Known as a simple brass musical instrument, a trombone is commonly used by different people including jazz musicians, school bands and military bands. Various music genres have embraced the use of trombones to add more tonal quality to their whole musical vibe.
It is worthwhile to understand that the name “trombone” was coined from an Italian word that means “large trumpet”. Hence, this instrument is often seen as an intermediate between the tuba and the trumpet.
What are the Best Professional Trombone?
Although there are different forms of trombones, professional trombones are some of the most widely used. This is because they are usually designed with top-notch craftsmanship as well as high-quality materials. Apart from producing better sound quality, professional trombones often feature hand slides that are of lighter weight.
If you are interested in buying a trombone, you need to know the types of trombones that exist.
· Tenor trombones
Tenor trombones come in two basic forms. There are straight tenor trombones and F-rotor trombones. The main difference between these tenor trombones lies in their tubing and length of the horn.
· Bass trombones
This type is fairly common. It boasts of being of similar length as the tenor type. However, its bell and bore are usually larger.
· Valve trombones
These are available in various sizes. Generally, you are likely going to find the slide valve trombone in India, South America, and Europe whereas other areas have some other sizes.
Other types of trombones you may want to know about include alto trombones, marching trombones, and soprano trombones.
7 Best Professional Trombone Reviews
1) Mendini by Cecilio Bb Tenor Slide Trombone
This trombone is a nice product from Mendini by Cecilio that is specially designed for professionals that want to improve their skills and play melodious tunes. Measured to be .500", the bore of this trombone is medium-sized.
Also, the bell is only 8”. The dimensions of the trombone are 36 x 15 x 10 inches while its weight is only 10.95 pounds; therefore, this product is slightly portable than the majority of the trombones on this list.
Furthermore, this musical instrument comes with a gold lacquer B-flat tenor slide. Another cool feature of this instrument is its ability to ensure that there is a balance in weight distribution.
The 1-year warranty of this product protects you against any form of defects of the manufacturer. The package of this trombone has many other items such as original Cecilio 92-D chromatic tuner, cleaning cloth, pocketbook, and a pair of gloves for playing the instrument. You will also get a high-quality hard case that is beautiful and long-lasting.
2) Mendini by Cecilio MTB-31 Trombone
Mendini by Cecilio MTB-31 trombone is an excellent musical instrument that is meant for professional players. This trombone is classified at an intermediate Bb tenor instrument that comes with F trigger.
Both the outer and inner slides are nickel-plated so that you can get precise and fluent transitions. These slides are also durable. Weighing just 13 pounds, this product will not become a burden for you as you are playing it.
Notably, its dimensions are 42 x 17 x 15 inches. With the aid of its 8 1/2 inch bell, this trombone gives you a top-notch tone that is well balanced for the enjoyment of the listeners.
The size and design of the bore are standard; hence, easing your ability to get good projection and volume as you continue playing.
Lacquered bell, mechanical F attachment, and 12-C mouthpiece are just some of the other features of Mendini by Cecilio MTB-31 trombone. In addition to all these features, the product has a 1-year warranty that coves only defects from the manufacturers.
3) Jean-Paul USA TB-400 Trombone
Jean-Paul USA TB-400 Trombone weighs 2.2 pounds and has dimensions of 38.5 x 12 x 12.5 inches. It features a strong yellow brass body construction that makes it look astonishing.
The lacquer finish of this product boosts its look. The bore is also large enough to make it easy for users to play great tones with the instrument. In general, the product comes in Bb key and delivers an excellent response that ensures that it offers a nice sound.
Moreover, the balanced weight distribution reduces the risk of fatigue that you will experience as you learn the instrument. When you buy this product, you will get an aesthetic, sturdy carrying case with a shoulder-padded strap that makes it easy for you to carry your trombone around.
To make sure that the players get everything they need to enjoy the instrument, you will also get valve oil, mouthpiece, cleaning cloth, and gloves as parts of the package.
