Antique Musical Instruments/Date the first trombone was mfgd

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/19/2008


Question
Recently on Jeopardy, Alex Trebek said that the trombone was
called a (Sackbut).  The Bible shows that it is a stringed
intrument.  I would like to know which is correct.  Thanks.
 Walt Sumner

Answer
I'd go with Alex.  Early trombones were called sackbuts and they look much like a modern trombone, except that their bell is not as flaired and looks more like a funnel.  They tend to be smaller and with a narrower bore than the modern trombone.

The trombone is the oldest of the brass instruments that could play a chromatic scale.  And, older than all those woodwinds as well.  

Antique Musical Instruments

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

Experience

I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.