Hi, I've played the Trombone for 6months. I'm in 7th Grade currently, and moving onto 8th Grade. Not meaning to brag, but In these past 6months I went from Beginning to Advanced Band. And I have a good chance to be a Section Leader of the Low Brass next year, and a good chance in being a Front Center during marches. And in band concerts, I will play 1st. I plan on playing the Trombone until 12th Grade at least. I love playing the Trombone. Next year in 8th Grade, I plan on joining my school's Jazz Band as well. So is there any Trombones that you guys can recommend for me? As long as the Trombone price is not too far above 2 Grand, my family would buy one for me. Thanks in advance

I have a student right now who's in the same boat as you. Really talented, on the fast track to success. 7th grader, too. He is looking for a new horn as well. I recommended Yamaha. Probably from the Accent line. It's a pretty decent intermediate horn. I'm not sure what the exact price is. A little over 1 grand, I think.

Steve, Erik, or anyone else more experienced than me, please speak up if I've said something wrong.

I like Yamahas, they are always good. Not absolutely incredible, but also never bad, like so many other manufacturers these days.

I usually also recommend King, about 90% of my younger students play on a King 606. It's an entry level to intermediate level horn, but I've seen it marched in college bands successfully, so it will last you a while if you take care of it. Great sound, great manufacturing. I would also check out Getzen, I have a couple students playing those, and they seem to be a very nice horn these days.

Remember, you don't want to go all out crazy and get a pro level horn. You may be advancing very quickly, but at your age and development level, you aren't ready to a large bore symphony horn. I would stick to a small bore intermediate horn, or, if you prefer, a medium bore trigger horn.

Another very important thing I can say I this, and this may be the MOST important: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Play it in the store as long as you can, preferably with your teacher or an experienced player. Every horn is different, and every player is different. You have to find what works well for YOU, not for anyone else, or whatever is popular.

Good luck!

I agree, you need a horn that will sound good as well as take rough treatment and all kinds of weather. I went through school with two entry level horns (Olds Ambassador)then later got a King Tempo which is the predecessor of the 606 and used it in several dance bands semi-professionally after high school. It had a nickel bell and brass everywhere else and had a nice fat tone for solos and could hold its own with the full band playing. I later gave it to my son for used in school and he went through junior and senior high school with it including marching band with no problems. Although nice, pro horns are a little softer and can dent easier.
So, then when you get to college, you might be ready for a pro quality. I have a Bach Strad LT36BO now. It is a large bore tenor with F trigger and is fairly nice high up but seems to be lacking in the lower register. I thought the King Tempo was better in the lower range. But that might just be my lip.

King. I don't like Yamahas at all. They're sturdy horns, but the sound just kills me. I'm not even crazy about Bach. But I think Yamaha, out of all the very well known names, has the worst sound. It sounds so dry and metallic to me. King makes very nice trombones and I've fallen in love with their tone. It is much richer than Yamaha.

It really comes down to what you sound best on. Go to a big music store and try some out. They should be able to give you some advice and tell you what you sound best on.

Well, I recently bought a Yamaha 356G last month, works GREAT. Found for $400 :] and I love it. Ty for the help guys!