TromboneChat

I am going to have hernia surgery tomorrow, and I won’t be able to play for a while.

My doctor said I could do some buzzing after a week, and maybe even play a bit after three weeks, but between the time off for the surgery and then traveling to Europe, (I don’t want, really can’t, take my horn with me) it will be close to 7 weeks before I can play again.

What is your experience with the various buzzing aids out there? Are any of them worth it?

Used for an extended period without actually playing, I think they're a waste of effort, and potentially could lead to wrong habits. Buzzing is not playing.

Coming back after a long pause isn't actually as painful as one might think. IMHO you should just heal up first.

Short video call today? I can give you some ideas.

Doug Elliott wrote: Sun Jun 21, 2026 8:09 am Short video call today? I can give you some ideas.

Thank you for the offer! I pm’d you

I use it whenever on vacation without my trombone. I used it after my Moh's surgery and it made me feel good, even if it might not have had any effect. I am scheduled for inguinal hernia surgery on July 14. The surgery will be by robotics. The surgeon said no trombone for a month. I assume the buzzer will be okay, but i will discuss that with him. Keep us informed as you progress.

BW, I am a retired physician and play in community bands, 2concert and one jazz big band.

I would definitely wait on the buzzing. I just had surgery myself and had to take at least 10 days before doing anything with the instrument... it really hurts and you CANNOT use your abdomen for a good chunk of time.

I came back playing very softly with very little air, including a tiny bit of buzzing and ramped it up from there.

My surgery is in 2 weeks for double hernia. Any thoughts on trombone vs trumpet for starting back up?

Signed up for another no pay gig…impromptu 250 celebration march thru local burg. Not sure yet if trumpet or trombone, will be based on where needed most.