TromboneChat

Another post from a confused young man who doesn’t know what he’s talking about,
Jay Friedman has developed a number of horns with various makers, primarily Bach. From my basic knowledge, he helped develop a holton, the Thejn Friedman, alto, tenor, and basses, Centennial OF Bach 42, and I have heard words of a Bach “Friedman bell?” Yet, he plays a New York 45! With most artists, when they switch models, their name is no longer on what they previously played, yet that isn’t in the case here.

Just curious,
Nathan

He's been around a long time and is principal in a major symphony, so he's had some chances to develop horns. But, like, is there a question here or anything?

I guess I’m just wondering why Bach and other companies have his name on multiple horns, when that’s not the norm in the industry from what I understand

I don't think Bach puts anybody's name on a horn. Jay uses a Bach 42 with a Bach 50 slide because it works well for him in Chicago. You could do the same, but no guarantees you will sound like him (or even sound good).

For that matter, Holton didn't put Friedman's name on the TR-158 or TR-159 either. They were referred to as his horns because at one time he used them. The TR-150 was also an "artist" horn (DiBiase?) but again, the horn says TR-150 and doesn't have a name on it.

If you really want to get ridiculous, Jack Teagarden probably played every trombone available at some time, yet there is no "Jack Teagarden" trombone.

I don't think the horns were really ever in production concurrently. He was appointed principal of the Chicago Symphony in 1964, almost 60 years ago, and during that time the "American Symphonic Sound" has gone through several major changes in tone. He has worked with several companies to develop the tools that he, as a monster player, needs to fill the halls of the Chicago Symphony Center, opened in 1904, which apparently needs a lot of sound to really fill.

Regarding his Bach models, his are pretty specific: Lightweight Nickel Bach 50 style slide with a lightweight Gold Brass Bell. As Bach moved to different valve designs, he worked with them on subsequent friedman designs, the most recent of which is the LT42BOFG "42 CUSTOM" model. Previously there was the LT42AFG, and probably some others.

Now, I have also noted that Windy City trombones (who are located in Chicago where Jay Friedman is) look to have been working with Bach and Friedman for "Artist Select" trombones, which I guess Jay personally play tests. I have never seen these marketed by another company.

The 42G* bells are great. I had one that I wish I kept.

Kdanielsen wrote: ↑Thu Sep 14, 2023 3:16 pm The 42G* bells are great. I had one that I wish I kept.

I have yet to try one, but I kinda wish they were easier to come by. Bach should make them a standard option, or maybe part of their "artisan" modular series.

Alessi has several artist models too, from at least a couple different makers.

Yeah I probably gotta stop getting caught up on silly things like this...