FAQ
Is it awkward?
It is quite natural that a player who has been playing for years will go through a short experiment and adjustment period when first using the ERGObone support.
Most players have developed some tiny movements during playing. The player does not actually need them, in fact he or she does not even know about most of them. But it is only a matter of some days or weeks, and a player will get used to the ERGObone and find a new way to make his or her typical movements, only now ERGObone will be supporting the weight of the trombone.
Now you can discover new and healthier ways of playing. You’ll find out very soon that you can turn and lean your horn with minimal effort. In fact the only real difference is that you feel more relaxed and playing is lighter and more comfortable.
Does it fit any trombone?
Practically, yes. The only requirement is that the point of fitting the fastening on your slide is straight for at least 25 mm, see the picture below. Most trombones are like this and they have a tube diameter at that point between 17.5 and 21.5 mm. Wrap the rubber gasket (provided in the installation kit) on first and only after that install ERGObone clamp on your instrument. The diameter should be around 22 mm when you attach the clamp.
Many tenor trombones (especially if they don’t have an F-attachment) have their center of gravity in front of the fastening point, and thus the bell tends to lower. In this case the horn might need some balancing. Add some weight at the back of the horn so that you get it in balance. When the trombone moves smoothly and stays in any position it is ready for relaxed playing.
Will it fit in the trombone case?
There are surely hundreds of different trombone cases. The trombone slide can be put away in many cases without taking ERGObone off. Some cases may need some slight modification to hold the slide with the ERGObone attached. ERGObone is designed so that the support rod turns only about 180 degrees, so it does not reach the slide and cannot damage it. But do remember to point the locking screw away from the slide – or take it off during transportation.
If you cannot fit your slide tube with ERGObone in your trombone case, just loosen one screw and take it off. It is easier to pack and put on again than a music stand. The rest of the parts (floor tube, chest part and harness) need very little space.
Please watch the following short video how to remove and put the ERGObone clamp back to the trombone. It is very easy and quick to do when you do it in this way! Pay attention how to hold the clamp with your left hand index finger! This way it is easy and quick!
How is the height adjusted?
It is most important that the trombone is at the right height – where you find it comfortable – when you play. There are two basic ways to adjust the height. You either lift or descend the chest part itself from the harness strap locks, or adjust how deep the support rod extends into its counterpart. These two ways give a little different feeling with stability and you should try different combinations when you get accustomed to ERGObone. It is up to you whether you prefer to keep the chest part low and use longer support rod or the other way around.
When you use the floor tube it does not matter how you adjust the height, the final height is the only important thing.
The support rod should always be close to vertical upright position when playing. If it is not, it might feel a little unstable and pinching. So in the beginning do pay attention to keeping the rod as carefully upright as you can. Soon it stays there automatically.
What does it look like?
ERGObone is designed to be as invisible as possible. The black harness and clear / black chest part go with most costumes – in both rehearsals and concert. The ERGObone is simple and non-obtrusive. You can, of course, keep the harness under your coat.
Is it suitable for ladies, too?
ERGObone is perfectly suitable for lady trombonists! It is easy to adjust the harness straps with an extra coupler (provided in the kit) so that the straps are formfitting on the front side. Most lady players keep the chestpart lower and in proportion the support rod longer to get a comfortable feel with the ERGObone. If a lady trombonist needs to wear a dress, it might be best if she uses the chair tube or the ERGObrass Monopod Extension Set rather than the harness.
Why are there three different support devices?
There are different types of players, different stages of skills, different situations and we try to meet as many personal needs as possible. ERGObone offers good and relaxed playing feeling in any playing situation.
Some player like to play always while sitting down and using the chair support. Some others prefer to play sitting down but with the harness because it gives a little more freedom for moving while playing. And some players love to practise in standing up position with the harness set up.
For those who like to play standing up and transfer the whole weight to the floor, there is available the ERGObrass Telescopic Monopod Extension Set as a separate item.
Every trombonist can adjust the ERGObone to give a maximum comfort to his or her personal needs.