Instructions & Use Guide

MAIOCCO DESIGN – TROMBONE HAND GRIP

Instruction & Care Guide

📄 Download Full Instructions (PDF)

THANK YOU

Thank you for your support and for trusting Maiocco Design. This hand grip was designed by a professional trombonist to improve comfort, reduce tension, and create a more natural, efficient playing experience.

QUICK START

  1. Snap the grip onto the handslide brace just below the bell/slide connection nut
  2. Ensure it is seated flush and aligned correctly (see below)
  3. Place your hand into the grip while still using your preferred method of holding the instrument
  4. Adjust fit using the heat-molding process if needed (see below)

WHAT THIS GRIP DOES

The grip is designed to allow the instrument to be supported with minimal to zero gripping force.

  • The loop transfers the weight of the instrument to the back of the hand instead of your fingers
  • Allows the hand to remain relaxed and open
  • When set up correctly, it can feel nearly hands-free

This significantly reduces left-hand tension, leading to more relaxed practice and more consistent playing.

INSTALLATION

The grip attaches via a clip and mounts on the handslide side of the instrument.

  • Attach to the short straight section of tubing just below the bell connection nut on the handslide
  • This section is typically ~25mm long on most modern large bore tenor and bass trombones

Important: Attempting to install the grip anywhere other than the specified location may result in improper function or damage.

ORIENTATION & POSITIONING

Proper positioning ensures both stability and correct weight distribution.

  • The grip must sit flush against the bell/slide connection nut
  • The clip must be aligned flush with the handslide brace
  • The curved surface should wrap around your hand starting at the palm, going up in between the index finger and thumb, and ending on the top of your hand

Feel Check: Your grip should rest on the back of the hand without squeezing or lifting.

FIT & BREAK-IN

  • The grip may snap on very tightly at first — this is intentional
  • Over time, it will break in and behave more like a secure hook than a clip

CUSTOM MOLDING (REQUIRED FOR ADJUSTMENT)

The grip is adjusted using high heat. Please use protective tools like pliers or paper towels to avoid hot splash back.

Steps:

  1. Heat a pot of water until boiling
  2. Remove the grip from the instrument
  3. Remove cushion sleeve before heating (if applicable)
  4. Submerge the part of the grip you would like to adjust using pliers or tongs for ~30 seconds, or until slightly flexible
  5. Remove and gently shape to your hand
  6. Hold in position until it cools and firms up

Important Notes:

  • Do not bend aggressively- this can stretch and weaken the material
  • If it resists bending, it is not hot enough yet
  • Reheat gradually as needed instead of forcing it
  • Avoid submerging the grip in its entirety into boiling water, this may deform the shape and effect usability

CUSHION SLEEVE NOTES

If your grip includes a cushion sleeve:

  • The grip may feel tighter out of the box due to added thickness — the base grip is designed to fit an average hand without padding
  • Always remove the sleeve before adjusting with heat

PROPER USE

The grip is designed to support the natural weight of the instrument only.

  • Maintain a relaxed hand position
  • Do not apply sustained upward or levering force

Excessive force over time may lead to cracking or failure.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Grip feels too stiff to shape
→ Reheat slightly longer (do not force it)

Grip cracked during molding
→ Most commonly caused by:

  • Insufficient heating before bending
  • Bending too aggressively

Grip cracked during use
→ Typically caused by sustained upward pressure beyond normal playing support

Grip feels unstable
→ Ensure it is:

  • Seated flush against the connection nut
  • Aligned flush with the handslide brace

CARE & MAINTENANCE

  • The grip material can be scratched with regular use, especially when contacting hard surfaces
  • Minor surface scratches are normal and do not affect performance
  • To minimize scratching, avoid unnecessary contact with sharp or rough objects
  • Clean with mild soap and water if needed
  • Periodically inspect the grip for signs of stress or damage

COMPATIBILITY

  • Designed to fit most large bore tenor and bass trombones featuring a straight brace section (~25mm length, ~17mm diameter) below the bell connection nut on the handslide
  • Developed and tested using Shires, Bach, and Edwards large bore tenor and bass trombones
  • Compatibility with some small bore instruments is possible with minor heat-molding adjustments to the clip

NEED HELP?

Website: maioccomusicdesign.com
Email: maioccomusicdesign@gmail.com
Instagram: @maioccomusicdesign

Professional comfort at a price that makes sense.
Maiocco Music & Design LLC