Trigger Trombones

[KamiPlays]

Hi, I am looking into getting my first trigger trombone and was just wondering what are some good options. I've been playing on my Bach Soloist since I started almost 7 years ago. I really enjoy playing trombone though I have a little trouble reaching 6-7th positions lol. Just wondering what would be some good options on a bit of a budget, I'm likely going to try to find one used I just want to get the most out of the price.

[Briande]

Couple of thoughts and things you need to think about.

First, the used market is the way to go. You will get so much more for your money used than buying a new trombone.

Second, think about what kind of music you play and like playing. If you like and play jazz most you may not need a horn with an F attachment (aka trigger). Or if you play both jazz and orchestral/concert band music keep your Soloist for jazz. Or you could get a small bore tenor with an f attachment like a king 3B w/f if you want to do jazz and orchestral/concert band on your new horn.

As far as brands/models Conn 88h, Getzen 1047, Bach 42 are all good options and generally available on the used market.

But ideally find somewhere you can try some options and find one that works best for you!

Good luck.

[Kingfan]

Avoid the Chinese-made off brands. They don't last and can be hard to play. Check your local Facebook Marketplace - for instance, there is a Conn 88H for $800 in Michigan. People like Greenbean on this site sell quality used horns.

[Briande]

I should also mention I do have a Getzen 1047FR for sale here in the classified section. It’s a nice horn I just don’t use it anymore.

[BGuttman]

Important that you consider the type of playing you will be doing on your trigger horn.

A large bore horn (like the Getzen 1047, Conn 88H, Bach 42B, etc.) is most appropriate for symphony orchestra or concert band. If you try to play jazz band on it the best place is 3rd or 4th trombone. And don't march with it; the ergonomics are terrible. A large bore horn takes a LOT more air than your Bach Soloist and you may find yourself winded after a remarkably short time. But if you plan to go professional, it may be a requirement.

A nice compromise could be the Intermediate bore instrument like the Bach 36B, King 3BF, or Yamaha 640 (684, 646). It takes less air than the large bore, and you can use the same mouthpiece as your Bach Soloist (if you want to).. You will have an easier time trying to play 1st or 2nd in Big Band. If you don't plan to go professional, one of these could last you the rest of your life.

Good luck with your choice. Hopefully you can have some assistance from your teacher or an experienced friend to listen to how you sound on whatever you are looking to buy.

[Kingfan]

Getzen 1047 on Craigslist. Good price. https://buffalo.craigslist.org/msg/d/ol ... 57430.html

[Chazzer69]

Getzen 1047 on Craigslist. Good price. https://buffalo.craigslist.org/msg/d/ol ... 57430.html

That might be a "too good to be true" price.

[Kingfan]

Getzen 1047 on Craigslist. Good price. https://buffalo.craigslist.org/msg/d/ol ... 57430.html

That might be a "too good to be true" price.

True dat. Before I buy a horn off Craigslist with no photos, I would ask for a lot of pics including the slide stockings, wear points, bell engraving, and the serial number. And use PayPal Good and Services so I have recourse in case things go south.

[walldaja]

One of the more important details are how the trigger is actuated and how it fits your hand. Some have the linkage under your thumb and it is a problem for me because the side of my thumb drags on it and affects the actuation of the valve. Some linkages are mechanical while others use string. If your mechanical linkage gets under lubricated it can catch or jam. String never has those problems. Others have the paddle in front of brace while others have it behind. The distance of the bell brace and the slide braces also affect your comfort / ability to hold the horn. Some are a real stretch while others are quite comfortable. Try as many as you can and find what you like and what works for you. Nothing worse than having a killer horn that you hate holding / using.

[JohntheTheologian]

One of the more important details are how the trigger is actuated and how it fits your hand. Some have the linkage under your thumb and it is a problem for me because the side of my thumb drags on it and affects the actuation of the valve. Some linkages are mechanical while others use string. If your mechanical linkage gets under lubricated it can catch or jam. String never has those problems. Others have the paddle in front of brace while others have it behind. The distance of the bell brace and the slide braces also affect your comfort / ability to hold the horn. Some are a real stretch while others are quite comfortable. Try as many as you can and find what you like and what works for you. Nothing worse than having a killer horn that you hate holding / using.

These are some very valid points. For example, I find the older Bachs-- 36 and 42-- with F attachments very hard to hold-- the trigger is placed so close to my face that I scrape it when I activate the trigger-- I have a bit of a broad face. The horns with the trigger close to the brace so that you straddle the brace-- such as Kings and the old Olds horns, some Holtons, etc-- can be easier to transition from a straight horn. I borrowed a friend's King 4BF and it was easy to hold and my junior high grandson has a King 607F that is easy to hold for me.

I find string linkages quieter and the trigger locations on older Conns and Conn-like horns-- such as my Blessing B88 and 2 older Yamahas-- very comfortable to hold, even though you don't hold the brace, but directly on the trigger itself. I really haven't played many of the newer paddle-style triggers used with more modern horns,

The bottom line is that it helps to try out horns, not only to see how they might play, but how comfortable they are to hold.,