TromboneChat

Does anyone have experience with the Thein "Jazz Bass Trombone Universal Silver Star"? https://thein-brass.de/en/instrument/ja ... lver-star/

I'm primarily a tenor player but my job has me doing a lot of bass trombone work, specifically in jazz settings, much of which trades between tenor and bass on the same gig. They have a newer Edwards and an older shires, both of which have dual bore slides and play a bit big/wide for my taste. I was originally thinking of just getting a single bore slide for the Edwards, but my job is willing to buy me whatever I need so long as it is new so I'm looking around at what's currently on the market. My personal bass is a Yamaha 830, which isn't anything special but I prefer it over the work horns since it feels more centered.

From my limited experience, I like the sound and feel of older conns and I once played a silversonic duo gravis that I really liked!
Any idea if this Thein is anything like that? Are there any other new horns on the market I should consider? I am limited on time to test instruments and most shops with good selection are about 3-4 hours away. Thanks!

It's probably a great horn, most Theins are. If that's dual haagmans I wouldn't personally take them to rowdier gigs - just too fragile, and thinking about a random sax player bumping into it or something would give me anxiety, though it seems like you are in a steadier situation.

If it's for a double and jazz specifically, I'd keep my eyes open for an older Conn 62 or Holton - you'll save a ton of money and still get a great horn with a great sound for the style. If your job is buying though feel free to go crazy and have fun!

If your employer is willing to spend like that, have at it, and steal as many pens as you possibly can

Get the Thein with the rotors, it blew me away at ITF

WilliamLang wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:07 am If it's for a double and jazz specifically, I'd keep my eyes open for an older Conn 62 or Holton -

I'd love to get an old Conn 62! The only problem is we have to buy from an actual store, not private seller, so buying older used gear gets tricky especially if it is a project horn that needs additional work. From what I've seen, there are not a whole lot of bass trombones being made right now advertised for jazz/doubling, which is why this Thein caught my attention. I don't really care what I play, but I feel like I have to work too hard to center the sound on my current equipment (compared to my yamaha and other basses I've tried in the past).

My job is with a military band, so money isn't as big of an issue for us as it is with other musical organizations. That being said, they probably wont be buying me more instruments anytime soon so I want to make sure this one counts.

If you enjoyed how the Duo Gravis SS played and need to buy from a store, Dillon’s just listed this beauty right here with the triggers already split. https://www.dillonmusic.com/used-king-d ... sn-733725/

I would, sight unseen, assume a Thein is a great instrument; you can't go wrong there, though I'm not too keen on Hagmann valves. The other day I had the opportunity to play a friend's fairly new Greenhoe bass and it was a really good horn that I absolutely could see myself play; well worth checking out. The M&W basses I've tried have all been very good. A friend of mine plays a Lätzsch bass that's also really, really good.

I don't think there will be any problems finding a really good instrument, there are many really good builders of great bass trombones in today's market.

Bear in mind, though, that I'm also a doubler, and bass is not my main trombone, so I'm not an experienced bass trombonist in comparison - though I must admit that I enjoy playing the bass more and more (mysteriously as it seems ).

and if price is not an issue you can get one of the custom horns made up, like a Rath or Shires.

tkelley216 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:55 am

WilliamLang wrote: ↑Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:07 am If it's for a double and jazz specifically, I'd keep my eyes open for an older Conn 62 or Holton -

I'd love to get an old Conn 62! The only problem is we have to buy from an actual store, not private seller, so buying older used gear gets tricky especially if it is a project horn that needs additional work. From what I've seen, there are not a whole lot of bass trombones being made right now advertised for jazz/doubling, which is why this Thein caught my attention. I don't really care what I play, but I feel like I have to work too hard to center the sound on my current equipment (compared to my yamaha and other basses I've tried in the past).

My job is with a military band, so money isn't as big of an issue for us as it is with other musical organizations. That being said, they probably wont be buying me more instruments anytime soon so I want to make sure this one counts.

Noah Gladstone at The Brassark has a Minick 62H for sale. Brassark.com

TDY or take leave and a hop to Germany and try it.

what he said. I tried the Thein jazz bass this year and its a pretty cool horn. The sound is superb, very formable. The response is fast, very unusual for sterling silver bells. Funny fact: the Thein sterling silver bell is based on a King silver sonic bell I sent to Thein in 2019 to adapt it for the Universal bass trombone. Thein improved their bell in likely every way it has now quite nothing more in common with the King bell.
If I wouldn‘t have a sterling bell already, I would have bought it. It‘s a fantastic horn!