Elbow friendly Bb brass

[vladkobuxton]

I'm a trombonist with ankylosing spondylitis and most importantly an elbow with poor range. I've just had an operation to improve my range of motion, but it seems to be 50/50 that it will add to my range which was pretty poor and unfortunately led me to stop playing bone. My left elbow is currently at around a 90 degree angle and not flexing or extending much more. I tried some of the devices to hold the trombone, but I didn't enjoy them at all. My right arm is fine and completely flexable/extendable

I'm looking to try a new instrument that is a bit more futureproof for me and don't mind a bit of learning. I think a valve instrument would suit me, something where I can at least keep trombone embouchure, but where i dont need to hold it at such a tight angle. What would you think best? I really love the vibe of the bone and its sound. I'll miss the slide but I think I could still groove it up!

I learned by ear by jamming along to Fela Kuti, Rico Rodriguez, Fred Wesley and mostly play in informal settings by ear. Usually funk/neosoul/hiphop/reggae and sometimes with soundsystems/dub/drumnbass.

I was looking at marching baritones and flugabones. What do you think? which is closer to the trombone for what I want? Anything else?

[Burgerbob]

marching baritones will be possibly at a better angle, but are heavy. if you want to keep one up with an Ergobrass of some sort that would make more sense.

I'd keep bass trumpet in the mix too.

[MStarke]

From an ergonomic perspective, a euphonium in 3 plus 1 configuration could be worth a try?

When I had a shoulder injury about a year ago, I played just bass trumpet for a while, which worked quite well and could also be a fit for you. And it is a very cool instrument!

However you might not be that far away from holding a trombone. Maybe with a bit of custom work, there could be a good grip for you?

[Richard3rd]

Four valve non-comp euphonium. That way you can choose where to hold with the left hand.

[hyperbolica]

I have shoulder problems, and the instrument I got that addresses this is the Wessex Festivo Euphonium. Compensating, 4v down low. This means both arms are at a more natural position in front of your stomach rather than up high. On top of that, it's a good instrument. My wife likes the sound, for what ever that's worth.



https://us.wessex-tubas.com/products/fe ... nium-ep104

[Chazzer69]

I may be visualizing your left elbow situation incorrectly, but If you're looking at marching baritones or flugabones, why not a valve trombone?

[claf]

I would go with a bell-front baritone.
The sound would still go to the front and you won't have trouble holding/manipulating/operating it.

[JohnL]

American-style baritone; front action, forward bell (Conn 14-I, King 625 or similar). I think it's the best choice from an ergonomic standpoint (you don't need to raise your arms very much at all). You can also rig a support post to the bottom bow if needed. There's a lot of them out there and a decent one can be had pretty cheaply.

If the American-style baritone works out, then you might want to consider getting a trombonium. Same general layout, but with a more trombone-like bore profile. Your two choices would be either a Conn 90-G (large bore, upright bell) or a King 1140 (.500" bore, forward bell). They're not common, but they do pop up for sale from time to time.

[MahlerMusic]

I wish they made more Cimbasso's in Bb as that would work.

[vladkobuxton]

wow thanks everyone! I went for a marching baritone that I found for cheap on ebay in the UK. It arrived today and its workable to play. Not too heavy, and I don't have to flex my elbow much to hold it. Exciting times! Thanks for all your suggestions