Why buy a used professional trombone and what to look for.

[@jonathanv9587]

This is great advice. I think Facebook marketplace can be especially valuable if you can find something local, allowing you to try out the horn before buying. Out of curiosity, I just checked FB Marketplace for trombones available within 50 miles of me, and I see a Yamaha YSL-610, which looks to be pristine, listed at $1,300 (includes case and some other accessories). Listing says price is negotiable. Maybe get that down to $1,100. That would be a pretty good deal. I believe these are around $2,000 new. If only it had an F-attachment, I might be checking it out.

[@LowBrassLuke]

Yes it’s definitely a good idea to try first. With FB just be careful of condition and know what you are looking for. With younger students it’s often possible to find a great deal with no need to try. The 610 looks to be a large bore with no trigger which I generally wouldn’t recommend. They have their use but less so when it comes to high school.

[@jonathanv9587]

@@LowBrassLuke Yes! Yamaha has a number of seemingly good quality, large-bore horns with no F-attachment. Seems odd. Not something I would have a use for. Then again, I own a King 3B with an F-attachment (small bore). Also a bit unusual these days.

[@jonathanv9587]

@@LowBrassLuke Someone 20 minutes from me just posted a Conn 88H for $825. Thing looks to be in great shape from the pictures. I really don’t need it. But for $825 . . .

[@LowBrassLuke]

@@jonathanv9587right?!? For that price especially in good condition it’s a great deal.

[@tomsworkmail9621]

Hi Luke, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on vintage vs modern instruments. Comparing new and old versions of the same model as well as other new brands. New manufacturing technology vs old world craftsmanship.

[@LowBrassLuke]

There’s a lot of “old world” techniques that are still used. A modern well made horn (to me at least) is usually much easier to play than a vintage one. I also stopped playing vintage horns because if you find a good and something happens to it you’ll likely never find another like it. If one of my horns get damaged beyond repair I can get another from Yamaha confident it will play the same.

[@rjmarshall17]

Did you ever make the video discussing the brands and models?

[@LowBrassLuke]

I’ve only made a video warning people not to buy instruments from Amazon. Any of the cheap brands are awful and will likely cause students to develop bad habits. As far as professional brands I play Yamaha but there are lots of other good ones out there. King, Bach, Shires, Rath and many others. It all depends on what you like.

[@rjmarshall17]

@@LowBrassLuke I found a used professional Holton TR158 with a detachable bell. It’s in very good shape and plays really well.