Which trombone is best for jazz

Intermediate trombones can be almost double the price of a beginner model and C. Conn Model 88HO is recognized in the trombone family for having a unique tone and being specially designed for symphony performance. This intermediate trombone features the rose brass that is unique to C. Conn trombones. The trombone is often used professionally and can perform well in extreme dynamics which makes it one of the most popular trombones for professionals in the symphony.

The open F attachment and combined. There are no real disadvantages to the C. Conn 88HO trombone. If trombonists are not a fan of the rose brass, silver plated variants are also available for all Conn models. One unique feature of this trombone is the soldered bell wire around the bell which makes it very responsive with a broad sound range.

This inner handslide is chrome plated nickel silver and provides quick motion and a smooth surface. The lacquer finish is clear and adds warmth to the sound. The Bach TBB is a great option for intermediate trombone players who are entering high school or are looking to compete for the first time. Bach trombones produce a warm sound and the soldered bell wire marks this trombone as having expert craftsmanship. The only disadvantage to a Bach trombone is its price tag.

These trombones are on the pricey side compared to their competitors. However Bach specializes in brass instruments and you can rest assured that the quality and sound is unrivaled. This trombone features a medium-large bore horn and offers incredible versatility. The tone is rich and balanced with a bore and bell size that are the same as professional models. The response time is quick and accurate with a smooth sliding function that provides consistent playability in nearly all registers.

The YSLG durability is a major advantage. The inner slide is proven to hold up with use and maintain a sensitive response. The outer slide has an accurate diameter all the way through which ensures that the construction is airtight and has amazing resonance to sound. This model also features inner slide stockings designed specifically for this trombone which offers smooth alignment even in the 6th and 7th positions which can be rather difficult.

The trombone is a member of the brass family that uses a telescoping slide mechanism to change the pitch of the instrument. Trombones are brass instruments and are made from yellow brass.

This type of brass is a composite of seventy percent copper and thirty percent zinc. Once you have decided to play the trombone, you have to choose the type of trombone you will play. There are eight different types of trombones and five trombone variants. The cimbasso is in the trombone family and is pitched in F; however, models are available in E flat, C and sometimes B flat. The very next day I called my instrument maker and told him I had to keep it, whatever the cost!

Jazz trombone players are usually looking for a full and warm tone and, when choosing a new horn, you should have this as a priority.

When comparing instruments or buying a new horn, it is always important that you check how the high and the low register speak. Others get a bit sluggish when changing partials in the higher register and the flexibility up there suffers. Ideally, you want a well-balanced horn, with a full-sounding low register and an easy-to-reach high register. It might sound like a no-brainer, but a properly manufactured horn should be in tune with itself.

You can check that best by playing slowly through the harmonic series — with an electronic tuner if necessary, so see if the notes are well in-tune without moving the slide at all.

For example, check if the high Bb is in tune with the middle Bb, then see how much you need to move the slide to play a perfect G major triad with all notes in 4th position. A fast-moving slide is absolutely essential for playing jazz, especially as an improvising soloist in styles like bebop and modern jazz. The trombone leadpipe is the inner part of the inner slide, starting at the mouthpiece, and is 10 to 15 cm long. A small bore is one around. The size of the bore affects the amount of breath required to play and the resistance of the instrument which, in turn, changes the tone.

Typically in jazz, trombonists prefer small bores, for the brighter sound that they produce. Trombone bell diameters can vary between 6. Generally, jazz soloists or pop players lean towards the punchy sound of a small-bell trombone, whilst the wider bells are great for that warmer tone. Many trombones include an extra piece of tubing — called an F-attachment — attached, which lowers the pitch of the instrument when engaged.

This F-attachment helps extend the low range of the trombone which, whilst essential in much classical playing, is not necessarily needed by jazz players. 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. 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. So as you can see, there are a multitiude of choices when looking to replace or upgrade your trombone and what suits one persons style of play is not always right for another. It is worth noting here though that choosing a highly 'bespoke' instrument can have its issues and I would always advocate choosing an off the shelf model that has been tried and tested by both manufacturers and players alike.

I hope this article has been useful! Create your account Lost password? First name. Last name. Your cart is empty. Bore The bore size of trombones vary dramatically - from a.

Bell Shape, Diameter, Material and Thickness The shape of the bell flare rate of taper , and type and thickness of bell material greatly affect the sound of a trombone. Open or Closed Wrap? 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.

Johnson showed otherwise. As the years have passed, the jazz trombone has continued to play a range of roles in this style — from virtuosic improvisational soloist through to essential ensemble player — and shows no sign of stopping.

Born in , Miff Mole was one of the earliest players to develop a distinctive style of jazz trombone soloing and was a pre-Jack-Teagarden inspiration to many on this instrument.

As a canny bandleader, he fronted Miff Mole and His Little Molers and also accompanied the popular singer Sophie Tucker on several of her recordings for the Okeh record label. Born in in Texas, Jack Teagarden developed a seemingly effortless, lyrical style and arguably remains the most famous pre-bebop trombonist in jazz history — as well as a notable vocalist from the period. He recorded more than 1, tracks for legendary labels including Columbia, Decca and Capitol and can be heard on some of the biggest songs of the era, such as Basin Street Blues, Stars Fell on Alabama, Jeepers Creepers and Pennies From Heaven to name just 4….

Off the bandstand, he also worked to progress the technical side of trombone playing , designing mouthpieces and mutes and testing out different lubricants for his instrument. Perhaps the best known jazz trombonist of all time, J. Johnson was the first one of the earliest musicians on the instrument to play in the bebop style. However, in the mids, he was spurred on by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to embrace the new bebop style.