Contrabass Trombone Roundup

[Slideorama]

Share your horn, mouthpiece, thoughts, etc. about all things CBTRB.

Currently borrowing the newer Wessex in F/C/Db(AA) - plays really well! Using it tonight with the Dallas Winds for Varese’s Integrales.

Soon to own a fixer-upper Jinbao “Thein-ese” in F/D/BBb
- may order a Close leadpipe to see if it “helps”.

Previously owned a Schiller “Thein-ese”- played OK, sold it just before I got actual CBTRB gigs...

Using a JK 2A but would like to try a 2B.

The H&B straight Large Bore Bass mute seems to be OK for CBTRB.

The Wessex CBTRB stand is great with a large felt bag on top. I might cut a rubber ball of some sort for the top to have a more perfect fit.

Have also tooted on a Rath CBTRB for a bit...wonderful horn. The bar is set pretty high and I now know where it is. Also played the Miraphone BBb a few years back ...meh.

Who in their right mind plays a CBTRB?

[Burgerbob]

I've played the Theinese (Wessex, I think), both both modern Theins, three Laetzsch and my Monke.

The Laetzsch are head and shoulders above the others. Easy to play, a good sound (complex- not just woof, not just bass trombone), well built. My friend Daniel's is one of the best trombones I've ever played, much less contrabasses.

The Theins are ok. I think they are very woof for my tastes, and not as easy to play as the price tag suggests.

The older Wessex I've played is ok. It plays easily enough in some ranges, but the sound is very, very dull.

My Monke, a '60s German contra, is actually very good! It's not as easy to play as the modern horns (including the Rath, Kanstul, etc) in some respects, but it sounds very good... more on the bass trombone side of things I think. I think I can do some more tweaking with it.

Right now I am on a Tilz KB3. I have played the Marc 105, JK 2A and 2C, a couple DE pieces, and a couple Laetzsch pieces. The JK 2A is too deep, the 2C is too shallow- I think the 2B would be a good in-between, at least on my Monke, but the Tilz has just the right combo of cup size and throat to make every range work for me.

I use a Sheridan stand for mine- super sturdy!

My biggest problem is finding a stupid case for this thing. It's still in the original, which works, but doesn't protect the horn or offer any conveniences.

[Burgerbob]

Oh, and I play F/D/BBb/AAb. I could go the other route, but I do like this setup.

[Burgerbob]

Oh and I keep forgetting... I have a Miraphone in my possession at the moment. I haven't played it in months, whatever that tells you.

[MStarke]

It's long ago back in my studies at different conservatories in Germany and the Netherlands, but I have intensely played the Laetzsch and Thein models.

I remember I preferred the Laetzsch as it seemed to me to have a more specific and vibrant contrabass sound.
Looking at playability they were both good, but again I liked the Laetzsch a little more.
Somehow it just made it easier for me to achieve what I wanted to do.
Technically both of course very well made.

I played a Klier 3A.

[Slideorama]

The owner of the Rath I played recently rec’d the JK 2B saying the 2A was too big, echoing your (and mine,too, now) opinion.

Your vid on the Monke sounds great, Aidan! Nice to hear Ben Van Dijk and Brent Attema also on youtube, but my money is on Christian Jones going all in on his excerpts:

[blast]

The owner of the Rath I played recently rec’d the JK 2B saying the 2A was too big, echoing your (and mine,too, now) opinion.

Your vid on the Monke sounds great, Aidan! Nice to hear Ben Van Dijk and Brent Attema also on youtube, but my money is on Christian Jones going all in on his excerpts:

Christian is one of the finest bass/contrabass players on the planet for sure. Sounds even better live. He is also one of the finest human beings you will ever come across. When he was in the Philharmonia orchestra he wanted to try a contrabass and asked if he could borrow my Rath. He came 400 miles to collect it and did the same on returning it. He gave me a very expensive bottle of Scotland's finest, a big glossy book on my favourite subject and had put the contra in for a full overhaul, with every tiny dent removed. What a gent !!!

Chris

[Tremozl]

I have a Jinbao Bb Contra, still undergoing configuration. Most likely installing a bass trombone leadpipe on it to improve response, as the tuba mouthpieces I've tried on it produce a foggy, unfocussed sound.

[Posaunus]

... my money is on Christian Jones going all in on his excerpts:

Remarkable playing!