How to Buy the Right Trombone

Your Guide to buying the best Trombone

Overview

The trombone is a versatile and expressive instrument that comes in a variety of sizes and ranges. This buying guide is designed to help you find the perfect trombone for your playing style and budget. It covers the fundamentals of trombone types and brands, the different sizes and ranges, and what accessories you may need to get the most out of your new instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran looking for a new trombone, this guide will help you find the perfect one for you.

Key features

  1. Trombone Type: Identify the type of trombone that is best suited for your playing style, such as a tenor trombone, alto trombone, or bass trombone.
  2. Bore Size: Consider the bore size of the trombone; a larger bore size will produce a larger, fuller sound, while a smaller bore size will provide a brighter, more focused sound.
  3. Weight: Determine the weight of the trombone; a heavier trombone will provide more stability, while a lighter trombone will be easier to maneuver.
  4. Finish: Choose a trombone with a finish that is comfortable for you to hold, such as clear lacquer, silver-plated, or colored lacquer.
  5. Valves: Decide whether you need a trombone with valves or a slide trombone, as this will affect the sound and range of the instrument.
  6. Accessories: Consider the additional accessories that you may need, such as cases, mutes, stands, and cleaning supplies.

See the most popular Trombone on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Sound Quality - Trombones offer a variety of sound options, from mellow and deep tones to loud and bright tones. The sound quality of a trombone is determined by the type of bell, the type of slide, and the type of mouthpiece.
  • Durability - Trombones are made from durable materials such as brass, and are designed to withstand regular use. This makes them a great choice for students and professionals alike.
  • Price Point - Trombones come in a variety of price points, making them accessible to all budgets. There are a variety of models available for both beginner and intermediate players.
  • Versatility - Trombones are very versatile instruments, allowing them to cover many different genres of music. They can also be used to create a variety of sounds, from mellow jazz to powerful symphonies.

Cons

  • Price – Trombones can be quite expensive. The cost of a trombone can range from a few hundred dollars for a beginner instrument to several thousand dollars for a professional-grade instrument.
  • Size and Weight – Trombones are big and bulky instruments. They can be difficult to transport and store, especially for younger players.
  • Maintenance – Trombones require regular maintenance to keep them in proper functioning order. This includes cleaning the slide and replacing the pads and springs.
  • Care – Trombones, like other brass instruments, require special care and attention. If not properly cared for, the instrument can become damaged or worn out prematurely.

Best alternatives

  1. Trumpet - A brass instrument similar to a trombone but with a wider bore and shallower cup mouthpiece.
  2. French Horn - A mellow sounding brass instrument with a conical bore and three or four valves.
  3. Tuba - The largest of the brass instruments with a cylindrical bore and four valves.
  4. Baritone Horn - A brass instrument used in marching bands and symphonic bands, similar to a trombone but with a higher pitch.
  5. Sousaphone - A large brass instrument with a circular shape, used in marching bands.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Mouthpiece - the part of the trombone that is inserted into the player's mouth.
  • Trombone Slide - the long metal tube that is used to adjust the length of the instrument to change the pitch.
  • Ligature - a clamp used to secure the mouthpiece to the trombone.
  • Valve - a mechanism that changes the pitch of the trombone while in use.
  • Mute - an accessory that changes the tone of the trombone when used.
  • Cleaning Cloth - a cloth specifically designed to polish the surface of the trombone.
  • Tuning Slides - adjustable slides used to tune the instrument.
  • Case - a protective case used to keep the trombone safe during transport.

Common questions

  1. What is the difference between a tenor trombone and a bass trombone? The main difference between a tenor trombone and a bass trombone is the size. The tenor trombone is slightly smaller than the bass trombone and is typically used for jazz and classical music. The bass trombone is larger and is typically used for more orchestral music.
  2. What types of music can a trombone be used in? Trombones can be used for a variety of different types of music including jazz, classical, rock, metal, Latin, and more.
  3. What size trombone should I buy? The size of trombone you should buy depends on your skill level and the type of music you plan to play. If you are a beginner, a smaller trombone such as a tenor trombone may be more suitable. If you plan to play more orchestral music, a larger trombone such as a bass trombone may be more suitable.
  4. What is the best material for a trombone? The best material for a trombone is typically brass. Brass is durable, has a bright sound, and is relatively low maintenance.
  5. What types of mouthpieces are available? There are a variety of different types of mouthpieces available for a trombone. The most common types of mouthpieces are cup, funnel, and backbore. Each type of mouthpiece has different advantages and should be chosen based on the type of music you plan to play and your individual playing style.

Trivia

One interesting fact about the trombone is that it has been around for centuries. It's believed to have originated in the 14th century, more than 700 years ago. The trombone is a member of the brass family of instruments, and it is one of the few instruments that can produce glissando - a smooth transition between notes. This unique ability has made the trombone popular in jazz, big band, and symphonic music. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.