Trombone hand support/straps

[TromboneWill]

Hello all!

I've been considering getting a hand support for my bass trombone, but I'm not sure which ones to go for, does anyone here have experience with the different kinds of supports? Bullet braces and the Rath hand support seem to be the ones I've found in most place, as well as some of those hook like things that go around your hand as well.

Does anyone have experience with hand supports on a bass trombone? What would you recommend?

[Bach5G]

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[harrisonreed]

I just got the Osmun leather strap for my awkward-to-hold old Edwards bass (whut up with that 2nd trigger?!?). Works great. Shout-out to Aiden for his video showing how to use it properly.

*Edited typo

[Crazy4Tbone86]

I just got the Osmun leather strap for my awkward-to-hold old Edwards bass (whut up with that 2nd trigger?!?). Works great. Shout-out to Aiden for his video sitting how to use it properly.

Harrison,

I am convinced that the majority of bass trombone manufacturers have never consulted an actual bass trombonist when they design that second valve lever…….even though I know it is not true. Every time I purchase a bass trombone (which is not often), I always plan to take that lever off and bend it to a more ergonomic position. Sometimes it takes 5 or 6 times to get it somewhat comfortable and functional.

My recommendation is to get the levers at the best possible setting first, before investigating hand support options. It is kind of like…..take care of your cavities before looking into teeth whitening options.

On the reverse side, I picked up a few horns at a show this past spring that fit my hand and grip very well. At least that is an indication that manufacturers are taking some ergonomics into consideration.

[harrisonreed]

It's too bad because ergonomically, the Yamaha 830 is just about perfect for me. That horn felt balanced and great in the hands.

The Edwards bass needs that strap just to help use the trigger

[ssking2b]

Try the NeoTech Trombone hand grip. I use it and so do 3 of my students. It works well!

https://www.amazon.com/Neotech-5131001- ... r=8-2&th=1

[TromboneWill]

I've heard that those can sometimes interfere with the 2nd trigger on bass trombones, so I'm a bit skeptical to buy one of them, but I'm currently working with my local music school to see if I can try some different supports and straps out.

[Bach5G]

The Yam hand strap is about $15.

[Burgerbob]

For first timers, and sometimes overall, I recommend the Leather Specialties strap. It works on basically every horn, doesn't get in the way of the 2nd valve (Get-A-Grip and the Neotech), and is sometimes just the best option overall.

I use 5 or 6 different grip aids on different horns, they all have their places.

[harrisonreed]

(the Osmun strap is a rebranded leather specialities, FWIW. Fits everything)

[Driswood]

I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, so I need support on any horn. I use two - the Neotech Grip and the Ax Handle from Instrument Innovations.
I use the Neotech on my Conn 6H. It takes the strain off my joints in my hand and wrist. Makes playing very comfortable. The only issue in the beginning was there is a learning curve for getting my left hand in and out to work mutes. It causes no problem now.
My second horn is a Yamaha YSL-684, and it doesn’t work on this one. The linkage comes from underneath, and my knuckle on my thumb interferes with the action when using the Neotech. For this one I use the Ax Handle. It keeps my thumb out of the way, and gives me great support for holding the instrument.
I think it depends on your ergonomics and your particular instrument. It’s like a mouthpiece - there is no one size fits all.

[Bach5G]

The Jonathan Pippen grip is similar to the GAG but thinner/flatter. I found it easier to shape and it fits under the 2nd valve lever better than my GAG. Also comes in a nice selection of colours which helps a bit with remembering to take it with you when you’re packing up.

[TheBoneRanger]

I've used the Greenhoe rest bar on most of my trombones for many years. Some soldered on, others just with the hose clamp. Fits me well.

I think the supports on the market are very personal, given differing hand sizes, shapes and physiques in general. You just need to try a few things to see what floats your boat.

Interestingly, my latest custom Bach is not happy when the Greenhoe rest bar is attached, it seems to really kill the resonance and tighten up the horn. Must be a node point or something, but I've never struck it with any other horn. Thankfully it's not too heavy, so I can make do until I find another alternative.

[Cmillar]

If hand straps/grips are too awkward, buy some 'tennis grip tape wrap'.

That stuff gives you a good grip and you don't have to tense your muscles.

Good for cold and hot weather, and you can keep a natural hand position. Build up the grip if you need more thickness for your hand.

I find that Just using a single wrap in the area I actually grip does the trick. Just a bit on the loser slide grip area to keep the horn from slipping around.

Choice of colors too if you're so inclined!

[harrisonreed]

For the Leather Specialities Strap -- over the back of the hand or over the knuckles?

[Burgerbob]

For the Leather Specialities Strap -- over the back of the hand or over the knuckles?

Over the back of the hand.

[harrisonreed]

Yeah I saw your video, but I figured out that if you made it a little tight, it goes over the top of your knuckles and supports nearly all the weight. The hand position is not great though.

[Burgerbob]

Yeah I saw your video, but I figured out that if you made it a little tight, it goes over the top of your knuckles and supports nearly all the weight. The hand position is not great though.

I find that super uncomfortable myself. Over the back of the hand is very comfy.