About the flowStick project

The idea for the flowStick came about during my trumpet studies when I was exploring the concept of “Song and Wind.”
While I found much to like in traditional methods, I wanted to specifically train airflow in conjunction with the instrument. Originally, I only planned to create a tool for my own practice—but I soon realized that this idea was worth sharing with others.

Since the first flowStick model in 2012, my focus has been on creating the greatest possible benefit. Therefore, the concept has been revised several times and continues to be continuously developed. Many of the innovations emerged in close collaboration with fellow brass players and friends (Bernhard Plagg, Stefan Leitner, Christoph Kreis, and Stefan Karner, among others), to whom I am very grateful for their valuable feedback.

Thomas Tockner , developer of the flowStick

From the first prototype to the current flowStick model

First prototype

The first flowStick was created in 2012.
The idea for the original shape was based on a plumbing pipe from a hardware store. However, the first functional prototype was made from wood by a small craft business.

Restart

Due to a career change for the founder, the project was initially paused. However, the idea remained so present that in 2017, the decision was made to continue the flowStick project.

experimental times begin

About five years after the first prototype, a phase of intensive experimentation with different materials and ideas began.
Karner Stefan, Bernhard Plagg and my brother Stefan Leitner were involved from the very beginning and provided important impetus.
In 2018, the "Tokna" model was finally created – featuring new materials, an optimized manufacturing process, and a cavity modeled on that of a mouthpiece shaft. The mouth shape was also made more compact.
A short time later, this was transformed into the LETO model, with a round outer shape and a colorful screw for regulating air resistance.

Model PLATO

About a year later, the PLATO model was created.
The mouthpiece has been rotated 180°, and the outer edges have been redesigned for greater ergonomics. The flowStick is now also available in black.
Above all, the sound of the air was significantly improved: for the first time, blowing edges and a small hole in front of the screw were used in the cavity.
This model formed the basis for further developments.

Update for the flowStick trumpet models LETO and PLATO

Both models receive an upgrade: The hollow strut, previously used in other models, is now also integrated into the trumpet models. Additionally, a small opening for a ribbon has been added, and LETO gets a revised exterior with an improved design.

flowDisk

While experimenting with various ideas and tools for training air flow, a new tool was created in autumn 2021 – rather unplanned: the flowDisk

flowTube

The front section of the flowStick was redesigned to be as compact as possible. With the newly added silicone tubing—the flowTube—the TUTO model for trumpet was created in 2022.

A new protective cover and matching packaging have also been developed for this model: the flowBox

for low brass instruments

At the beginning of 2023, the front section of the flowStick for trombone (and also trumpet) was redesigned to be round in shape and feature a replaceable silicone cover.
At the end of 2023, a flowStick model for tuba was developed, and at the beginning of 2024, variants for trombone with a narrow shaft and for bass trombone were added – all based on this new concept.