Hand support

Our hand support system is a very simple yet very effective way of reducing, and in many cases eliminating, physical tension in the hand, arm and shoulder.

Players are becoming ever more aware of the problems caused by excess tension and physical strain in the body when holding and playing the trombone. This can affect a wide range of players, from young children through to older players with conditions such as arthritis, as well as other situations such as playing whilst marching or simply performing for extended periods without a break.

Musically, the benefits of being able to perform free from unecessary tension can be considerable, and in some cases our hand support has also reduced excessive pressure on the embochure.

Attaching to the main bell stay of the trombone, the pad of the hand support fits snugly accross the back of the left hand, providing all the necessary support needed to eliminate tension from the fingers of the left hand. When properly adjusted a player can even remove the fingers of their left hand from the slide stay leaving the hand support to take the weight of the instrument.

The hand support comes in a very simple kit form which is easy and straightforward to fit and adjust. When assembling the support and fitting to the main bell stay, care should be taken not to overtighten the screw, or this may damage the bell stay underneath. There should not be any need to overtighten the support to achieve the correct position.

Michael Rath hand supports have been designed and successfully tested with a number of different makes and models of trombone in addition to all Rath instruments. Aside from perhaps more obvious applications with bass and contra bass trombones, has proven to be equally as successfull with Bb/F tenor and even straight tenor trombones.

Heavy valve cap

Balance weight

Gooseneck