Chances are that if you’ve opened this article, you (or your child) are somebody who is interested in learning to try out trombone. If so, congratulations! You’ve chosen an amazing instrument, able to play everything from jazz to ska. You’ve also probably entered into the unknown territory of buying an instrument. Fear not, I’ll do everything I can to steer you within the right direction!
For starters, you’ve probably seen brands like Tristar and Cecilio on eBay. These prices have insanely the best prices. My advice is stay away! You might get a decent horn from these guys, however you also may get a horn that’s unplayable. The truth is that there is no thought of quality control with these brands and also the instrument wont last. You’re better off with going for brands which I’ll go more in-depth into later inside the article.
Terminology
You might have perhaps been exposed to many different terms which you are unfamiliar with in your search for any beginner trombone. I’ll try and explain what each is and what it does.
Bore Size – The bore size of a trombone is the diameter of the tubing of the instrument, measured inside handslide. Basically larger bores will create a darker, warmer tone. However, in addition they require much more air to learn. In general, your first trombone should be a small bore (.500″ or.509″). If you are a adult beginner, you might want to look into a medium bore (.525″) however, I’d personally still recommend a small bore instrument for the first trombone.
Bell Size – Bell size is usually proportional to bore size. It really is is exactly what the name implies, how wide the bell’s diameter is. A novice horn should have a bell size of 8″ if you aren’t using a medium bore where it may well have a size of 8.5″
Shank – Shank refers to the size of the opening from the leadpipe. This determines whether the instrument will take large shank or small shank mouthpieces. A trombone should have a small shank as all small and medium bore horns use a small shank receiver.
Material – Trombones generally are constructed with two materials: Yellow brass and Red brass. Yellow brass could be the material used in many trombones, including just about all student trombones. Yellow brass creates a strong fundamental sound which will keep its tone well in any respect dynamic levels. Red brass creates a warmer sound which is more flexible within the colors of every dynamic. Generally, yellow brass is the thing that you’d want for your first trombone.
Key – Tenor trombones should be in the key of Bb. Because of this the fundamental note, in first position is a Bb. If you get a trombone having a rotary valve, it needs to be in the key of Bb/F. Trombone is often a non-transposing instrument even though its fundamental pitch can be a Bb. This means that when a trombonist plays an itemized C, a C is sounded.
F – Attachment – This is actually the part of a trombone which can be most easily recognized as “the extra tubing across the tuning slide.” Using this type of option, you have a trigger which essentially turns first position into sixth and 2nd into seventh. An excellent opportunity not getting an F – Attachment on your own first trombone. A straight trombone is much more free blowing, plus you undoubtedly learn the last two positions with a straight trombone.
Which Trombone suits Me?
Assuming you’re beginner I would recommend a straight, small shank, yellow brass,.500″ bore, 8″ bell trombone. This trombone could be the most durable and are the easiest to produce a good sound on. Here are a few models I would suggest.
They are new trombones, price is something being noted. Generally with instruments you get what you pay for.
YSL-354 – This is actually the Yamaha student model. This is my first trombone. It’s very durable, has good building, good tone, and great reliability. I believe Yamaha makes the best student model in the marketplace, however it is more expensive than other models.
YSL-350C – It becomes an interesting Yamaha model. This can be nicknamed “The Short Bone” in the trombone community. It possesses a trigger which puts the instrument into C eliminating the requirement for sixth and seventh positions. This really is ideal for a young musician who can’t reach or someone who needs a smaller instrument for traveling.
Getzen 351 – This is a great selection for a student model instrument. Excellent student horn, and cheaper than the Yamaha.
Blessing BTB-1280 – This can be another great model. Not quite as good as the previous options however a very viable option and less expensive the other three.
Giardinelli GTB 512 – I haven’t heard much concerning this horn. However, everything I’ve heard is it’s a great horn to the price. The cheapest choice of all my recommendations.
Used horns
Used horns make the perfect option for beginners. They may be much cheaper than new horns and often play just as well. Also, they are going to hold their value well if you do not do major injury to them.
Any of the above are perfect used. Also, you can probably find decent deals on older instruments such as: Conns, Olds (any straight horn), and Kings.
If you’d like to talk to me about your trombone purchase, please feel free to send me a email through the website below. I will be glad to help you with anything trombone related!
All the best . in your first trombone purchase and in your pursuit of playing this excellent instrument!
