TromboneChat

Who makes or have made the best Bb valve trombones?

Conn 5G, several Olds models (maybe JohnL can help here).

The issue with most valve trombones is usually a very small bore through the valves.

King 3B valve trombone is great.

I'm debating over getting either a King or Yamaha valve trombone. Impossible to compare the two in the flesh in the UK though.

I'm drawn to the Yamaha because it's a slightly larger bore (I'm assuming more open blowing and sound) but as I'm only ever going to buy one valve trombone in my lifetime, I don't want to get buyers remorse and feel I've missed out on the King if it is the better/nicer instrument - and in silver plate it looks gorgeous!

Any thoughts?

I prefer the slide. But a valve does make for speed. I had an older f valve cut to Ab or the same as a first valve. So with one valve and a slide on my 500-508 Edwards, I can do all the 1st valve tricks a trumpet player can with just moving the slide a bit. It is just more alternate positions in you head.
This video has a lot of fun and silly notes. Tiger Rag with my Dixie band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcXW-keZTNQ&t=4s