Handling a horn (was: [TPIN] Monette for sale)

[Michael Anderson]

I'm not sure how important this is with traditional horns, but don't pick it
up by the leadpipe by wrapping your fingers over the leadpipe and mouthpiece
receiver. You are putting the stress of the entire horn on that one spot.

Monette suggests a two-handed pick up at the valve cluster. Not the way you
hold it, but wrap your hand around the cluster itself. Once it is safely in
your left hand, then put your right hand in place.

MA


> From: Doc D'Errico <doc at derrico.net>
> Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2007 10:52:51 -0400
> To: 'Trumpet Players' International Network' <tpin at tpin.okcu.edu>
> Subject: Handling a horn (was: [TPIN] Monette for sale)
> 
> So...  What *IS* the correct way to pick it up and hold it?
> 
> I always put my horn on a stand or in the case -- just lucky I guess that I
> was taught this very early on, although I'll admit I've placed it ON TOP of
> the insert in the case from time-to-time with the bell in its socket, but
> the rest of the horn resting on the insert...
> 
> (ps to Jim D and Brendan C if they're reading this -- I NEVER do that with
> my Schilke B1LB, very paranoid about the soft bell -- but I have done it
> with my Mike Vax Getzen and my Schilke X3 -- and <sigh> yes with my Flugels
> - guilty as charged)...
> 
> Picking it up, I always seem to grab the valve cluster, which is where I'd
> be holding it anyway...
> 
> So what damage am I unknowingly doing and what SHOULD one do?