 |
| Frequently Asked
Questions |
| Q. |
Why do I get blisters? |
| A. |
Blisters occur more often than not because of improper drumstick
handling technique. When held correctly, drumsticks sit between
the furthest joint of your pointer finger [away from the body]
and the thumb with your remaining fingers resting gently on
the stick. Blisters form when the drumstick slips from the
furthest joint to the closest joint [to the body] of your pointer
finger. To compensate, the middle, ring and pinky finger grab
the stick causing a false fulcrum point, which allows the stick
to rub against your pointer finger and thumb. Blisters on the
palm side of the hand around the knuckles can also occur.
The Pinch Pal® is designed
to prevent the drumstick from slipping, allowing the drummer
to memorize the pinch pressure and fulcrum point needed for
effortless finger control technique.
|
| Q. |
What is the fulcrum point? |
| A. |
The fulcrum point is the spot in which the drumstick rests
in your fingers. The fulcrum is approximately 1/3 down the shaft
from the butt end. When balanced at the fulcrum point the stick
can use maximum rebound efficiency. This is because the fulcrum
provides a pivot point for the weight of the stick to bounce
freely. |
| Q. |
What is the Pinch Pal® made of? |
| A. |
The Pinch Pal® has been made of high quality, durable materials
including a superb hardwood called rubber wood for the knob.
The knob is fastened to an elastic string connected to a rugged
wristband with Velcro® fasteners. |
| Q. |
How long do I need to use the Pinch Pal®? |
| A. |
Use the Pinch Pal® for
as long as it takes for you to memorize the correct finger
control technique. The more you practice with the Pinch Pal® the
more quickly you will memorize and master the proper technique.
Play with the Pinch Pal®,
then remove it and play without. You will be much more aware
of where the stick rests in your fingers.
Even after you have achieved the
correct technique, you can use the Pinch Pal® to
continue to build speed, endurance and stamina. The sky is
the limit on how much speed you can achieve. Just ask Mike
Mangini. |
| Q. |
What is the recommended use for the Pinch
Pal®? |
| A. |
Overall drumming technique begins with the snare drum. We
recommend that you build your snare technique by using the free
rudiment exercises included with the purchase of the Pinch
Pal®,
as well as the PAS
International Rudiments.
It is highly recommended
that you also use the Pinch Pal® while
playing the drum set at all dynamic levels. More often than
not, blisters occur when drummers play at loud volumes.
The harder you hit the easier it is for the stick to slip in
the fingers. |
| Q. |
Is the Pinch Pal® for
only beginners? |
| A. |
The Pinch Pal® is for
drummers at all levels. As an educator and a veteran player
I feel that it is important to promote correct technique early
on in a student’s musical journey. The Pinch Pal® provides
an aid to help with this endeavor.
If you currently employ the correct finger control/fulcrum
and do not suffer from blisters or pain, use the Pinch Pal®,
as I do, to hone in on your technique. I use the Pinch Pal® to
help solidify my technique and to try to attain the speed and
stamina off Dennis
Chambers, Dave
Weckl or Vinnie
Colaiuta. |
| Q. |
What if the Pinch Pal® breaks? |
| A. |
The Pinch Pal® has been
tested to stand up to normal practice situations when used
as directed. Care has been taken to double sew the string to
the wristband, and the shrink tubing makes it difficult to
separate the string from the knob. If damage occurs, LET
US KNOW what happened and we will gladly replace the broken
unit.
DO NOT FLING OR TWIRL THE KNOB OR PULL ON THE ELASTIC STRING.
If damage occurs due to improper use, replacements will not
be issued.
|
| Q. |
What if I play traditional grip in my left
hand? Can I still use the Pinch Pal®? |
| A. |
In your right hand (match grip) you can use the Pinch Pal® as described on the home page. For your left hand (traditional
grip) I suggest this simple exercise:
With a traditional grip the fulcrum point and pinch is executed
in between the base
of the thumb and the pointer finger. Wrap the Pinch Pal® around
your wrist and place the spacer where the stick would lie in
a traditional grip. Simply squeeze on the knob of the Pinch
Pal® with
your thumb. Do this repeatedly. It will help you build the
muscles needed to maximize traditional grip technique. |
| Q. |
I misplaced the the instruction insert that came with the Pinch
Pal. Can I get another copy? |
| A. |
Absolutely! Download
another copy here. |
| Q. |
Who developed the
Pinch Pal®? |
| A. |
Steven J. Barke, B.S. Studio Music and Jazz, University
of Miami 1993: performer, educator, author, composer and
clinician, developed the idea a few years ago after several
of his students complained of blisters and other physical pains.
Recalling his own troubles with blisters as a teenager, Steve
thought the Pinch Pal could be used as an aid to help memorize
the correct stick handling technique that he and thousands
of educators have taught for decades. |
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