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Trombone
Specifications
The playing characteristics of trombones vary more than almost any other
instrument - from an agile small bore jazz instrument right through to
a powerful large bore dual rotor bass trombone. Consequently the range
and diversity of different specifications is mind boggling. We've therefore
highlighted some of the key areas to consider when choosing your instrument.
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Bore
The bore size of trombones varies dramatically - from a .485" bore
on a Bb jazz instrument to .562" on a bass trombone. Typically however,
most tenor players opt for either a medium/large bore (.525") for
ease of control and tonal flexibility or a symphonic large bore (.547")
for greater projection and depth.
Bell shape, material, thickness and diameter
The shape of the bell flare (rate of taper), and type and thickness of
bell material greatly affect the sound.
As the bore size changes, so does the bell design. The shape of the tapered
surface, or rate of flare determines the characteristic sound of the instrument.
Slow tapers yield bright tones, while fast tapers produce dark, warm sounds.
Smaller bore trombones, having bells with slower rates of taper produce
a brighter jazz sound. Larger bore trombones having bells with faster rates
of taper, yield darker symphonic tone qualities.
Bell diameters also vary between 6 1/2" and 10 1/2" with some
manufactures giving you the option of a larger bell diameter for greater
dynamics. |
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| Gold
brass, softer and redder than the standard yellow brass (due to a
higher copper content - 85%), results in a warm tone; yellow brass
a clearer tone. Lightweight (thinwall) bells allow for a more immediate
response. |
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Keys
Almost all trombones are pitched principally in Bb (with the exception
of Alto trombones in Eb), however the addition of extra tubing sections
(engaged using rotor valves) transpose the instrument into lower keys to
extend the trombones range lower, help tuning, and to create alternative
slide positions to aid in playing fast passages. Normally tenor trombones
will have an "F attachment" - so if you engage the rotor in first
position (slide fully colsed) it is as if you are playing an F in 6th position.
Bass trombones sometimes have two rotors which enable a number of permutations
dependant on the valve configuration.
Rotors (valves)
The type of rotor used on Bb/F and bass trombones also varies. Traditionally
normal rotor valves (similar to those used on french horns) have been used.
However, these tend to constrict the airflow thus adding to the resistance
of the instrument when used. In addition, there is often a small "pop" when
the rotor is engaged. Therefore a number of new rotors have been invented
and incorporated into trombones to create a more free blowing and "pop
free" rotor. These include the CL2000 (Conn), Hagmann (Besson and
Bach), monster rotor (Holton), "balanced valves" (Bach) and Theyer
(Bach and Edwards).
Whilst designs vary the general theme is a bigger rotor with larger diameter
internal airways, and a straighter airflow thus reducing the constriction
of air which leads to blowing resistance.
All these rotors have their own pros and cons, but share the same characteristic
of generally being more expensive than the standard option ! Perhaps because
of this, or due to the fact that some players prefer or are used to the
resistance of a normal rotor means that the standard rotor is still the
biggest seller, however all the rotors mentioned have their loyal fans.
Almost all rotors now have mechanical (completely metal) linkages between
rotor and thumb lever, however some models still feature the more traditional
string linkage preferred by some. |
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Wraps
Traditionally the F section (or both sections of a bass trombone) have
been wrapped within the body of the trombone - offering compactness, protection
and a secure blowing feel. Many manufacturers however also offer an "open
wrap" option. Open wrapping the rotor section(s) places fewer and
larger bends in the tubing, resulting in a more free-blowing instrument.
Usually an open wrap configuration is combined with a free blowing rotor. |
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Bass Trombone Configurations
Bass trombones come in a variety of configurations which determine the
range of keys the instrument can be played in - and consequently the notes
which can be played and slide positional computations.
Single rotor bass trombones have one "F rotor" like a Bb/F tenor
trombone, but with a larger bore, slower bell taper and wider bell diameter
for a more powerful broader tone.
Double (non-independent) rotor systems have two rotors, but to engage the
second the first must also be engaged. Thus the key variations are Bb (open),
F (first valve engaged), and Eb (first and second valves engaged). |
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| Double
in-line independent rotor system bass trombones allow both rotors
to be engaged independently of each other. Thus the key variations
are Bb (open), F (first valve engaged), Eb (first and second valves
engaged) and G (second valve engaged). Most independent system basses
come with an additional slide for the second rotor section allowing
the key combinations of Bb/F/ D/Gb to allow for greater flexibility
and key permutations dependant on the players needs. |
Leadpipes
The venturi (construction) and rate of taper in the mouthpipe effect the
trombone's characteristic sound. Different leadpipes can vary the blowing
resistance, flexibility of sound and focus of tone. Some instruments come
with interchangeable leadpipes so players can choose the configuration
that best suits their individual needs. |
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Slides
Some musicians prefer the feel and quick response of a lightweight slide.
The weight is reduced by using nickel silver tubing for the outer slide.
In addition to saving weight, nickel silver also resists corrosion and
helps produce a light clear tone. |
Trombone Recommendations
Student instruments
The best student (Bb) model available (but at an exorbitant price) is without
doubt the Yamaha 354E. Cheaper options are the Jupiter 132L and Besson
1000 Series which are both well rounded instruments.
Trombones for the smaller player
A number of manufacturers have designed instruments specifically for the
smaller player who struggles with the size of a normal trombone.
Jupiter produce the 438L with an ergonomically designed "gooseneck" and
adjustable thumb rest to aid embouchure alignment and a more comfortable
feel. The Yamaha 350C is pitched in C (reducing the length of the slide)
and has a rotor which (when the thumb lever is not depressed) engages a "Bb" section. |
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| For
the really small player or as a novelty act the Jupiter mini trombone
(pitched in high Bb - like a trumpet!) is a fun option. |
| Intermediate
There are only a few decent "intermediate" tenor trombones,
with the best being the Yamaha 445GE (Bb) and Yamaha 446 (Bb/F).
However in reality most young players tend to make the shift direct
from a student instrument to a professional level instrument. |
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Professional
Small Bore Bb's
Ask five "jazzers" to name the best small bore Bb and you'll
get ten opinions! So you're in dangerous territory voicing an opinion.
However, from our experience the best selling models are the King 2B (Jiggs
Whigham model) , the Martin "Urbie Green" and the Bach small
bore Stradivarius models.
Professional Medium Large Bore Instruments
By far the most popular models here are the Bach 36 & 36B (Bb & Bb/F) and
King 3B & 3BF (Bb & Bb/F). For players wanting a Bb with interchangeable
leadpipes the Yamaha 691 is a popular choice (coming with three leadpipes).
Professional Large (Symphonic) Bore Instruments
By far the most popular specification choice, there is a multitude of good
instruments to choose from including the Bach 42/42B, Yamaha 681B/682B
(Bousfield models) and 881/882 (Xeno Models) and Besson 942/944, but the
current market leader is the Conn 8H/88H (and its various derivitaves). |
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Bass
Trombones
These days almost all bass trombones sold are double in-line independent
rotor system instruments with the most popular being the Holton TR-181,
Yamaha 613H and Bach 50B3 (although delivery on the Bach can be spasmodic!) |
Alto Trombones
Alto trombones (in Eb) are popular with orchestral players. The best selling
models are the Yamaha 671 and Conn 34H and 36H (the later featuring a Bb
rotor section). |
Valve
trombones
Often purchased by "valve players" wanting to double on trombone
or by marching bands, the best value/quality package on the market is the
Jupiter 528L. |
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