TromboneChat

Hello, I'm getting conflicting information about which type of valve trombone that I need to buy, if I want to play regular trombone music (with the rest of the bones in a band). Do I need a Bb horn or do I need a C horn? Also, a simple explanation of your answer would be appreciated as well. Thanks for your time!

C valve trombones are mostly used in Banda music. It can also be a "Preacher" trombone to read directly from hymnals.

For most applications you would use a Bb valve trombone; which is exactly the same size as the slide trombone.

The choice comes down to your preexisting musical education and how you plan to learn valve trombone.

If you chose valve (instead of slide) trombone because you already play Bb trumpet (or french horn), and plan to read non-transposed parts (like organ or choir parts) in your praise band, then C is appropriate.

If you plan to sit in a concert band or wind ensemble with other trombones, than Bb is best. But I would reconsider valves altogether. The slide is overwhelmingly preferred.

From a physics and musical standpoint, either one would work in any environment. But different horns finger the notes differently, and that comes down to your past experience and future education.

Thank you everyone!