I suspect if you write to ERGObrass tonight you'll get a response sooner than someone else can give you the width of the slot in the penguin head.

Next question is, mightn't one modify something to where there was no play? For instance a non-metallic spacer held in the slot somehow.

 

I got one of these recently. What’s a penguin pin? Just never heard that term before.

I can say that it doesn’t hold the horn in a fixed or rigid manner, it’s sort of floating around. I only play at home and I find it very useful to not overstress my thumb for practicing. I don’t foresee any live soprano occasions anyway, but if I did I would absolutely not want to use it for that, would probably put some rehearsal time on the material without it to make sure I could handle it. It’s just good for sitting around the house playing without discomfort imo.

 

[...] but if I did I would absolutely not want to use it for that, would probably put some rehearsal time on the material without it to make sure I could handle it. It’s just good for sitting around the house playing without discomfort imo.

Is your decision against using one in public on the basis of how it looks in use, or some other aspect?

 

Google no help either:

 

Google Search

 

Ah I see. Ok here’s my guess having found one photo of the “non” penguin head.

If you are finding there’s too much left-right play on that pin that goes through your strap ring, I can’t imagine there’ll be any difference with the new connector because that width seems pretty much the same. In addition, the new head is designed to be able to come off the metal rod so it’s even more floppy and flexible. I screwed mine down all the way cause it didn’t seem to help to have it moving around so much. But who knows, maybe after some time with it I’ll try loosening it again.

 

Thanks, everyone!

 

I've ordered the HandEze support by Harvey Pittel. I hope it will not waffle back and forth, because it actually screws into the thumb hook spot. I'm hopeful it will give the same kind of relief. Thumb pain is a big deal for some of us.

 

I got the HandEze in good time. It took some initial setup to decide which of the rods and thumb hooks provided would get it at the right height and angle. The second hole in the thumb hook doesn't precisely match the smaller protrusion on my sax, but that doesn't seem to cause any trouble. The apratus is definitely working for me, providing complete relief from any pressure on my thumb. It doesn't let the horn waffle back and forth left to right, but is steady. The clear plastic that rests on the abdomen has some play to make rotate a tiny bit like a boat riding the waves when you breathe, and that doesn't interfere with the steady feel of the horn. Already it seems easier to play fast passages. Now I just have to get used to not slouching!--LOL The sax still fits in my case with the short attaching segment on the thumb rest. (I have one of those soprano and alto in one ProTec cases.) I'm using a Vandoren Saxophone Support System harness, and it works fine with that. I plan to use it for practice, and for my long Dixieland gig. All my performing is done in a seated position, but I don't see any reason why this support couldn't be used standing up. It's pretty unobtrusive.