The 18 best trombones brands
Schilke, Jupiter and Yamaha lead our ranking of 18 trombones brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Trombones brands, ranked
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1
Schilke
Schilke makes professional and student trombones, known for handmade custom instruments with precise slide and bore work.
Website: schilkemusic.com |Brands like Schilke
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Jupiter
Jupiter makes student and intermediate trombones alongside a wide range of other band and orchestral brass instruments.
Website: my-jupiter.de |Brands like Jupiter
Popularity 9.4/10
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3
Yamaha
Yamaha makes student, intermediate, and professional trombones, including popular models used in school bands and orchestras.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 8.8/10
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4
Shires
Shires makes handmade trombones, including custom and professional models built in small batches.
Website: shireslynx.webs.com |Brands like Shires
Popularity 8.2/10
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5
Bach
Bach, through its Vincent Bach line, makes professional and student trombones widely used in orchestras and bands.
Website: bach-cantatas.com |Brands like Bach
Popularity 8.2/10
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6
Besson
Besson makes brass instruments including trombones, with a long history of British-made tenor and bass models.
Website: besson.com |Brands like Besson
Popularity 8.2/10
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7
pBone
pBone makes plastic trombones designed for durability and outdoor or travel use, with a lightweight build.
Website: pbone.co.uk |Brands like pBone
Popularity 8.2/10
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8
Olds
Olds makes trombones and other brass instruments, with a long tradition of American-built trumpets and trombones.
Website: feolds.com |Brands like Olds
Popularity 7.5/10
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9
GEWA
GEWA is best known for instrument cases and gig bags, and also sells student and intermediate trombones under its own brand.
Website: int.gewamusic.com |Brands like GEWA
Popularity 7.5/10
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10
Amati
Amati makes Czech-built trombones, including student and intermediate models sold in Europe and beyond.
Website: amati.cz |Brands like Amati
Popularity 5.8/10
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11
Getzen
Getzen makes trombones and other brass instruments, including student and professional models built in the United States.
Website: getzen.com |Brands like Getzen
Popularity 5.8/10
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12
Trevor James
Trevor James makes trombones, including professional and student models built to European design standards.
Website: trevorjames.com |Brands like Trevor James
Popularity 4.7/10
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13
Rath
Rath makes professional trombones, especially custom and handmade models favored by experienced players.
Website: rathtrombones.com |Brands like Rath
Popularity 4.7/10
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14
Martin
Digital publication Martin is devoted to all things Aston Martin. The publication has established itself as the go-to resource for the most fascinating, captivating, and in-depth articles regarding Aston Martins, both current and past. You can find anything here, from...
Website: magazine.astonmartin.com |Brands like Martin
Popularity 3.3/10
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15
Reynolds
Reynolds is a British manufacturing firm and the world's oldest cycling tube maker. The firm offers chrome-plated steel tubing for bicycle frames. It's about getting out of your routine and experiencing the world around you. Its tubes are used in...
Website: reynoldstechnology.biz |Brands like Reynolds
Popularity 3.3/10
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16
JK
It is said that there is no substitute for experience; JK is a vintage company dealing in the brass industry for over centuries now. The company manufactures products made from a popular alloy known as brass, combining Zinc and Copper....
Website: jk-klier.de |Brands like JK
Popularity 3.3/10
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17
Holton
Holton makes trombones and other brass instruments, with a long history of student and professional models in American bands.
Website: holtonloyalist.com |Brands like Holton
Popularity 3.3/10
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18
Kanstul
Kanstul makes trombones, including student and professional models built in the United States.
Website: kanstul.com |Brands like Kanstul
Popularity 3.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schilke | schilkemusic.com | /schilkemusic | explore | – | Schilke Music |
| Jupiter | my-jupiter.de | /Jupiter-K%C3%BCchenmaschinen-1283694515692 | myjupiter.de/ | – | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Shires | shireslynx.webs.com | – | – | – | – |
| Bach | bach-cantatas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Besson | besson.com | /BessonBrass | bessonbrass | – | BessonLondon |
| pBone | pbone.co.uk | /PBone-Official | pboneofficial | @pBoneOfficial | pBoneUK |
| Olds | feolds.com | – | – | – | – |
| GEWA | int.gewamusic.com | /GEWAmusic | – | @gewamusicof | gewamusic |
| Amati | amati.cz | /Amati-VF-%C4%8Cerven%C3%BD-Tradi%C4%8Dn%C3%AD-%C4%8Desk%C3%A9-hudebn%C3%AD-n%C3%A1stroje | amatikraslice | – | KrasliceAMATI |
Trombone is a beautiful instrument with a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. Since then, it has become an essential part of various musical genres, including classical, jazz, and pop. If you are looking to buy a trombone, you are not alone. However, with the vast range of options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this trombones buying guide, we will help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.
