It can be tough to know where to start when looking for the best trombone for beginners. After all, there are so many different types and brands of trombones on the market these days. And with such a wide price range, it can be hard to determine what is truly the best option for someone just starting out.
But that’s why we’re here. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision about which trombone is suitable for you. We will discuss different types of trombones, their pros and cons, and some important factors to consider when making your purchase.
What is a Trombone?
A trombone is a brass instrument that is played by using a slide to change the length of the tubing. The slide is operated with the left hand, while the right-hand controls the valves. Trombones come in different sizes, which determine their pitch.
Types of Trombones?
The most common types of trombones are:
Bass Trombone
The bass trombone is the largest and lowest-pitched trombone. Bass trombones are often used in orchestras and concert bands.
Tenor Trombone
The tenor trombone is the most popular type of trombone. It is smaller than the bass trombone and has a higher pitch. Tenor trombones are often used in jazz bands and brass bands.
Alto Trombone
The alto trombone is the smallest type of trombone. Alto trombones have a higher pitch than the tenor trombone and are often used in symphony orchestras.
Valved Trombone
The valved trombone is a type of trombone that has three valves (instead of the usual two). These valves are used to change the pitch of the instrument. Valved trombones are less common than slide trombones.
4 Best Trombones
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s take a look at four of the best trombones for beginners.
1. Mendini by Cecilio Trombone Kit
The Mendini by Cecilio Trombone Kit is a great musical tool for music instructors, students, and beginners of all ages. These beautiful brass trombones are manufactured using a .500 inches medium bore and an 8 inches bell to produce a full-bodied, sonorous sound.
The premium band & orchestra musical instruments have smooth action slides with a silver-plated mouthpiece for tuning and note changes. The kit also includes a case, slide cream, and polishing cloth to keep your trombone shining like new.
This high-quality trombone comes with a hard case, white gloves, and all the cleaning accessories they'll need to keep it in pristine condition. Moreover, the included pocketbook makes it easy to keep track of everything.
Pros
- Suitable for students, music instructors, and beginners of all ages
- Comes with a case, slide cream, and polishing cloth
- Has a silver-plated mouthpiece
Cons
- Good for price
2. Eastar Bb Tenor Slide Trombone
It is made of high-quality brass and has a patented key design that is easy to use. The shoulder supporting pad helps to stabilize the trombone when you're playing it. The ETB-330 trombone also offers a brass-made premium-quality body and 206mm horn mouth & 13.4mm diameter for steady vibration and powerful penetration. Multiple layers of coating tubes make it durable and wear-resistant.
This slide trombone is perfect for beginners, thanks to its clean voice, accurate tone, and bright, penetrating sound. It's also band-approved in schools, so you can be sure your child will be able to use it in their school band program.
The ETB-330 comes with everything you need to get started, including a hard case, white gloves, a cleaning kit, and a 7C mouthpiece. Plus, it comes with a 12-month product warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Made of high-quality brass
- A patented key design that is easy to use
- Has a shoulder pad to help stabilize the plastic trombone during playing
- Comes with a hard case, white gloves, a cleaning kit, and a 7C mouthpiece
Cons
- Good for beginners
3. Glory GTD-2 B Flat Brass Trombone
The Glory GTD-2 is a high-quality brass trombone that comes with a hard case and mouthpiece. It has a 7.5-inch bell and a .500-inch bore for a rich, full sound. The slide action is smooth and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.
The GTD-2 also comes with a white polishing cloth and inner slide cream to keep your trombone looking like new. This trombone is a great choice for beginners thanks to its quality construction with f attachment, easy-to-use slide action, and included accessories. Plus, the hard case ensures your trombone will be protected when not in use.
Pros
- Comes with a hard case and mouthpiece
- Slide action is smooth
- Easy to use
- Comes with a white polishing cloth and slide cream
Cons
- Faultless for school band
4. Eastrock Trombone Bb Tenor Slide Red Trombone
A high-quality trombone that looks great and sounds even better, the Eastrock Bb Tenor Trombone is a perfect choice. Made of brass with a beautiful finish, this trombone delivers a penetrating sound with an accurate tone, making it ideal for kids, students, and beginners.
The 200mm (7.9-inch) bell mouth and 12.5mm (0.49-inch) pipe provide more steady vibration and robust penetration for improved sound quality. And with its professional paint technology like Yamaha ysl, the trombone has a long-lasting finish that will keep it looking great for years to come.
It's crafted from high-quality materials, so it looks amazing and sounds even better. Advantage, the case is designed to protect the instrument from impact and scratches. And if anything ever goes wrong, we've got you covered with our no-hassle warranty.
Pros
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Comes with a case
- Has a long-lasting finish
- No-hassle warranty
Cons
- Not for child
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Trombone
When choosing the best trombone for beginners, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.
