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Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2025 9:28 pm
by lsmallberger
I play bass trombone in a couple big bands at the college I attend, and out of all the brass instruments I've learned in my life (all but french horn) I can say that it is by far my favorite. As a result, I'm actively looking for a bass trombone in the price range specified in the title, and I figured I would ask here since I think I'll get better advice here than researching on my own.
What I've gathered so far is that a Benge 290 is a good bet for something on the cheaper end (but the age of a lot of those doesn't sit right with me), and if I can find a good Yamaha or Bach for the price, it's also a good bet.

I'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2025 10:18 pm
by nateaff
Yamaha 611, 612, 613. Easy to find and easy to play.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2025 11:52 pm
by tbonesullivan
lsmallberger wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 9:28 pmI'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!
Also check thebrass-exchange.com and brassark.com. Baltimore brass also sometimes has good used horns.

As mentioned before, a Yamaha 613 or 613H would work well. Holton TR181. Olds P-24G horns can be nice as well. The Conn 112H and 62HI (current production) have their fans. You might also see a Kanstul 1585 once in a while.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2025 12:35 am
by nateaff
There's an AWESOME looking 613G for sale now on the classifieds here for $1600. If you're looking to buy youd be a fool to not scoop that up.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2025 6:46 am
by Chronos91
I'll often look on eBay, reverb, and here when I'm looking to get a new horn. Honestly, if you do some looking and have patience, you should have a ton of options in that range. I bought a Bach 50T3 a couple of years ago for $2250 that I would sell in that range if I was looking to move on, and I've seen other Bach 50's in your range too (typically not with axials). In addition to the Yamahas mentioned, Shires Q36, and maybe Getzen basses would be in range.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2025 6:57 am
by hyperbolica
I've got a Conn custom job available for $2700. Really nice horn. For details, search for trombone yardsale here on TC.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2025 7:51 am
by sf105
The Benge 290 is a much underrated horn, which might explain its cheapness. Treated well, that generation of horn shouldn't be a problem.

Re: Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2025 11:15 am
by WGWTR180
lsmallberger wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 9:28 pm I play bass trombone in a couple big bands at the college I attend, and out of all the brass instruments I've learned in my life (all but french horn) I can say that it is by far my favorite. As a result, I'm actively looking for a bass trombone in the price range specified in the title, and I figured I would ask here since I think I'll get better advice here than researching on my own.
What I've gathered so far is that a Benge 290 is a good bet for something on the cheaper end (but the age of a lot of those doesn't sit right with me), and if I can find a good Yamaha or Bach for the price, it's also a good bet.

I'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!
I know someone in NYC selling a Benge 290. The Yamaha 613G on the Classifieds here is a great deal for a fantastic instrument. For $1600 plus shipping you'll never find something that nice for that price. Just my 2 cents.