TromboneChat

Hi everyone

I'm am a freelance trombonist from Indonesia and i've been using my Getzen Eterna 1047f for about 6 years, now I'm looking for a Bass Trombone mainly use in big bands, here's some of my options based on my budget in mind:
Yamaha YBL 620G
Conn 112h (used)
Shires Q36YR

Can sombody give me a recommedation which one should I buy
PS. I have no prior experiece in Bass Trombone so i've still deciding whether I prefer independent or dependent setup

Thank you

All can be (very) good instruments. Some people dislike the Conn 112h, but it's not generally a bad instrument. If possible you should simply try. I play the 112h as my "backup" bass trombone (actually I practice quite a lot on it). However I have adapted a heavier slide and it's a very early one which is a bit different than the current model.

Reg your second question:
Certainly most play independent and obviously it's a bit more flexible. However there are only very few situations where it makes a substantial difference. (I can think of exactly one relevant note in the last years where the independent second valve made a huge difference). I personally went from independent to dependent to independent to today dependent on my main bass (Greenhoe). Totally personal preference. In doubt I would just look for a good instrument, no matter if dependent or independent.

If you’re considering used, dependent horns, perhaps look out for a Holton TR-180, ideally with modernised triggers and a D slide, though some people also don’t mind the Glantz bar and original tuning. I had a Yamaha 612Rii before which was also very good for big band, but probably the Holton slightly has the edge (my Holton has a 9.5” yellow brass bell though, not the more common 10” rose brass one so perhaps not a general statement).

Maybe also consider the King basses, especially a duo gravis.

FWIW I’m a fellow doubler and have owned/played independent and dependent horns in amateur big bands. I agree with MStarke that it’s better to just find the best playing horn (for your budget), dependent or independent.

The King Duo Gravis is a dependent valve horn from the early 1970s. They are great big band basses and are very popular. Less popular are the later independent valve 7B horns from King which is basically the same horn with independent valves. Why they are less popular is a mystery to me. Being less popular the prices are lower than on a Duo Gravis. Good luck on your hunt!

Yeah I also double. I play lead in one community big band and bass in another. After experimenting with a Getzen 1052 I’m back with my beat up Duo Gravis. You can often find a decent one for under $2000.

Based on the fact that your user name has a 98 in it im going to assume you're 25.

I would implore you to play a modern day horn. Holtons and conns will give you a really old school sound. If that's what you're going for then great! Also if you want to be in-line with modern day bass trombone technique you should al play an independent valve setup.

How serious are you about playing bass? Is trombone your profession?

ATXBassBone wrote: ↑Fri Sep 15, 2023 7:56 am Based on the fact that your user name has a 98 in it im going to assume you're 25.

I would implore you to play a modern day horn. Holtons and conns will give you a really old school sound. If that's what you're going for then great! Also if you want to be in-line with modern day bass trombone technique you should al play an independent valve setup.

How serious are you about playing bass? Is trombone your profession?

Implore him to play a modern day horn? I play Holtons professionally and I get lots on compliments on my sound.
Would you implore me to play a modern day horn?

WGWTR180 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 15, 2023 3:13 pm

ATXBassBone wrote: ↑Fri Sep 15, 2023 7:56 am Based on the fact that your user name has a 98 in it im going to assume you're 25.

I would implore you to play a modern day horn. Holtons and conns will give you a really old school sound. If that's what you're going for then great! Also if you want to be in-line with modern day bass trombone technique you should al play an independent valve setup.

How serious are you about playing bass? Is trombone your profession?

Implore him to play a modern day horn? I play Holtons professionally and I get lots on compliments on my sound.
Would you implore me to play a modern day horn?

The part about modern day bass trombone technique and independent valves is also a bit irritating to say the least. I don't see the causal interdependency apart from a statistical correlation.

When dabbling in bass trombone I found my ‘day job’ to be constantly getting in the way of practice time for both tenor and bass. I would echo the advice given to me by Vegasbound when I picked up bass a little over a year ago, they are different instruments and should be practiced as different instruments…

I found as a tenor player, the positions and options on a dependent valve to be more…intuitive? If I had the ability to put forth more practice time I probably could have worked out the independent and all of its wonderful options…so I guess I would suggest the following if you haven’t already done so…

Look at the tuning options and position/alternate positions for the notes on both setups…and then decide how much time you are willing to devote to learning a setup. I would continue to ask around and watch some of Burgerbob’s videos, as they gave me a good amount of insight into bass trombones. Really give it some thought and see which system will work best for you or which one may be easier to grasp given the amount of time you have to devote to learning the bass…

For myself, I’ll wind up going the dependent route cause I like the sound and the feel of the valves, and because, for my brain, it just makes more sense…but in all honesty, if I had the time I would want, I would have devoted it to learning the independent because it just gives you more options.

I really believe both independent and dependent bass to have their uses, in the end…I’ll say it’s a total different experience working on bass, and a very enjoyable one!

For bigband settings I would always recommend a Duo Gravis or a vintage Conn 62H. From my personal experience I can tell a Duo Gravis is also a great horn for doublers.
You don't need a modern style bass trombone for playing bigband. But if you like the sound, go for it of course.

The Q basses are really quite good, don't think you'd be disappointed. As far as the errant play an independent modern horn comment, to each their own. I swore up and down I'd never play a dependent horn, now it's all I play. Why? Because it matches up with my sound concept better. That's really the whole point of all the options out there anyway. No such thing as better, only what suits you.

I've played independent and dependent. Now on a single trigger! I like 9.5" bells. Bigger bells feel & sound unfocused for me.

Play what works for you. I went to a music shop years ago, sure I was going to get a Conn. I walked out with a Bach!

Heck of a deal on a Yam 622 on the forum.