| Article number: | 210000018200 |
| Availability: | On backorder |
The second generation Thumbport with a lower angle and thicker profile.
Available in 5 colours: Black-Grey, Grey-Copper, Dusky Orchid-White, Light Slate-White, All Red.
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:
The gravity centre of a flute is located slightly to the right of the left index finger. 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. With the left index finger both supporting and pushing, the flute might rotate clockwise without a counter force from the right hand.
Additionally, the uneven weight of the flute mechanism contributes to another rolling tendency. The flute rolls backwards toward the player.
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.
The Thumbport guides one’s right thumb to support the flute at an angle. The force 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, which easily prevents the flute from rolling backwards.