My primary instrument is the trombone which I have played for around 40 years. I also play the sousaphone (as BigWhiteSousaDave!) and double bass in jazz bands, mainly doing traditional and classic jazz (see www.slidebonedave.co.uk ).
Like most trombonists, I suffer from what can only be described as 'multiple trombone acquisition syndrome'. In other words, one trombone is never enough and so I have several to cover every eventuality! Here are my current instruments:
Like most trombonists, I suffer from what can only be described as 'multiple trombone acquisition syndrome'. In other words, one trombone is never enough and so I have several to cover every eventuality! Here are my current instruments:
King 3B
Conn 88H pBone (Orange) bBone Mini (Red) Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Bass Hawkes and Son G Trombone Jupiter Soprano Trombone |
This is my most frequently used trombone, and what I usually play on jazz gigs. I use a Rath S11 Model M.N. (Mark Nightingale) mouthpiece.
This is 1980's instrument I acquired via eBay. It looks slightly tatty, and I've customised it a bit with some brushed effect detailing but still plays well and the slide is pretty good. I use a Vincent Bach 5G mouthpiece (like Dennis Wick did on the Star Wars soundtracks with his 88H!) My most fun trombone, great for carols. This always attracts attention, and the kids love it! Plays surprisingly well, not dissimilarly to the 3B. The slide is rather sticky, but it's incredibly light and comfortable. The mouthpiece supplied with the instrument is usable but I added a Kelly 12C in orange to match. Another plastic bone, this one in Eb like an alto trombone. Never gigged. A backup for when I do jobs on bass trombone. I use a Holton 1.5G mouthpiece. Bought as a restoration project, dates from about 1911. I have a modified Vincent Bach 3 mouthpiece with a small shank which works ok, but I have yet to find something better suited to minimise the stuffiness in the 3rd partial. More a toy than real instrument, currently in the loft and doesn't get played much. It's awfully flat with a trumpet mouthpiece, but just about ok with a cornet or flugel mouthpiece, and very tricky to get good intonation due to the short slide! |