best instrument for one (and a bit) handed player

[onehander]

Hi, I played sax until I had an argument with a canal boat and badly injured my right hand - I lost the index finger and the muscles which enable the others to move independently, so I effectively have a claw. Can anyone suggest a suitable brass instrument that I could consider learning to play??

[bsdunek]

French Horn is the first thing that comes to mind. Of course, many people play regular three-valve instruments with the left hand. Certain Alto/Tenor horns have the valves on top and are easy to reach with either hand.
I would go to a music instrument store and try some different instruments. Oh, and good luck, sorry for your injury.

[njh]

French Horn is the first thing that comes to mind.

A french horn really needs to hands because of the way that the right hand supports the bell, so I'm not sure about that.

I know of two players affected by polio when they were young. One plays the flugel with his left hand, using the same hand to take the weight; the other plays a tenor wagner tuba which he had especially modified.

[Branson]

I have had students with similar limits and I commend you on your desire to work around your situation.

Most brass instruments require one hand to hold and one to work the slide or valves. You will need to combine both activities into one hand as you know.

Recently I started learning to play trombone (I'm a trumpet player). I purchased one of the new PBones which is made of plastic. The weight difference between a "real" trombone and a plastic one is tremendous. Playing on the Pbone is very easy because it weighs very little.

New to the market is a plastic trumpet - http://www.warburton-usa.com/index.php/tiger-trumpet

You might consider looking into this instrument only because of the weight issue.

The best to you and yours from the Branson Trumpet Ensemble

http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/