AR Resonance "First Aid" anyone?

[NathanSobieralski]

Hello all,

Im curious if this device has permeated into the trombone world? I'm making a clip that holds the trumpet version of this device to the horn in place of the hair tie elastic it comes with. Those of you who do use a "First Aid" if you are interested in a trombone version please let me know.

Here is the "clip" I made to hold it on:





More info on the First Aid can be found on the manufacturers website:

https://www.arresonance.com/product-page/first-aid

[UATrombone]

Could you explain where this thing should be placed on trombone? Maybe you have some photos?
As I understand Mr. Kaplan is using one because his name is in the list on AR site.

[ghmerrill]

So is First Aid basically a new twist on LefreQue plates? If so, perhaps some guidance could be had here: https://www.lefreque.com/artists/daniel-casimir.

[NathanSobieralski]

I have no idea where it would be placed on a trombone, I've only seen them used on trumpet. I was surprised to see the manufacturer also makes a trombone version, which prompted my post here. It seems there may not be many trombone players using it!

The idea of this device is to add weight strategically on your instrument. I've tried it out on several of my trumpets and I do notice an effect, tighter slotting and a shift in the strength of some overtones. I plan to investigate this further at some point, but for now I am satisfied enough that its not some placebo effect to spend time making an improvement for it (the "clip" I designed).

[ghmerrill]

The LefreQue plates (and "sound bridges") were all the rage in some segments of the euphonium (and -- to a lesser extent -- tuba, and to a still lesser extent, trumpet, flute, saxophone, and bassoon (!) ) communities some years ago.

They were endorsed by a number of well-known players. Steven Mead has a Youtube video showing how to fit the plates to your instrument to achieve the desired effect(s).

Interest in them seems to have waned at this point, but they appear to have some sort of following.