Ortwein Balance Hanger Guide

Interested in using an Ortwein Balance Hanger, but not sure which size to get? This guide will walk you through how to choose the correct size for your instrument.

What is a balance hanger?

A balance hanger is a device which attaches to the bassoon to reduce the weight on the left hand when playing. These are especially useful for standing and for those who have smaller hands. The Ortwein balance hangers attach to the neck strap ring on the bassoon with a metal screw. They can be easily installed in seconds, and do not require any permanent modifications to the instrument.

Choosing the correct size

We currently stock two varieties of Ortwein Balance Hangers: the Fox Model, which is 3.25mm wide, and the Heckel model, which is 2.75mm wide. The easiest way to determine the correct size is to measure the neck strap ring on your bassoon:

1. 1. Measure the height in millimeters of the neck strap ring from the base to the inside edge of the top of the ring (figure 1, top).
   2. Turn the bassoon so that the front of the neck strap ring is facing towards you. Measure across the width of the ring in millimeters (figure 1, bottom).
   3. Use the chart below to determine which size will correctly fit your instrument.

We recommend choosing the balance hanger model that will fit the width of the neck strap ring on your bassoon. For example, our bassoon specialist, Clair Cangialosi, uses the Fox model balance hanger to fit her Püchner bassoon. The neck strap ring on her instrument is 2.77 millimeters wide, which is ever so slightly too wide for the Heckel model. It may be helpful to use a measuring caliper (available online or at your local hardware store) to find the precise dimensions for your instrument.

Other Considerations

• Some instruments such as new Moosmans and older Heckels have a different type of ring that does not fit into the balance hanger slot.
• On some Heckel bassoons, the whisper key lock may be too close to the neck strap ring for the balance hanger to fit. Mark may be able to modify his design to put the locking screw on the opposite side of the balance hanger to avoid this. Contact us for details.
• A new balance hanger model with a 4mm slot (to fit Adler, Monnig, and Polisi instruments) may be available by contacting us.

Questions? We’re happy to help! For further assistance, please contact our Bassoon Specialist, Dr. Clair Cangialosi via email at clair@hodgeproductsinc.com