Playing the trumpet is easier with 49ͼ invention
David Hunsicker is not only a longtime musician. The associate professor of trumpet
is also an inventor and business owner.
Hunsicker partnered with 49ͼ's National Institute for Aviation Research and 49ͼ Ventures
to create the Gapper, a flexible plastic device that allows musicians to control the
third valve slide.
Hunsicker says the ring on the third valve slide tends to too big for musicians with
smaller hands. The gap between the finger and the ring causes a delay in moving the
slide, which results in a missed note. The Gapper fixes that problem.
“That's why we call it the Gapper. It fills the gap between the finger and the ring.”