1. Material
The material of the trombone is important for two reasons. First, it affects the weight of the instrument. Second, it impacts the sound quality. Brass is the most common material for trombones, and it's a good choice for beginners because it's relatively lightweight and produces a clear, bright sound.
2. Color
The color of the trombone is another important consideration. Many beginners prefer a brighter color, such as red or yellow, because it's easier to see in a band setting. However, some chrome-plated nickel silver trombones are also available in more subdued colors, such as black or silver.
3. Size
Trombones come in different sizes, and the size you choose should be based on your height and arm length. If you're shorter, you'll want to choose a smaller trombone. If you're taller, you may want to select a larger trombone.
4. Item Dimensions
The dimensions of the trombone are also important to consider. You'll want to make sure the trombone is the right size for your height and arm length. The dimensions of the trombone should also be considered when choosing a case.
5. Weight
The weight of the trombone is another important consideration, particularly if you plan to travel with the instrument. The weight of the trombone will also affect how easy it is to hold and play.
But if you're just starting out, don't worry too much about the weight of the trombone. You can always upgrade to a lighter model later on.
6. Instrument Key
The instrument key is another important consideration. The most common trombone keys are Bb, C, and F. While there are other keys available, these are the most popular choices for beginners.
7. Bore Size
The bore size is the diameter of the tubing in the trombone. The most common medium bore trombone sizes are 0.500-inch and 0.525-inch. The larger the bore size, the more air the trombone can move, which results in a fuller sound.
8. Bell Size
The bell size is the diameter of the flare at the end of the trombone. The most common bell sizes are 5-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch. The larger the rose brass bell, the more sound the trombone will produce.
9. Throat Size
The throat size is the diameter of the tubing where the mouthpiece is inserted. The most common throat sizes are 6-inch and 7-inch. A larger throat size will result in a fuller sound.
10. Price
Of course, the price is also an important consideration. Trombones can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you're just starting out, you'll probably want to choose a less expensive model. You can always upgrade to a more expensive trombone later on.
FAQ
Is the trombone easy to learn?
Many people believe that the trombone is a difficult instrument to learn, but that isn't necessarily the case. While the trombone does require a certain amount of skill and coordination, it can be learned relatively easily with the proper instruction. The key is to find a good teacher who can show you the basics and help you develop your technique. Once you've mastered the basics, it's simply a matter of practice and perseverance. Like any other instrument, the trombone takes time and effort to master, but it can be a hugely rewarding experience.
What is so special about trombones?
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Unlike other brass instruments, the trombone is played without the use of valves or keys. Instead, the player uses a slide to change the length of the instrument, which in turn changes the pitch. The valve trombone is considered one of the most versatile instruments in the orchestra, and it is often used in jazz bands and brass quintets. The unique sound of the trombone can add depth and richness to any piece of jazz music.
What is a trombone used for?
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. As with all brass instruments, the sound is produced by vibrating lips as the player blows into the instrument. The trombone is unique among brass instruments in that it uses a slide instead of valves to produce different notes. The slide can be extended or retracted to change the length of the air column, which in turn produces lower or higher pitches. Trombones are most commonly used in symphony orchestras, but they can also be found in jazz bands and marching bands. The trombone's distinctive sound makes it a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide range of musical genres.
How many notes can a trombone play?
A typical intermediate trombone has seven different positions, each of which produces a different note. So, in theory, a trombone could play seven different notes. However, most trombones only have six positions, since the seventh position produces a very low note that is rarely used. In addition, some notes can only be played in certain positions, which further limits the number of available notes. As a result, most trombones can only play between four and five different notes. While this may seem like a limited range, skilled trombone players are able to produce a wide variety of sounds by sliding between positions and using special techniques such as vibrato. So, the trombone is capable of producing a wide range of musical expressions.
Do you need a special mouthpiece for the trombone?
Yes, you will need a special mouthpiece for the jazz trombone. The trombone mouthpiece is larger than that of other brass instruments, like a yellow brass outer slide or yellow brass bell, and it has a funnel-shaped cup that directs the air into the instrument. The size of the mouthpiece is important, as a too-small mouthpiece will make it difficult to produce a sound, while a too-large mouthpiece will make the sound unfocused. The best way to find the right size mouthpiece is to try out several different sizes and see which one feels most comfortable.
Conclusion
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family for jazz musicians. It is played without the use of valves or keys and instead uses a slide to change the length of the instrument, which in turn changes the pitch.
The beginner trombone is considered one of the most versatile instruments in the orchestra, and it is often used in jazz bands and brass quintets along with nickel silver outer slide. The trombone's distinctive sound can add depth and richness to any piece of music.
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