TromboneChat

I am an amateur bass trombonist who plays in a variety of settings. I use DE K and L cups, and have been using K8 and L8 shanks. But my horn is a Edwards 454 with dual bore slide, and I understand that size 9 shanks may be better suited to dual bore slides. Does anyone have any thoughts on the pros and cons of 8 vs 9 shank? Is it a matter of airflow resistance, and what effect does more or less resistance have?
Thanks

I found the 9 shank to be a bit of an air hog. But maybe it's good for you. There is no written rule about what goes with what. I actually use an L7 shank (was available back when I bought my setup) and prefer that. But I'm me and not you. Now I think the large shanks are 8, 9, and 10.

About 8 or 9 years ago, I had an Edwards 454 with a dual bore slide, too. I alternated between Hammond 20 series and DE’s with either a K or an L cup. When I played with DE mpcs, I felt the sound and response were better with the 9 shanks. That slide and the more open profile of the 9 shank take a LOT of air.

I found that when I could breathe in and out without restriction, and I was relaxed enough to blow with a very large and steady stream of air, the horn responded wonderfully. However, it took a lot of energy and endurance to play with that setup for an extended period, and maintain a beautiful sound and phrasing.

Really, though, it is up to you. Record yourself, and ask your teacher and section mates which sound they prefer.

Doug does recommend the 9 shank with a dual bore, fwiw.

My #9 backbores have a little more taper than #8 backbores and generally work well in dual bores but not so well in single bores. I am revamping all of them so you might want to try new ones.

I would not say they take a lot of air. In the right horn they're actually more efficient. Playing a brass instrument is about creating an acoustic wave, it's not really about air flow.

Thanks, everyone
Doug, when will the new ones be available?

Available now... Or at least soon when I make more.