Trombone roundup
Trombone: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a trombone means choosing the right bore, deciding whether to include an F-attachment, and matching the instrument to where you are as a player. This guide covers every decision.
Buying a trombone involves fewer variables than most brass instruments — there are no valve mechanisms to evaluate, and the basic design has changed little in over a century. But there are still meaningful choices to make around bore size, bell material, and whether to include an F-attachment. Getting those decisions right from the start saves expense and frustration later.
Which Type of Trombone to Buy First
For virtually every beginner, the right choice is a straight tenor trombone in B-flat — that is, a tenor without an F-attachment (trigger). The simpler instrument lets beginners focus on slide technique and embouchure without adding the complication of the trigger mechanism. An F-attachment becomes useful once the player reaches the intermediate stage and needs access to the extended lower register. Starting straight is the standard recommendation from teachers.
Bore Size
Bore refers to the internal diameter of the instrument's tubing. A medium-bore trombone (typically 0.525 inches) gives a brighter, more focused sound and slightly less resistance — the preferred option for jazz and for beginners. A large bore (typically 0.547 inches) produces a darker, fuller sound suited to orchestral playing but requires more air and breath support. Most beginner instruments are medium bore, which is the appropriate starting point.
What to Spend
Beginner trombone outfits from reputable brands (Jupiter, Yamaha, Bach, Blessing) typically run £350–£700 new. Intermediate instruments — with better bell construction and more responsive valves — sit from £700 to £2,000. Professional instruments start considerably higher. The intermediate bracket offers the best value for returning players or committed beginners who have outgrown a student outfit. For absolute beginners, a good-quality student instrument from Jupiter or Yamaha is the reliable choice.
New vs Second-Hand
Second-hand instruments can represent excellent value at every level, but a used trombone should be assessed before purchase. Check that the slide moves freely without catching — a damaged or dented inner slide is expensive to repair. Check the water key cork seats, the bell for dents, and the slide handgrip for secure attachment. A luthier or repair technician can assess a used instrument quickly. Buying from a reputable specialist dealer significantly reduces the risk of inheriting a repair bill.
The Mouthpiece
Most beginner outfits include a mouthpiece, but quality varies. A Bach 6.5AL or Yamaha 48 are the most commonly recommended starting mouthpieces for the tenor trombone — comfortable to play, with a cup depth that suits the middle register and doesn't over-exhaust the embouchure. Avoid deep-cupped or overly large mouthpieces as a beginner; they make tone production harder until the embouchure is developed. Use whatever comes with the outfit to start, then ask your teacher before upgrading.
Cases and Accessories
An outfit typically includes a case and mouthpiece. The case supplied is usually adequate for transport but check it has secure latches and a handle. Additional accessories needed from day one: slide cream or spray lubricant (Trombotine is the most used brand), a spray bottle of water for the slide, and a cleaning swab for the mouthpiece. A music stand of the correct height is worth budgeting for separately from the start.
Where to Go Next
For an overview of how the instrument works and its place in music, the trombone features and types guide covers the essentials. Just starting out? The beginner's guide is the right next step. And the common trombone mistakes guide covers what new players most often get wrong.
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