Is getting a trigger tenor trombone worth it?

[Reflex93]

I’ve been playing trombone for a little over 4 years in school and I’ve been using the same Yamaha ysl200 with a small shank mouth piece. I’ve been looking to buy an upgrade especially since the Yamahas been getting the beating in marching band and was wondering whether I should get a trigger or not. When it comes to trombone hardware I know literally nothing so any info I could get would help.

Thanks,
Reflex93

[BGuttman]

A trigger trombone allows for an expansion of your range (the notes from Eb to (almost) C below the bass staff). It can be convenient. It can be "cool".

For Marching Band? Probably not. Many do not have your thumb around the bell brace meaning they are harder to hold. Only the King 3B-F, Holton TR-150 or 680, some King 4B/5B (older ones) and maybe a few others, Also, if you do maneuvers while marching, the F-attachment is liable to get damaged.

I've marched with an F-attachment, but my marching is simply playing while keeping in step. If I had to do anything else I'd probably bring a straight tenor.

If you want an F-attachment (and can afford it), sure. But keep the Yamaha for marching band.

[Briande]

Are you looking for something else to march with ? Or would you continue to use your Yamaha for marching and get a new one for other bands? If so what type of music do you play? If you primarily play jazz an f attachment might not be worth it. If you play concert and/or symphony it probably is worth it.

[Reflex93]

Are you looking for something else to march with ? Or would you continue to use your Yamaha for marching and get a new one for other bands? If so what type of music do you play? If you primarily play jazz an f attachment might not be worth it. If you play concert and/or symphony it probably is worth it.

I am thinking about using it for wind ensemble after marching band. Sorry for not clarifying

[JeffBone44]

Are you looking for something else to march with ? Or would you continue to use your Yamaha for marching and get a new one for other bands? If so what type of music do you play? If you primarily play jazz an f attachment might not be worth it. If you play concert and/or symphony it probably is worth it.

I am thinking about using it for wind ensemble after marching band. Sorry for not clarifying

If using it for wind ensemble, then yes, a trigger trombone is worth it. Especially if you’re playing 2nd or 3rd parts.

[harrisonreed]

Trigger trombone is worth it 100% of the time if you are playing trombone a lot. Even on alto and on jazz tenor. Change my mind.

It's like Keebler Pizzarias, you just gotta have it once you know.

81c7nb.jpg

[Pezza]

You only need a trigger for bass trombone. Most of the time for tenor it's not needed.
I played trigger tenors for 35+ years (& bass). 3 years ago I got a straight tenor, and most of the time I don't miss the trigger. (Still got the bass for bass)

[CalgaryTbone]

A lot of advanced wind ensemble music, and newer orchestral literature needs an F attachment for all of the section. Then there's a lot of solo literature, and brass quintets and other chamber music where a valve is needed. Modern composers have begun to expect a horn w/a valve, or just don't know the difference. The added technical possibilities in the range around low B flat are also a plus, especially for legato playing in your low range. Keep your beat up horn for marching band, and get an F attachment horn for wind ensemble. Just remember that having a valve doesn't mean that you should forget about 6th and 7th position - sometimes they are better choices than using the valve.

Jim Scott

[StanKenton55]

Hi!

Yes go for it! Great for the player that wants to advance themselves. I haven’t played with a non f trigger bone for 40 years. With my large bore tenor f trigger, I have a functional range of 5 octaves. Pedal F up to double high F.
Once you get sued to it and new bigger bore, sound quality, air stream, etc, you probably never look back. Go for it!!

[Kbiggs]

It depends on your plans.

If you’re going to pursue music as a profession, then yes.

If you plan to play beyond HS, and you want to improve as a musician, yes. There’s a lot of etudes, solos, chamber music, and orchestral and band literature for 1st and 2nd that are much easier to play with an F-attachment, and some that require an F-attachment. When concert band and orchestral music has 4 trombones (not as rare as it used to be), the 3rd part is often much easier to play with an F-attachment, if not necessary.

If you plan to play jazz and not much else, and decide to stick with 1st or 2nd parts, no. If you’ll be playing 3rd parts, it’ll be easier with an F-attachment.

