Gb trigger trouble

[NuhJuhKuh]

Howdy,

I am, for the most part, enjoying my recently acquired Wessex PBF 565 “Chris Steam” bass trombone, but I’m finding the Gb trigger awkward to use in that my fingers *always end up slipping under the paddle and get in the way when I try to use it.

This being my first independent double, I don’t know if the problem is my grip (I’ve always used one finger over the mouthpiece receiver, I find it awkward to use two), the size of my hands (they’re big, like the rest of me), or the model itself. I welcome any and all suggestions! If someone has a clever grip I’ll try that, or maybe some sort of strap/brace would solve the problem?

Lastly I think I’m going to take it to a tech in a month or so for a proper look over, just in case there are little things he notices could be tweaked that I wouldn’t even think to look for, maybe he could do something to the paddle too?

Cheers!

[Burgerbob]

I'd get a grip aid first.

[ithinknot]

It's safest to assume that all second valve levers are in the wrong place for your particular hand until they've been adjusted to suit.

The "slipping under" motion suggests you're transferring some of the instrument's weight to the middle finger when squeezing, so a grip aid will help. It will also potentially affect how you'd like the levers adjusted, so you just have to experiment.

One bit of advice - I very briefly owned one of that Wessex model, and the curved inner handslide brace was either simply too thin or had been annealed way too much for bending, making it very easy to put the inner out of alignment. For that reason, in this particular case I'd steer clear of straps (Yamaha and similar) that attach around the mouthpiece receiver/upper cork barrel; too easy to torque/splay the inner. Other designs like Neotech/Calderpips should be fine, likewise any of the bell brace-attaching options.

[NuhJuhKuh]

I'd get a grip aid first.

I’m certainly leaning that way, would you recommend any particular ones?

[ghmerrill]

I'd try a Bullet Brace or an Axe Handle. For the Axe Handle, Instrument Innovations has a return policy of "You may return purchased items that do not work for you within 30 days of delivery for a full purchase price refund."

[baBposaune]

I currently have an Ax Handle on my Greenhoe. Works well, but is a temporary solution while I wait for my Maiocco grip to arrive on Tuesday. The Maiocco is only $15 plus shipping and is adjustable to custom fit your hand.

[ghmerrill]

... Maiocco grip ...

I've been really satisfied with the Bullet Brace and Axe Handle. They work well for me. But the Maiocco grip looks like it's worth trying, if only for comparison.

One issue I've always had with the Axe and Bullet is that it takes me a LONG time to get one of those adjusted so it fits and balances just right -- a lot of readjusting of the clamps and angles.

[baBposaune]

My primary fix for basses is the Greenhoe Rest Bar. On 5 of my 6 basses they are soldered on and are the most comfortable, stable solution. However, my 6th bass, a recently acquired Greenhoe TIS horn I am trying not to solder on a hand rest. The original owner was John Engelkes and it is in pristine condition for a 15 year old horn. I have 27 years experience in brass and woodwind repair and can do a neat solder job. For some reason I want to keep this Greenhoe 100% stock, the way Gary built it. Tradition? Resale? Aesthetics? Probably the last one more than anything.

I've heard such good things about the Maiocco grip, watched the video on adjusting the fit, AND it's removable.
I'm sold and I haven't even tried it yet!

[Bonearzt]

DEFINITELY see a tech to fit the lever to YOUR hand!!!!!

And THEN try an accessory grip or bar!!!

The horn should feel natural in your hands without changing your grip!

[NuhJuhKuh]

Thank you all for your responses. Ive bought at NeoTech grip from Gear4Music for not very much €€€ and will report back. If adjustment is still required after that i will ask my tach about it.


Cheers!

[blast]

I always feel responsible when I hear about someone buying a horn I designed...I shouldn't as I don't get any sort of kickback from the sale of these. I just did it as a favour to Jonathan, who is a really nice guy. From what I have heard, production models can vary, so it's best to get it checked over. My hands are quite small, so you will need to get the levers adjusted for sure.

[hyperbolica]

The Neotech grip puts your hand fairly far away from the 2nd valve lever in particular. I prefer the GetAGrip style. It takes some effort to adjust, but one you've got it, it's right and it's removable so you can get the horn in its case.

[NuhJuhKuh]

I always feel responsible when I hear about someone buying a horn I designed...I shouldn't as I don't get any sort of kickback from the sale of these. I just did it as a favour to Jonathan, who is a really nice guy. From what I have heard, production models can vary, so it's best to get it checked over. My hands are quite small, so you will need to get the levers adjusted for sure.

Hi Chris!

Please don’t feel bad on my account, I’m really enjoying the bass apart from the trigger thing, and with any luck a grip-aid will sort that out, but if not I will definitely ask the tech what he suggests. I work in a secondary school and have to resist the temptation to ask the metalwork teachers to have a go at adjusting the levers… in all seriousness I was planning to have a tech look over the ‘bone at some point anyway, not because I feel there’s anything wrong, but because there might be little things I don’t even know to look that an expert would spot.

Thanks again! My next question will be about mutes but on a different sub forum.