Earl Williams and M. Schmelzer trombone similarities

[Slider8000]

I have been confused as to how both Earl Williams and Manfred Schmelzer trombones have a near identical appearance. Both instruments have the same bore size, tuning slide shape, and the iconic triple braces with curves on the tuning slide region and handslide.

Why are these instruments so similar? I believe Earl Williams was the original, so perhaps the Schmelzer horns were designed as copies of those instruments?

I did some research online and my results were inconclusive. Let me know if you have any insight!


Bonus points if you can tell me which horn Hiroshi Fukumura is holding in this photo

[Doug Elliott]

Schmelzers are more or less copies of Williams style, with some modifications. I know Manfred Schmelzer and I've been to his shop. The Model 1 is sort of a cross between a Williams 4 and 6, and good ones play a lot like a Williams 6.

In that picture, the curved braces and where they attach look more like Williams, not Schmelzer.

[Slider8000]

Thank you for this information!!!

[DaveAshley]

I agree with Doug that the horn pictured is a Williams.

I might be wrong, but the crook looks like the more rounded style that Bob Williams used after Earl died and he took over. Could be the angle of the photo.
FWIW, I don't recall ever having seen a Schmelzer with round crooks.

[harrisonreed]

That's a hell of an album photo. Zero eff's given right there. I love it.