TromboneChat

Facts: I am a 63 y.o. Bass Trombonist that plays in a couple of Community Bands, a community orchestra and a Big Band. I'm a hobbyist not a professional. I have a Getzen 1062FD (dependent trigger) and i like it but I'd like to have an independent trigger and I"m not wild about the dual bore slide that comes with the 1062.

Consideration: My lungs are still really good, but not what they were (in terms of air capacity) when I was 20. So I think I'd rather stay with standard rotors and I don't think I can justify an 8k "boutique" horn given my age and years of playing left. So, given this...here's what I'm looking at:

Rath R900 $3200 (new)
Shires TBQ36YR $3200 (used but mint)
Getzen 1052 ($2400 used in good conditon/ $3300 mint used)
Bach 50B30 ($2900 open box)

So given my criteria, which horn would you pick and why? Thanks so much for any comments you have.
YooperHorn

Out of those, probably the Shires Q (or if you can find it for cheaper, Eastman equivalent is very good).

I really like the 1052s, personally. I had one and probably would if I hadn't lucked into a great Shires. Especially at that price point. The Q series would be great too probably.

I'd probably look to get a new Conn 62h first. After that the Bach, and I'd see if I could try the 1052. Rath and Then Shires.

Conns are just more colorful, even now. Bachs have a familiar feel when they're right. Getzen make some really nice stuff. Shires to me are boring and heavy. Rath is one of my favorites, but the Chinese horn isn't what I like about Rath

i agree with your complaint about the 1062 dual bore. But don't discount dependent setups unless you're really going to use the second valve by itself (mostly 5th position notes).

My opinion, having tried all of them and owned a 1052 for quite a few years: Shires Q > Eastman ETB-848 > Rath R900 > Getzen 1052 > Bach 50B3O.

I would go with the Shires.

Shires Q or the Eastman for the win.

Depends on the sound and response you want. I love my Bach 50b3 but it took a while to adjust after coming from a Yamaha 321
But a Yamaha will speak quicker
The Conn 62H are great horns

If it were me, I would avoid a new Bach or Conn instrument. I've seen lots of build and fit/finish issues with their recent instruments. Your experience may vary.

I can't speak to the Rath as I'm not familiar with their instruments.

You'd do well by either the Q or the Getzen. Personal preference for.me would be the Getzen - I played one for many years in college and after before switching to another instrument. They're fairly well built instruments and the price point is excellent.

Many thanks to all of you for the great comments and suggestions. It really helped. I ordered a Shires Q bass bone today. Now comes the Celebrity Death Match: Getzen 1062 vs. Shires Q...may the best horn win.