Adams Trombones--A Neat Surprise from ITF

[pjanda1]

Hi All,

I was only at ITF for a short bit, but I wanted to share that Adams had some neat stuff that is not on their website and that might suit many, especially students.

The surprises for me were A) they are using a bunch of different bell materials and make both one and two-piece bells, and B) the prices. As a two-piece bell guy, I had never given them much thought as their website doesn't mention them unless you click on the Hagmann model (which I had never done). But, they are offering two-piece red bells for Conn-ish things. They also are doing combinations of materials, so for example, they had one built with a red stem and a sterling silver flare. They also had a solid nickel bell.

Their prices struck me as very reasonable. I'm thinking they were mostly ~$4k (single valve tenor). The prices for "custom" combinations were also great. They claim they aren't trying to make a big margin, and I believe it, as labor in the Netherlands (where these are made) can't be that affordable. (They also claim that they benefit from having spare brass from making drums, but I wouldn't think that the cost of brass is that significant in the context of a pro trombone).

It is difficult to really assess anything in a show environment. But, the large tenors I tried felt good, both in terms of playing and build quality. I like the Meinlschmidt Open Flow valves about as well as most other larger/newer rotary variations. (The Hagmann versions weren't my favorites, but that was true at other booths, too). The ergonomics worked for me.

If I were looking for something in this price range, or especially, if I had a student who was, I'd give them some hard consideration. Nice guy, too. (I have literally no connection other than stumbling on to their booth). I should have tried their euphs, as that market is in real need of more attainable options.

Paul

[CalgaryTbone]

Nice altos too. I really liked the Sterling Silver one with a B flat attachment. They bought the tools and design designs from Glassl when he retired.

Jim Scott

[texascurt]

We also had a great experience… and bought a horn for my daughter!

Let me start by saying that Miel Adams is a super nice guy and was very helpful. And Eric from Austin Custom Brass really went the extra mile. He asked the staff to unlock an empty classroom for us to have a quiet space to test horns.

We ended up buying the TB1 with red brass and sterling combo bell (flare is sterling), nickel hand slide with no oversleeves, yellow brass tuning slide, and Meinlschmidt valve. It’s not a “modular” system but they let you mix and match components. The horn is very responsive and open, and she feels very comfortable and confident in it.

I highly recommend checking them out!

[greenbean]

Their tubas and euphoniums are getting great reviews - why not trombones, too?...

[SwissTbone]

I have two Adams trombones here to put on the website soon. So I had the pleasure of trying them a lot and yes - very nice trombones. Well made and great sounds.

[CalgaryTbone]

Nice altos too. I really liked the Sterling Silver one with a B flat attachment. They bought the tools and design designs from Glassl when he retired.

Jim Scott

I guess one "design" would have sufficed in that sentence - typing a message after a 13.5 hour drive is not advised.

JS