TromboneChat

Good morning all, I have an old Greenhoe brace but of course it needs to be soldered. With the plethora of non-soldered choices, I’m thinking about a Neotech grip for a Q36. I presume it fits the horn properly? Any other recommendations are welcomed. I’ve done a search here but maybe I’ve missed something.

I tried out a (new) Q36 about a month ago in a local Music & Arts store. It had (I was surprised to see) what appeared to be a Bullet Brace installed on it (or certainly something similar, though I didn't scrutinize it). The resulting balance was great (without even having to adjust that brace). Of course, that's what I'm accustomed to since I've been using a Bullet Brace on my current horn virtually since I got it about 10 years ago.

I'd recommend looking at a Bullet (or Instrument Innovations "Axe Handle") brace. If you try the Axe Handle (less expensive than the Bullet) and don't like it, you can easily return it. I've got one (potentially for the new horn I'm getting) and haven't tried it yet. But just eyeballing it, it may be a slightly improved version of the Bullet (and by the same designer, I believe).

But some people prefer more of a "strap" sort of approach.

I have this exact horn, and the Sheridan Get-A-Grip works great for it! I’ve had it for a while now, and it still holds up great.

If it's drilled for it, the Shires rest bar is nice. I don't recommend Neotech for basses.

Aidan, what about a Greenhoe brace? I dry-fitted the one I have but I’m not sure there’s enough space for the tenon ring.

If I get a non-solder option, what would you recommend other than the Neo-Tech non-recommendation?

gbedinger wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 4:41 pm Aidan, what about a Greenhoe brace? I dry-fitted the one I have but I’m not sure there’s enough space given the closer fit of the tenon ring.

If I get a non-solder option, what would you recommend other than the Neo-Tech non-recommendation?

Leather specialties strap, calders pips grip, sheridan get-a-grip are all good options

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 3:38 pm If it's drilled for it, the Shires rest bar is nice. I don't recommend Neotech for basses.

The Q36 is drilled and tapped for the rest bar. It's about $20 from Shires.

Dennis wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:29 pm

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 3:38 pm If it's drilled for it, the Shires rest bar is nice. I don't recommend Neotech for basses.

The Q36 is drilled and tapped for the rest bar. It's about $20 from Shires.

Yup, that's the choice!!

Does the neotech not work on some basses? Works great for me on my Edwards.

Kdanielsen wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:46 pm Does the neotech not work on some basses? Works great for me on my Edwards.

I think for some it does, I don't like how it moves the hand up a good half inch from the slide, and puts a bunch of hardware between the slide and 2nd valve lever. There are better options for bass that don't do those things.

Dennis wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:29 pm

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 3:38 pm If it's drilled for it, the Shires rest bar is nice. I don't recommend Neotech for basses.

The Q36 is drilled and tapped for the rest bar. It's about $20 from Shires.

Some of the old Q’s actually don’t have the threaded Gb lever saddle. I’m assuming that’s the issue OP is running into. You can still buy the old style thumb rest kit from Shires and a tech can install it.

Thanks all, very helpful!

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:37 pm

Dennis wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:29 pm

The Q36 is drilled and tapped for the rest bar. It's about $20 from Shires.

Yup, that's the choice!!

You guys. You just made my day. I was going through this whole exercise on my new Q36 as well. I have an Ax handle on there now, but it doesn't fit great with either choice of handle. I'll give Shires a call!

...and I'll echo from my experience, the Neotech is not great on a bass.