Ralph Sauer Brace

As you may know, Ralph Sauer and Gary Greenhoe were students of Emory Brace Remington, "The Chief", at the Eastman School of Music. Ralph has invented a device that will enhance your trombone playing. It is out of respect to Mr. Remington that this device be named for him. Ralph has asked Gary's team at Greenhoe Musical Instrument Components to produce THE BRACE™ and to offer it on the website.

What is THE BRACE™?

Remarkably, THE BRACE™ is a deceptively simple and effective device that adds mass in the right place, plus stiffens the slide crook to improve your playing. It is only three pieces, and installs by hand on your slide with no tools, and no instrument modification.

What does it do to the sound?

THE BRACE™ improves your dynamic range on the horn. In other words, you can reach a higher level of fortissimo before distortion. Additionally, the notes speak easier and you feel more secure and confident. Solidity is added to the sound. Others can hear the difference, and you can hear it and feel it.

How does it attach to my horn?

1. THE BRACE™ with the locknuts retracted, as it slips in between the slide tubes. One locknut has a right hand thread, and the other has a left hand thread, so when the spindle is turned while supporting the locknuts, they expand.
2. The second view shows THE BRACE™ as it appears aligned inside the slide tubes, before placing over the ferrules.
3. The final view shows THE BRACE™ in place, with the locknuts extended. The spindle needs only to be hand tightened, and the device will stay put without damage to the horn. NOTE: THE BRACE™ is ONLY designed to mount "hand tight" on the ferrules. DO NOT overtighten. Mounting on the slide tubes will cause damage.

Here's how you do it: First, learn how the mechanism works. Hold the ends of THE BRACE™ between the thumb and middle finger. Then twist the spindle with the opposite hand to find out which direction expands and which direction contracts THE BRACE™. Center the spindle so both ends are the same distance from the ends before you put in on the horn. Expand THE BRACE™ so it will slide in to the ferrules, and then try this trick to tighten: hold one end of THE BRACE™, and push the other end "into" the ferrule to stabilize it. You should be able to then twist the spindle to tighten it snugly against the ferrules. If you overtighten, the slide will hang. If you undertighten, it will fall off. You will find the perfect compromise.

Cleaning and oiling the threads with 3-in One or Hetman bearing oil will keep THE BRACE™ in perfect working order.

Will it fit my horn?

YES! THE BRACE™ comes in 3 sizes. Here is a Chart.

1. The smallest size is designed to fit a Bach 16 - King 3B - Conn 4H - Shires tenor crook
2. The middle size is designed to fit a Bach 36 - Conn 88H
3. The large size will fit a Bach 42 width crook, and other trombones with similar crooks

How much does it cost?

THE BRACE™ is $75, plus shipping and handling - a small price to pay for immediate and predictable improvements in:

• Sound
• Dynamic Range
• Confidence