TromboneChat

Hi there,

I have been looking to get a new trombone for a few years now. I currently play on a older Conn 88h and I really do like the darker sound that I get from the rose brass bell, however I would prefer a trombone with an open wrap as the closed gives me a very stuffy sound. And something that has a better slide as my inner tubes are corroded. I have tried out a few others such as the Shires Q Alessi, Bach 42, and Conn 88ho. I’m planning on going to the shires factory soon to try out some of the other models I have never tried and I’m hoping one stands out for me.
Like I said I do like my Conn 88h but would like to see if I can get something with more improved and refined sound as a new trombone might give.
Any advice on what to look/listen for in a new trombone and how to decide other than for just how it feels to me?
It has been recommended to me to wait until I’m in college (this fall) but I have played extensively with the professor I will study under already so I have an idea how my playing has changed under him.

If you really like the 88H, but want something a little more modern in response and feel, I'd recommend the Getzen Eterna or Getzen Bousfield horns. They are awesome, and have the Minick style open wrap.

That said, I don't think that the 88H closed wrap is generally "stuffy". Stuffiness usually comes from the rotor itself, which the 88H doesn't have a problem with. The main advantage of an open wrap is A) it allows you to potentially use a much more open rotor, like a Thayer, and B) it doesn't collect moisture like a closed wrap does. People thought the open wrap was so much more open back in the day because the conversion usually came along with an upgraded Minick or Thayer rotor, which play more open than the undersized Bach rotors.

I'd stay on your 88H until your professor guides you towards a different horn.

Adding to what harrisonreed said about the rotor, have you checked the alignment of your valve? If that's causing the stuffiness issue, just getting that fixed and getting your inners replaced would be very cost effective. And if you still decided to move on, your horn would be worth somewhat more to offset that cost anyway.

Chronos91 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 30, 2025 1:36 pm Adding to what harrisonreed said about the rotor, have you checked the alignment of your valve?

Piling on...
Get someone to put a 'scope down the tubes and visually check the alignment. Timing marks aren't always entirely accurate.

If the OP is happy with the closed wrap 88H, they should try the 88HO and the 88NV.

Cheers

Stewbones43

Depending what valve you want would also determine some instruments for you to try. Here is a few to consider. I'd also pile on the have the instrument checked/aligned.

Conn 88HNV
Greenhoe GC4/GB4
Shires Vintage New York or Chicago
Bach A47
Getzen Eterna/4147IB
Adams TB1