Larry has a longer neck inside the body makes it possible and fun for him to extend it when he goes for a higher note when singing, or gets excited, or lower his head in embarrassment, even almost gives the appearance of a shrug. Just my opinion, especially now that we have "Cody" with us now so we can actually compare the two styles.
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Mr. D: You have just pointed out the one big advantage of the "drop through" type neck....the ability to raise and lower the head for some very effective visual expressions! 
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous10/18/2012

    Having the long neck now sounds great - however does that mean your always "carrying" the full weight of the head during a performance?

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    Replies
    1. Clinton Detweiler10/18/2012

      The Knee Pals with "drop through" neck were built with a head stick long enough to reach and rest upon the base of the body. But the longer the headstick, the less the degree of head tilt and lean possible. Everything is a "trade-off".

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    2. Unknown10/19/2012

      Also, the bottom of the head stick has a large roller ball-bearing that allows full, free, and quiet movement of the head. The inside of the body has a hard, lined bottom that allows easy gliding. Works like a charm.

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    3. Clinton Detweiler10/19/2012

      One note: The figures made by Mrs. Maher and myself ('60s and '70s) had the roller ball bearing on the end of the head stick. The Knee Pals did not have the roller ball.

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  2. Dave Boiano10/19/2012

    I like the drop through necks better myself, but when I was learning vent, I learned to hold the head up slightly anyway for more fluid movement. I know the ball and socket is supposed to give you that without having to hold the head up, but I never liked the feel of the neck "ball" rubbing against the "socket" no matter how well it was lined.

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