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Are you looking to buy a trombone? You’re in luck! Over 70% of all trombone players are self-taught, so you have the power to make the best decision for you.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect trombone. We’ll discuss everything from bore size and mouthpieces to leadpipes and slides.
With our help, you’ll be able to pick the best trombone for your needs. So let’s get started – let’s find the perfect trombone for you!
Key Takeaways
- There are different bore sizes of trombones, including large bore, small bore, double bore, and medium bore, each with its own sound characteristics and preferred settings.
- The mouthpiece of a trombone has several parts that contribute to the overall sound, including the shank, rim, cup, and throat/backbore.
- The leadpipe of a trombone should match the mouthpiece shank’s bore size and comes in different lengths and alloys, which can affect the sound quality.
- The slide of a trombone is responsible for changing the pitch and consists of the inner and outer slide, with a specific space between them for proper playability.
Trombone Bore Sizes
You have five bore options to choose from when buying a trombone.
- Large bore trombones have a bore size of .547 and are commonly used in symphonic settings.
- Small bore trombones range from .480′ to .508′ and are often used in jazz settings.
- Double bore trombones provide advanced players with a broader sound using two different bore sizes.
- Medium bore trombones (.525) are popular among first chairs in orchestras and shows, and the Bach 36 is a popular medium bore trombone favored by pit musicians in medium-sized groups.
- Double bore trombones offer the most versatility, while large and small bore trombones are better suited for specific settings.
Trombone Mouthpiece
Moving on from bore sizes, the trombone mouthpiece is comprised of several parts, including the shank, rim, cup, and throat/backbore.
When choosing the right mouthpiece, it’s important to make sure the shank fits into the receiver, and the rim is comfortable for the player.
The cup size and shape are key to the sound, with deeper cups creating darker tones and shallower cups creating brighter tones.
The throat/backbore is the narrow space following the cup, with narrow/long throat/backbores providing a faster response and brighter tone, and wide/short throat/backbores producing a darker tone with more effort.
Mouthpiece design can make a big difference in sound and playability.
Trombone Leadpipe
The trombone leadpipe is the piece immediately following the mouthpiece and should match the mouthpiece shank’s bore size. It comes in three lengths: standard, short, and long, and the material alloy you select can affect the sound at different volumes.
Gold brass provides a warm sound, nickel silver is clear and crisp, sterling silver is strong, and yellow brass is balanced.
Longer leadpipes create a more centered sound, while the material alloy chosen can further shape the sound. For instance, gold brass creates a warmer sound, while nickel silver offers a crisper sound.
For the trombonist looking for versatility, a medium length leadpipe with yellow brass alloy is a great choice.
Choosing the right leadpipe ensures that your trombone sounds its best.
Trombone Slide
Continuing from the trombone leadpipe, the trombone slide is the signature piece of the instrument used to change its pitch by adjusting the tube length. It’s composed of two elements: the inner slide, which remains stationary, and the outer slide, which slides over the inner slide.
The space between the tubes should be .1mm for proper playability; it becomes unplayable at .2mm. The only portion where the slides actually touch is at the stocking. Slide maintenance is essential for proper playability, as well as slide lubrication options.
The slide is responsible for the trombone’s iconic sound and its ability to slide between notes with ease.
Trombone Anatomy
Understanding the anatomy of a trombone is essential when it comes to selecting the right instrument for your needs.
The trombone has several parts, the most important being the mouthpiece, leadpipe, slide, bell, tuning slide, water key, and valve options.
The mouthpiece should match the receiver bore size, with different rims, cups, and throat/backbores to choose from.
The leadpipe should also match the bore size and comes in different lengths and alloys.
The slide, which is responsible for the trombone’s iconic sound, is comprised of two elements: an inner slide and an outer slide.
The bell design and types of trombone valves can also affect the sound.
Knowing the parts of a trombone and how they work together will help you pick the right instrument for your needs.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of trombone anatomy and what to consider when purchasing a trombone, you’re ready to find the perfect instrument for you.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the right trombone can help you make the most of your music.
With the right information and a little research, you can find the perfect trombone for your needs and budget.
Good luck and happy shopping!
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!