TromboneChat

https://trombonespinesaver.com/

Anyone purchase/ use one of these? Helpful or not?

Thanks,
Michael

I have an ergobone, and have had to do some modifications to it. I can't use the ergobone that goes to the chair. Most chairs aren't big enough. I have to use the one that goes to the floor. It's the most versatile. I've redesigned and 3D printed new connections for the ergobone because the original attachments are medieval.

The Spine Saver looks easier to attach, but I think you'll find that it may not work with the chair mount on every chair. If you want to attach an ergobone to multiple trombones, it was a big mess.

The Spine Saver price is equally ridiculous as the Ergobone, but it looks like its made in the US, so shipping won't be as crazy. So yes, it looks like an improvement in a few ways, but may not work with all chairs, depending on how you sit.

Somebody has to be first, why don't you give it a shot and report back?

Spine Saver patented in 2009.
Where has it been the last 15 years?
We'd all love a real-life user report!

Nobody?

Large grain of salt here - I tried one on briefly at the Texas Bandmasters Association exhibition hall earlier this year. By "briefly", I mean less than 10 minutes total. I didn't have my horn with me, so I connected it up to one of the display units. I did no actual playing while I had it on - just kind of got a feel for it - moved the slide, etc. Not much by which to form an impression, but I thought I'd share in any case.

I don't have a good baseline for comparison (never tried an ergobone), but this device felt pretty awkward to me. There are a number of different connections/support points and associated adjustments to make. It took a couple minutes to get things close to where I'd normally hold the horn. Once it was locked in, it did feel solid and stress-free to hold the horn in place. That said, it seemed to me that with the way it locked in the rotation and tilt of the horn, it would inhibit embouchure movements/shifts, where the angle and/or position of the horn relative to the underlying dental structure changes. Maybe there are options in the adjustments to account for horn movement... I didn't fiddle with it long enough to figure that out. I also imagine it would be a nightmare to use in a tight section or pit.

It seemed well built, but to be honest, I'd only use one if I had a severe injury or limitation that absolutely required it. Hopefully, someone who has actually used one of these can chime in.

Back in 2011/2012 when I was having some shoulder and back problems, I looked at this and the ergo bone. By then they had moved away from the full metal model to the one with the straps (which for me was not what I needed) so I bought an ergobone instead.

I have used TromboneSpineSaver ™ for fifteen years. I invented it because I had three spinal vertebrae rotated out of place and a disc that was in danger of herniating. The rotated vertebrae caused scoliosis and hip pain. Over the period of time that I used the stand (from "McGiver" model, to prototype, to finished product) the pain stopped, and, working with a chiropractor, my spine fully recovered -- no more scoliosis or disc damage. Hence the name of the stand. The web site www.trombonespinesaver.com has a full description, testimonials of users, and FAQ's; however, I am happy to answer any questions in TromboneChat.

Thanks for checking in. I fixed your link so you can go directly to your site. Hope this helps answer questions from the Chat.

Thank you! That is very helpful. Please do continue to notify me of Trombone Spine Saver posts.

SamBTbrn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2025 9:15 am Back in 2011/2012 when I was having some shoulder and back problems, I looked at this and the ergo bone. By then they had moved away from the full metal model to the one with the straps (which for me was not what I needed) so I bought an ergobone instead.

Unfortunately, the full metal model had very limited fit application to various makes and models of trombone. It fit the Conn 88H trombone perfectly -- not much else. Also, phenomenally expensive to produce. Hence, the strap model.

hyperbolica wrote: ↑Thu Jan 02, 2025 3:26 pm I have an ergobone, and have had to do some modifications to it. I can't use the ergobone that goes to the chair. Most chairs aren't big enough. I have to use the one that goes to the floor. It's the most versatile. I've redesigned and 3D printed new connections for the ergobone because the original attachments are medieval.

The Spine Saver looks easier to attach, but I think you'll find that it may not work with the chair mount on every chair. If you want to attach an ergobone to multiple trombones, it was a big mess.

The Spine Saver price is equally ridiculous as the Ergobone, but it looks like its made in the US, so shipping won't be as crazy. So yes, it looks like an improvement in a few ways, but may not work with all chairs, depending on how you sit.

Somebody has to be first, why don't you give it a shot and report back?

Due to major improvements in manufacturing the stand, there has been a significant price decrease. TromboneSpineSaver.com has the details.

The ERGObone with neck strap (like a saxophone) works really well, especially if you allow the spring to give a little vertically. When used with an angle-shank mouthpiece, the gooseneck rests stably on your shoulder and the left hand adjusts the height and angle of the (essentially 'weightless') instrument as necessary for nuances of embouchure. Of course, the weight is transferred to the neck, which does not help with spine problems. A simple solution (not dependent on the shape of a chair) is to use a sport-fisherman's belt, which transfers the weight to your lower torso—hardly noticeable when sitting.


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