Types of Trombones
Before delving into the details of buying a trombone, let's start by exploring the different types available. There are three main types of trombones: straight tenor, F-attachment tenor, and bass trombone. Each has its unique features and playing style.
Straight Tenor Trombone
The straight tenor trombone is the most commonly used type of trombone. It features a straight slide, which makes it easy to produce bright and clear tones. This type of trombone is mostly used in classical music, marching bands, and smaller jazz ensembles.
F-Attachment Tenor Trombone
The F-attachment tenor trombone, also known as a trigger trombone, has an extra tubing system that allows the player to play F on the first partial of the slide. This type of trombone is versatile and perfect for playing in a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and pop. The F-attachment tenor trombone is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want to expand their range and explore different techniques.
Bass Trombone
The bass trombone is the lowest-pitched member of the trombone family. It has a larger bore size, a wider bell, and a double rotor system that allows the player to play in the lower range with ease. The bass trombone is mostly used in classical and orchestral settings.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Trombone
Now that you know the different types of trombones available, it's time to consider the factors that will impact your decision. Below are some of the key factors to consider when buying a trombone:
Level of Experience
Your level of experience is one of the most significant factors to consider when buying a trombone. If you are a beginner, you should opt for a student model trombone. These trombones are designed for novice players and are typically less expensive. They are also easy to play and maintain, making them ideal for beginners.
Intermediate players should opt for an intermediate-level trombone. These trombones are designed for players who have outgrown the student models and are looking for a more robust and responsive instrument. They usually have better materials, larger bore sizes, and more advanced features.
Advanced and professional players should opt for high-end models. These trombones are designed for experienced players who demand the best sound and performance. They typically have larger bore sizes, better quality materials, and more advanced features.
Bore Size
The bore size is the diameter of the inner tubing of the trombone. It is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a trombone. The bore size affects the volume, tone, and response of the instrument.
Smaller bore sizes, between .480 and .500 inches, are ideal for beginners and players who want a brighter, more focused sound. They are also easier to play and require less airflow.
Larger bore sizes, between .525 and .547 inches, are ideal for intermediate and advanced players. They offer a broader and richer sound but require more airflow and produce more resistance.
Bell Size
The bell size affects the timbre, volume, and projection of the trombone. The larger the bell size, the more volume and projection the trombone will produce. However, larger bell sizes also produce more resistance, making them harder to play for novice players.
A smaller bell size, between 7 and 8 inches, is ideal for beginners and players who want a brighter and more focused sound. Intermediate and advanced players should opt for larger bell sizes, between 8 and 9 inches, for a broader and richer sound.
Material
The material of the trombone affects the tone, response, and durability of the instrument. There are three main materials used in making trombones: brass, nickel silver, and rose brass.
Brass trombones offer a warm and rich sound and are the most common material used in making trombones. They are also durable and affordable.
Nickel silver trombones offer a brighter and more focused sound than brass trombones. They are also more durable and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor playing.
Rose brass trombones offer a warmer and darker sound than brass trombones. They are ideal for players who want a rich and mellow sound.
Valve or Slide
Trombones come in two types: valve or slide. Slide trombones use a slide to change the length of the tubing, while valve trombones use valves to change the length of the tubing. Slide trombones are the most common and offer a greater range of techniques and tonal quality. Valve trombones are less common but offer greater stability and ease of playing.
Choosing the Right Trombone for Your Needs
Choosing the right trombone requires careful consideration of your needs, budget, and level of experience. A good trombone should be easy to play, produce a high-quality sound, and be durable enough to last for years.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right trombone:
- Determine your budget: Trombones can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Determine how much you are willing to spend before shopping for a trombone.
- Consider your level of experience: Beginners should start with a student model trombone, while intermediate and advanced players should opt for intermediate or high-end models.
- Try before you buy: Play the trombone before buying to ensure it feels comfortable and produces the sound you want.
- Consider the size and weight of the trombone: Make sure the trombone fits comfortably in your hands and is not too heavy to hold while playing.
- Look for reputable brands: Stick to trombones made by reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality instruments.
Best Trombone Brands
There are several reputable brands in the market that produce high-quality trombones. These include:
- Bach
- Yamaha
- Conn-Selmer
- Getzen
- King
- Edwards
- Blessing
Conclusion
Choosing the right trombone can be challenging, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Consider your level of experience, budget, and needs when choosing a trombone. Also, make sure to try before you buy and stick to reputable brands that produce high-quality instruments. With the right trombone, you can enjoy playing music and exploring the full range of the instrument's sound and style.
