AboutColin Murray Expertise I can answer about trombone equipment (instruments, mouthpieces, used horns, etc) and
trombone (especially bass trombone) playing. If I don't know right away, I have an extensive
network of experts to call on. I can't help you get a date.
Experience 25 years as professional bass trombonist (playing in big bands,orchestras, theatre, etc), 20 years as brass repair technician and retail and wholesale sales. Bass trombone instructor at Humber College, Toronto. Creator of website www.mrequipment.net - all about brass and woodwind gear and the people behind it.
Organizations National Association of Music Merchants, American Federation of Musicians, International Trombone Association
Education/Credentials B.Mus, L.Mus (Performance) McGill University, Montreal
Question QUESTION: Hi,
I have been playing baritone/euphonium for roughly 11 years now, and currently use a Besson Sovereign on loan from my band. I am interested in learning trombone and was wondering what would be a good instrument to start on? I am on a relativley low budget as i will still be playing euphonium as my main instrument
Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Elliott,
If you've been playing euphonium for 11 years already, and you're currently playing a top-of-the-line instrument, you may want to consider getting a better trombone than a beginner model. If you tell me what your budget is and what style of music you'll be playing on trombone (concert band, orchestra, jazz, thrash metal, etc) I'll be able to recommend some trombone choices for you.
Colin Murray
www.mrequipment.net
"It's not HOW you play, it's WHAT you play!"
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi,
Thanks for the quick reply. Well i am on a low budget (£350ish max, i'm only 17!) and i have never actually bought my own instrument before so i don't really know what to look for. I will mainly be playing marching band music and also jazz. I have narrowed it down to about 5 choices i think but was wondering what you would recommend.
Thanks
Elliott
Answer Hi Elliott,
Within your budget of 350 GBP, you should be able to get a good student model trombone or a used intermediate or even professional model trombone. Coming from euphonium, you may find it easier with a large bore (pro) trombone like a Conn 8H or Bach 42, but you probably won't find one in your budget (unless you're very lucky). You may be able to find a King 4B or a Yamaha 681 or even an older Yamaha 641 that will certainly be a good instrument, and you'll be able to use the same mouthpiece you're using on your euphonium (though that will depend on the mouthpiece you're currently using-some euphonium mouthpieces can be too deep for trombone). If you're buying new, the Yamaha YSL354 is probably my preferred student model trombone out there right now, but there are many more good horns, too. Although I've seen some good trumpets and flugelhorns from China, I haven't seen any great trombones yet (they have yet to refine their slide construction.)
I still think you'll get the most value from a used instrument in good condition. Ask around your band or teachers you know- word of mouth can help you find something local and you're likely to get the best price that way. You can also check with local shops or even Ebay (though you have to be careful and know what you're looking for- that's a whole other topic.)
If you want to send me your list of five choices you mentioned, I'd be happy to offer my opinion.
