How BrassSupport Transformed Our Practice Sessions
It all began with a simple question from my young daughter: “Dad, why is the trumpet so heavy?” I was tempted to launch into a detailed explanation about the density of brass, its mass, and how gravity pulls it towards the Earth, countered by the force generated by her little muscles. But I quickly realised she wasn’t looking for a physics lesson. She just wanted to know how we could make the trumpet feel lighter so she could play longer without tiring her arm. A quick call with Steve Sax from BrassSupport provided the solution—not just for trumpet players but for many brass musicians. Steve has invented an ingenious, portable device that elegantly supports the weight of a brass instrument, making it easier to play for extended periods.
The BrassSupport Experience
Steve kindly sent us a BrassSupport device to try out. It was straightforward to assemble and attach—even for someone like me, who isn’t particularly handy with tools. Steve has produced short, easy-to-follow videos for each brass instrument, demonstrating where to attach the support clamp and offering other helpful tips. You can check them out on his website: Brass and musical instruments Support system By BrassSupport.
My daughter was thrilled with the BrassSupport. After incorporating it into her practice routine, she had no complaints—in fact, she loved it! The device effectively supported the weight of her trumpet, allowing her to focus on her playing. For the first time, her chops got tired before her arm did!
When it was my turn to try the BrassSupport with a tenor trombone, I noticed the clamp attaches to the brace at the top of the slide, where the left hand holds the instrument. This placement made sense, as it’s the balance point of the trombone. Initially, I was concerned that it might feel uncomfortable, but the clamp is rounded and, though somewhat bulky, not uncomfortable. After a few minutes of playing, the relief from not having to bear the weight of the trombone far outweighed (pun intended) the initial unfamiliar feeling of the clamp.
Putting It to the Test
Curious to see how well the BrassSupport could handle a heavier instrument, I decided to put it through its paces with my 5.8kg (10.6lb) bass trombone. I must admit, I was initially sceptical that the BrassSupport would hold the weight securely. But the clamps and rod were rock solid. You can see in the photo that the device completely holds the weight of the instrument. According to Steve, the BrassSupport will securely hold 15kgs (33lbs) —more than enough to handle the heaviest brass instruments.
Impressive Design
The BrassSupport is surprisingly lightweight yet impressively sturdy. It almost feels like Steve hacked into NASA’s database to borrow some space-age technology! The rod, made from aluminium, is anything but flimsy, and the tripod-style clamps securely hold it at the desired length while playing. The rod features indicators for different lengths, making it easy to adjust. Each user will quickly learn their preferred settings, allowing for a fast and consistent setup every time.
The BrassSupport features an ingenious clamp system designed with versatility and comfort in mind. You can easily modify the adjustable clamp to suit your preferences, ensuring a comfortable fit regardless of the instrument or your posture. The system securely holds a wide variety of brass instruments, from trumpets to bass trombones, providing a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re adjusting the angle for a more ergonomic setup or fitting it to a different instrument, the BrassSupport’s clamp adapts seamlessly.
Playing Comfort
Does it interfere with playing? Not at all. The support mechanism is fully adjustable to accommodate different instruments and player preferences. However, because the rod is straight, players with a more pronounced chest or stomach might find it more comfortable to use the rod at an angle.
Is it cumbersome? Not in the least. It’s light and strong, with clamps that can be adjusted in any direction to suit your needs. Steve recommends aligning the nuts to one side so they’re out of the way and can be adjusted by one hand.
Who Benefits the Most?
This device is a game-changer for young children playing any brass instrument. The heavier the instrument, and the smaller the child, the greater the benefit. Be aware that younger kids may need help assembling and attaching the BrassSupport until they become familiar with the process.
But the BrassSupport isn’t just for kids—it’s also perfect for older musicians who may be losing strength, and even for able-bodied players who want to focus on their technique and play comfortably for extended periods without the strain of holding up their instrument.
Marching Harness: A Mobile Solution
One obvious restriction when using a support device that sits on the ground is the lack of mobility. The solution? The marching harness. The harness attaches with Velcro to two belt loops on your trousers, with a ring suspended in the middle. The bottom of the rod sits in the ring and is stopped by the clamp.
The marching harness was simple to use and held the weight of the instrument well. Be warned: if you have a large gut, you may need to adjust the clamp angles to get the mouthpiece close enough to your lips to play. But for most people, this won’t be an issue. Since the rod is attached to the top of your trousers, the mouthpiece doesn’t bounce around on your lips while marching. For players who have trouble holding their instrument while marching or walking around, the BrassSupport system is an excellent solution.
A Word of Caution when using BrassSupport
When finished playing, always place the instrument down on a surface without relying on the support device. Don’t simply lean the BrassSupport against a chair or table with the instrument still attached—it could easily fall over. The device hasn’t been designed to stand upright when not being held. Players should be careful not to bump the rod while it’s firmly attached to the instrument. I’d recommend loosening a nut to allow the rod to lie freely beside the instrument (see photo).
If you use an instrument stand when not playing, you’ll need to loosen one of the grip nuts to avoid the BrassSupport rigidly sticking out at a right angle. However, you may find that with the BrassSupport, you no longer need an instrument stand at all. If you choose this approach, just remember you’ll still need to use one hand to hold the instrument steady, leaving the other to adjust music, etc.
Value for Money
The BrassSupport, currently priced at US$119, offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to the cost of a typical instrument stand. While both serve to support a musician’s instrument, the BrassSupport goes a step further by reducing physical strain and improving playing comfort, which can help prevent muscle strain and related injuries. Considering the rising costs of medical bills for treating repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal issues, you could consider investing in a device like BrassSupport as a proactive measure for long-term health and well-being. This makes it a smart investment for musicians who want to enjoy their craft for long periods without risking their physical health.
BrassSupport Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple to assemble with supporting videos for each instrument.
- Strong and sturdy.
- Fully adjustable height and grip.
- Mobility with the marching harness.
- Suitable for a broad range of players.
- Light and portable, packs up into a provided bag for easy transport.
- Good value for money.
Cons:
- Requires adjusting when placing the instrument on a stand or when setting it down to ensure it won’t fall.
- It may be difficult for very small children to manage without supervision, but that probably applies to their instruments too.
- One more piece of gear to carry around, albeit a light and small package—but it might replace the need for an instrument stand in certain situations.
Conclusion
The BrassSupport is an innovative solution that makes playing brass instruments more comfortable and accessible, particularly for young players, older musicians, and those handling heavier instruments. Its thoughtful design, ease of use, and versatility ensure that it benefits a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned professionals. By effectively reducing the physical strain of holding an instrument, the BrassSupport allows musicians to focus on their technique and enjoy longer, more productive practice sessions. Whether you’re playing in a stationary setting or on the move with the marching harness, this device is a valuable addition to any brass player’s toolkit.