You’ll be playing wind ensemble music? It’s pretty much required.

[timothy42b]

It depends on your plans.

If you’re going to pursue music as a profession, then yes.

If you plan to play beyond HS, and you want to improve as a musician, yes.

If you plan to play beyond HS, but probably not as a professional, you might consider an alternative trigger.

Most people in this thread referenced the F trigger. There is a good argument that especially for the amateur a G trigger makes more sense. It gives you facility in the middle range that the F doesn't, (and that the pro already has just because they've already mastered the technique).

[JeffBone44]

Trigger trombone is worth it 100% of the time if you are playing trombone a lot. Even on alto and on jazz tenor. Change my mind.

It's like Keebler Pizzarias, you just gotta have it once you know.



81c7nb.jpg

Totally agree, especially since I don’t have long arms. 7th position is always very difficult for me.

[Elow]

Most people in this thread referenced the F trigger. There is a good argument that especially for the amateur a G trigger makes more sense. It gives you facility in the middle range that the F doesn't, (and that the pro already has just because they've already mastered the technique).

G tuning is much more than positions closer to your face… for a large bore tenor this is not very smart. I really hate the argument of G tuning being better for amateurs. I have two valves, having them a whole step away allows for a lot more useful and efficient layout of positions and valve slurs. Another thing about G tuning is the extra resistance, it’s not much of a difference from the F valve, but if i want to play something loud i’m going to use my first valve. The G valve is great for when you need a little extra resistance like a pp entrance. I think an F attachment is the best for a tenor trombone. G really only makes sense with two valves. This is my opinion

[Posaunus]

You only need a trigger for bass trombone. Most of the time for tenor it's not needed.
I played trigger tenors for 35+ years (& bass). 3 years ago I got a straight tenor, and most of the time I don't miss the trigger. (Still got the bass for bass)

I respectfully disagree with Pezza. A trombone with F-attachment is extremely versatile and worthwhile, for all the reasons listed by others here. Of course straight tenors have their place in some settings (especially jazz and big band), but in many cases - not just for bass trombone parts - an F-attachment is mandatory or at least more convenient (and even more musical) than a straight tenor.

[harrisonreed]

I'm not sure a non standard valve tuning that nobody teaches is the best bet for amateurs. Especially since tenors with G attachments aren't really available AFAIK. Sort of a crazy suggestion.

You can buy an F attachment trombone and method book that teaches it with a single trip to the music store. I don't think you can do that with a G attachment.

[jhousdan]

If you plan on spending any time below the staff, having a valve is a must. Definitely a worthwhile investment.

[AtomicClock]

especially since the Yamahas been getting the beating in marching band

Standard advice is to use inexpensive instruments in marching band, because we don't want to damage the nice, fragile, expensive ones. If you want to buy a nicer trombone for concert band and solos, an F attachment may be useful, but keep using the Yamaha out on the field. If you really want a better instrument specifically for marching band, I wouldn't recommend an F attachment unless the part demands it. Marching band for me was a while ago, but I certainly remember wishing my horn was lighter!

[wnlqxod]

Assuming that the trigger horn is for concert hall use, I would like to make a comment about a possible hidden effect of the F valve.

The F attachment, by simply being there, seems to change the colour of the sound coming out of the horn; I would guess that this is because the mass of the rotor adds to the vibration as it is magnified in your horn from your mouth. From my experience fitting my Shires horn back in the day, the same 0.547" horn, with the exact same handslide, leadpipe, and bell, not to mention the exact same mouthpiece, sounded noticeably darker simply by installing the valve section rather than the straight neckpipe.

[timothy42b]

If you really want a better instrument specifically for marching band, I wouldn't recommend an F attachment unless the part demands it. Marching band for me was a while ago, but I certainly remember wishing my horn was lighter!

If you have short arms and/or a lot of 6th position notes when your left foot is coming down you will struggle. You can't use the extra length of torso and shoulder to compensate.

I noticed this long ago when I happened to march in a parade (alumni band) using a trigger trombone and noticed how easy this was with a trigger.