Hello all,
I wanted to provide a quick review of Executive Systems West (ESW) new product, the Euphonium Hand Strap (EHS-001). ESW are the manufacturers of the Quick Horn Rinse that many of us have purchased and use regularly. I recently saw a Facebook posting by Bill Ricker, the proprietor of ESW, that showed a picture of the EHS-001 and decided that for $25+$5 for shipping I'd purchase one and try it.
Take a close look at the EHS below and you will see that the strap attaches with a Velcro loop around the outer branch of your horn, below the 4th valve. An adjustable fabric strap can loop around the webbing of your left hand, allowing you to support the horn with your left hand without having to grip the horn tightly.
My motivation in purchasing his device was to improve the ergonomics of holding my Sterling Virtuoso and reduce the stress on my tendonitis-prone left arm. I have found the combination of the heavy weight of my Sterling, the stiff thumb operated trigger, and the need to hold the horn away from the body to clear the tuning slide from my belly all increased the stress on my left arm and hand. This was probably the cause of an onset of tendonitis that was nearly debilitating this last year.
The EHS strap is very simple to install and use and meets my expectations. By looping the support strap around the webbing of my hand I can keep it from interfering with either thumb or forefinger. Further, I no longer need keep a death-grip on the horn with my left hand, so the fingers are more relaxed, and operation of the trigger with my thumb and 4th valve with my index finger is decoupled more easily.
I am finding that this strap exactly meets my expectations. It makes the Sterling easier to hold when standing and somewhat easier to control when seated. Please note, however, that I only use it on my Sterling, not on my triggerless Besson Sovereign. The Sterling is heavier, has a stiff trigger, and has stiffer valve springs. My Sovereign is lighter, and the elimination of the trigger makes it easier to hold and support against my body, so the strap is superfluous.
If you have any questions, feel free to respond to this posting and I can share some experiences.
Sincerely,
Doug Ruby