For years, how to hold and balance a flute has been much debated.
The Thumbport is made of non-scratching hard rubber and fits under the right thumb on the flute for improved position and balance.
The thumb port is designed to help relieve the strain and stress of playing the instrument.
Simply clip it onto the flute tube around the F key, ultilizing the only finger that does not operate any key - the right thumb, it provides more freedom and the potential to correct the awkward holding of the flute.
-
A right thumb balance device for flute players
-
– Available in 6 colours:
-
Grey-Copper, Grey-White, Green-White, Light Blue-White, Pink-White, Purple (Lavender)-White
-
What is the difference between the Thumbport and Thumbport II?
The Thumbport II has a lower default angle for the thumb. It's a little thicker and more rigid. It has less contact with the flute. And, its extension arm is a little shorter (when attached to the flute, it may go into the case easier for most). Also the end of the extension has a more rounded edge.
If the default angle on the Thumbport II (when the back top end pushes against the flute rib) is too low, one can use a blade to cut off the end a little. The angle can be modified in this manner. Adding isn't as easy as removing; that is the reason why the new shell is longer.
Some players still prefer this older design.
The Thumbport allows greater balance in holding the flute. It is comprised of a C-shaped shell and a thumb-like extension. The Thumbport helps the player to place the right thumb at an efficient spot and provides additional support.
Analysis
Mechanically, there are three factors associated with balancing a flute:
1. the mass (weight) of the flute,
2. horizontal rotation,
3. axial rotation.
The gravity center of a flute is located slightly to the right of the left index finger (see letter G in Illustration 1 below). When the knuckle of the left index finger takes up most of the weight of a flute at number 2, the small remaining weight is often assumed by the right thumb.
When playing a flute, the player pushes the embouchure plate against the chin (Ill. 1, number 1). With the left index finger both supporting and pushing, the flute might rotate clockwise without a counter force from the right hand.
Illustration 1
Because nine of our fingers are used to operate keys on a flute, only one, the right thumb, is left to decisively balance it. Many flutists knowingly or unknowingly use their right little finger to help. In doing so, it reduces the agility of not only the little finger but also the other right hand fingers.
Thumbport Solution
The Thumbport guides one's right thumb to support the flute at an angle (see A in Ill. 3). The force (A) created by this angle can be seen as the sum of two partial vectors: one supports the flute from below and the other counters the horizontal rotation. The extension arm rests on the thumb gently (see B), which easily prevents the flute from rolling backwards.
(3)
