College level bone suggestions

[LoganPlays]

Hi everyone!

First post here! I'm a current 2nd-year college student with a minor in trombone performance; I'm looking to upgrade my large bore symphonic horn. I am currently playing on a YSL-448G; while it does what I need, it has survived a couple marching band seasons with some scars and has its defects. I am looking to invest in a nice professional-level horn, but I am a bit overwhelmed by all the directions I feel I could take. So I'm looking for some recommendations.

I know Bach and Shires are my go-to brands, but I would love to explore some other options before making a choice. I would also love to try some horns, but to my knowledge, there isn't a great music shop around. I'm in the Eugene, Oregon, area.

In short, I'm looking for a professional large-bore trombone. I also love the lacquered look; if a brand does that, I'd love to know! I can budget 4-5k.

Thanks!

[UATrombone]

With your budget you have a lot of options, from Yamaha 6xx and Xeno (8xx, which are very good, BTW) to Edwards/Shires and everything in between...

[walldaja]

You may want to try The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds in Redmond Washington. I prefer Shires or Edward's over Bach. What do your professors recommend?

[dwn8ve]

There are many excellent options around, and your budget can cover a lot of them new, or lightly used. I’d certainly recommend Rath if you get the chance.

Bach I generally steer away from unless you can play it first.

Like Dave said though, talking to your teachers is valuable as you look at options. They will understand how you play, and some may like to have that input as you look as well.

Hope you have fun on the search!

[LR109]

I'd recommend steering clear of second hand customised makes of trombone unless they're run of the mill set ups, they're set up for someone else.

Yes, Bachs probably want playing before purchasing but so does anything ideally when you're spending that much. Bear in mind that if you're a second year and, hopefully, improving at a good pace then what suits now might not in a couple of years so maybe don't get too hung up on it.

[Kbiggs]

Does Mr. Henniger still play an older Bach with an after-market Thayer valve? Do you like his playing enough to want to sound something like him? Then you’ll definitely want to try some Bach horns. You could also try Bach-like instruments by Shires and Edwards/Getzen, but they will sound and feel slightly different.

If you can try before you buy, that’s ideal. I think Quinn’s can do that with an appointment. Wally’s in Oregon City might have something, and Beacock’s and Music World in Vancouver might have something.

[JMudge]

You might also consider the Getzen 4147IB or 4047ET. I think with the recent price increases they’re a couple $100 over your price limit. It might be worth it for you though. I picked up a 4047ET just recently and it is a fantastic instrument. The 4047 is in the Bach vein if that’s what you’re looking for. Some prominent players/professors have excellent things to say about both models. They’re something else to put on your radar. Hope it helps.

J

[Trav1s]

You might also consider the Getzen 4147IB or 4047ET. I think with the recent price increases they’re a couple $100 over your price limit. It might be worth it for you though. I picked up a 4047ET just recently and it is a fantastic instrument. The 4047 is in the Bach vein if that’s what you’re looking for. Some prominent players/professors have excellent things to say about both models. They’re something else to put on your radar. Hope it helps.

J

Great horns to consider!

[LoganPlays]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I’ll be exploring what you’ve recommended and taking a trip up to Washington to visit mighty Quinn!