4) Vincent Bach Bach Prelude TB711F Trombone w/F Attachment
Vincent Bach Bach Prelude TB711F Trombone is a nice musical instrument that is made with topnotch craftsmanship. It comes with an F-attachment model. This trombone weighs 14.82 pounds and has product dimensions of 40 x 7 x 12 inches, which makes it be just about the size of most other trombones.
It features an 8.5" bell and 0.547" bore as well as an original Vincent Bach 6.5" AL mouthpiece. Its inner slide is made with chrome-plated nickel silver while its outer slide boasts of having nickel silver, yellow brass.
Along with the trombone itself, the package also comprises a case that you can use to take the musical instrument from one place to another. Vincent Bach Bach Prelude TB711F Trombone has an additional Vincent Bach 12C mouthpiece and a clear lacquer finish that makes the instrument to be more beautiful. Overall, this trombone is an excellent product for all trombone players.
5) Bach 42BO Stradivarius Series F-Attachment Trombone
If you are looking for a professional trombone that guarantees amazing tonal quality, Bach 42BO Stradivarius Series is a good choice. This product features a fixed leadpipe that has been specifically crafted with yellow brass.
It has a .547-inch bore and Bb/F key. To deal with issues related to resistance, this musical instrument has a unique open wrap design.
Therefore, players will hardly have any problems as they play this trombone. The lightweight slide of the Bach 42BO Stradivarius Series further eases the way the players can make use of this product as it guarantees fluid slide action.
Furthermore, the bell of this product measures 8.5 inches and has a one-piece, hand-hammered design. Due to the size and design of this bell, it offers unrivaled tone and resonance. The dimensions of this trombone are 40.4 x 16.2 x 12.6 inches. Both the shipping weight and item weight are estimated to be around 23.8 pounds.
6) Yamaha YSL-882O Xeno Series F-Attachment Trombone
The YSL 8820 Xeno Trombone has all the basic features of a professional trombone. Made with gold brass material, this instrument has a bore with a size of .547-inch with a standard F attachment valve and the popular lacquer finish. The outer slide is made with yellow brass whereas the inner slide has chrome-plated nickel silver.
Also, its lead pipe is fixed; hence, you cannot remove it whether you are playing the instrument or not. It is also noteworthy that its one-piece hand-hammered bell is measured to be 8-11/16 inches. The mouthpiece is from the Peter Sullivan Replica series; hence, the quality is not in doubt.
Besides, the shank of this mouthpiece is relatively large when compared to what you have with many other trombones. In addition, The YSL 8820 Xeno Trombone weighs 17 pounds with dimensions of 38 x 16 x 14.5 inches. Other features of this instrument include linkage case, mechanical valve, and narrow handslide.
7) King 2102 2B Legend Series Trombone
The King 2102 2B Legend has a design that makes it look like a classic jazz instrument. Unlike many other trombones, this product has a 481-.491-inch dual bore.
As a result of this bore, you can expect this instrument to produce a distinctive upper range as well as a great projection. Its bell is the same as other instruments because it is also made with one-piece hand-hammered brass.
Similarly, the outer slides are made with brass that has a lacquer finish. The bell is only 7.35”. Although the shipping weight of the package is 15 pounds, the instrument itself is notably lighter than that.
One of the main items that form the total package is a case, which is meant to help you carry your trombone without much hassle. You will also get a mouthpiece after receiving the package. Overall, the King 2102 2B Legend Series Trombone is the ideal instrument for those that love playing jazz.
Choosing the Best Professional Trombone
Having known some of the top-quality professional trombones that are available in the market today, it should be easy for you to choose one. Although these trombones are all good, there are basic differences in the sizes of some of their parts. To deal with the challenges of choosing one, you should concentrate on the materials, brands, and ease of use.
In general, trombones are usually made with yellow brass because the material guarantees rich and clear sound. However, rose brass, nickel, silver, and sterling silver have all proven to be capable competitions for yellow brass.
Also, the brand may determine the quality of the product that you will get. Yamaha and Bach, for instance, are known for exceptional quality as long as a musical instrument is concerned but they tend to costlier.
In conclusion, whatever product you choose to buy, be certain that it has the quality you need and offers you the accessories that will help you optimize your experience.