“Shield” for slide holding hand?

[JacobFromIdaho]

Hello all!

I recently bought an old Bach Model 6 (1930s) and have noticed that the slide “bites” the bottom of my hand below my pinky. Apparently my hands are too wide for the space from the mouthpiece to where the slide rests back in 1st position. I attempted attaching a picture to show the blood blister I received from a recent gig, but I think on my mobile device it isn’t possible. Think of it like this: hold your hand straight out with the thumb up, perpendicular to the ground. The spot is on the pinky side of the hand, on the meaty part of the palm. (Hope that makes sense)

I should mention I hold the trombone in my left hand with my index finger on the mouthpiece, with the three other “clinched” like a fist around the slide and grip.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I have attempted to use different styles of holding the trombone but she just doesn’t feel right when I do that. I’m thinking of maybe having a sheath or shield fabricated to rest my palm on so it doesn’t interfere with the slide exterior coming back to first and having another snack…

Thanks for reading,

Jacob Herring

[JohnL]

It's not an uncommon problem.

Some older Getzen trombones had a little hook on the lower cork barrel to prevent that sort of thing.

Getzen_bite_guard.jpeg

[AtomicClock]

Doug Yeo's grip (middle finger on the other side of the slide brace) moves the whole hand away from the edge of the cork barrel. When I use it, I don't have to worry about getting bitten. Pictures here: https://www.yeodoug.com/resources/faq/f ... nsion.html

[ithinknot]

If three above/two below isn't comfortable for you, try a Neotech grip

[stewbones43]

I had the same problem with my Conn 36H alto and it hurts!!
I solved it using a length of clear plastic tube designed for protecting the outer slide and sold by Conn as a "Slide Guard". I cut it so that it extends about half an inch past the lower cork barrel.

Now I am a happy alto player with no pain, no blood and no sudden loud, offensive expletives!

Cheers
Stewbones43

[JacobFromIdaho]

I had the same problem with my Conn 36H alto and it hurts!!
I solved it using a length of clear plastic tube designed for protecting the outer slide and sold by Conn as a "Slide Guard". I cut it so that it extends about half an inch past the lower cork barrel.

Now I am a happy alto player with no pain, no blood and no sudden loud, offensive expletives!

Cheers
Stewbones43

This is the perfect fix for what I am experiencing, thank you.

I’m going to pick one of these up as well, thank you.

[ithinknot]

I had the same problem with my Conn 36H alto and it hurts!!
I solved it using a length of clear plastic tube designed for protecting the outer slide and sold by Conn as a "Slide Guard".

This is the perfect fix for what I am experiencing, thank you.

It might not be... the lower cork barrel on a 36H is cylindrical, so the stiff plastic snap-on split tube holds. On your Bach, the barrel is cylindrical (~.775") but there's the significantly larger trim ring at the bottom (.915ish, minus wear). You might do better with 3/4 or 7/8 ID flexible silicone hose. Rubber will also work, but can corrode the metal underneath over time. Cut to length first, then heat it up in hot water if you find there isn't quite enough stretch to fit it cold.

[JacobFromIdaho]

Thanks for the responses, advice, and suggestions.

I did the smart thing here and sold the horn.

[Burgerbob]

https://www.tromboneslidekick.com/?fbcl ... 4mntKpoKOQ

[hyperbolica]

I used to get the "snake bite" every now and then, but I started holding it differently, closer up to the pinky than the meat of the palm. Fewer if any snake bites now.

[muschem]

https://www.tromboneslidekick.com/?fbcl ... 4mntKpoKOQ

I think it would be interesting to combine the Slide Kick idea with the Wise Grip (https://wisegrip.com/). I like the ergonomics of a curved handgrip, but it tends to push my hand out toward the end of the cork barrel and exacerbate the pinching issue. Having the shield integrated on the end of a curved grip attachment might solve that.

[tbonesullivan]

I recently picked up a Conn 36H alto, and even with the extended cork barrel on the left side, I still get bitten on rare occasions. I also don't have super wide hands. It's just the very edge of my hand though, and given how little room there is in there already, I decided that just living and learning was the best way.

[BassBoneFL]

https://www.tromboneslidekick.com/?fbcl ... 4mntKpoKOQ

I think it would be interesting to combine the Slide Kick idea with the Wise Grip (https://wisegrip.com/). I like the ergonomics of a curved handgrip, but it tends to push my hand out toward the end of the cork barrel and exacerbate the pinching issue. Having the shield integrated on the end of a curved grip attachment might solve that.

I've been doing this for a year now.... It works great. Wisegrip fits snugly over the Slidekick top


Also, for the OP.... Spend $12 on a Slidekick.... works great and comes in large and small-bore sizes.