Looking for a budget friendly bass trombone

[irtjames14]

So a quick update...

I ended up getting a brand new Eastman ETB-848 (not the G) yesterday.. As much as I have thought about getting a used trombone, I just couldn't get myself to look further for a used trombone.. Yes, I probably could have gotten a better trombone for the price, but I did not feel comfortable getting a used one especially during this COVID pandemic time, not know where the trombone would've been (I'm not saying this in any way to put the blame on people or anything, but more for my own caution as I have become a bit of a freak to get myself away from getting COVID).

So after spending the past 2 weeks or so of researching online and talking to a few dealers via phone.. people said the Eastman is way better than JP Rath for my budget, since Eastman acquired Shire, and Shire is a very good brand, and I can get a decent trombone with Shire technologies at a lower price. I ended up paying $2,500 for this brand new Eastman, which I thought was very good, seeing most of them are $3,000+ elsewhere..

And now it's the waiting time... can't wait for it to be delivered so I can start playing/practicing!! I really thank each and every one of you that have taken the time to provide very constructive feedback the past 2 weeks, and getting me out of my comfort zone to do a TON of research and learning more about the different brands and trombones!! Everyone's input here has been tremendously valuable and I definitely learned so freaking much in this short amount of time that my head was bursting with information overload! I truly appreciate each and every one of you here!

[pompatus]

While you are in the waiting stage do some listening to get a feel for sound and articulations, etc...

Depending on the path you may choose, it’s hard to go wrong with James Markey, Charles Vernon, Ben can Dijk, Doug Yeo, or dozens of others on the classical side. Doug Yeo also has a website with a ton of information.

On the “commercial” side many people will recommend George Roberts, and for good reason, but there are lots of other fine examples, as well, in Dave Taylor, Eddie Clark, Reichenbach, Teele, and so many others.

In any case, congrats on the new horn! New horns almost always have a magic of their own, in getting us excited about playing more and putting in more time.

Best of luck with it!

[ArbanRubank]

Others may disagree, but I think you were wise to buy a new horn - especially at the price you paid. Now you do not have to deal with any wear issues - like slide misalignment, stocking wear, rotor wear, dents, cosmetic issues, etc. Those issues can be especially problematic if you do not have good access to a great tech. Play it hard and keep it spotlessly clean.

[irtjames14]

While you are in the waiting stage do some listening to get a feel for sound and articulations, etc...

Depending on the path you may choose, it’s hard to go wrong with James Markey, Charles Vernon, Ben can Dijk, Doug Yeo, or dozens of others on the classical side. Doug Yeo also has a website with a ton of information.

On the “commercial” side many people will recommend George Roberts, and for good reason, but there are lots of other fine examples, as well, in Dave Taylor, Eddie Clark, Reichenbach, Teele, and so many others.

In any case, congrats on the new horn! New horns almost always have a magic of their own, in getting us excited about playing more and putting in more time.

Best of luck with it!

Thank you! Do you have any recommendations on what to focus on in the Doug Yeo website? There are indeed a ton of information on his resources page..

[irtjames14]

Others may disagree, but I think you were wise to buy a new horn - especially at the price you paid. Now you do not have to deal with any wear issues - like slide misalignment, stocking wear, rotor wear, dents, cosmetic issues, etc. Those issues can be especially problematic if you do not have good access to a great tech. Play it hard and keep it spotlessly clean.

Thank you! I agree with you on that part of maintaining... I don't know of any good tech in the Chicago area.. Gonna work hard at getting better!

[tbonesullivan]

Others may disagree, but I think you were wise to buy a new horn - especially at the price you paid. Now you do not have to deal with any wear issues - like slide misalignment, stocking wear, rotor wear, dents, cosmetic issues, etc. Those issues can be especially problematic if you do not have good access to a great tech. Play it hard and keep it spotlessly clean.

I love new horns. Even more, I love discounted open box or blemish horns. Might have seen a Yamaha YBL-830 discounted $900 for a blemish that I still haven't found. I think it's that they put the wrong color handle (black) on the brown case.

[spencercarran]

Thank you! I agree with you on that part of maintaining... I don't know of any good tech in the Chicago area.. Gonna work hard at getting better!

Dana Hofer.

[irtjames14]

Thank you! I agree with you on that part of maintaining... I don't know of any good tech in the Chicago area.. Gonna work hard at getting better!

Dana Hofer.

Definitely didn't know, thank you for the suggestion!! Will keep in mind for future!

[pompatus]

Do you have any recommendations on what to focus on in the Doug Yeo website? There are indeed a ton of information on his resources page..

There is a lot of information and rep suggestions on his resources page. Being relatively fresh to the horn, you may find some of the materials in the young players resources to be handy. In addition, Mr. Yeo has some of the ubiquitous Bach Cello Suites available in pdf form on the index page of his site, and you might find those a fun challenge to play once you’ve had a little time on the new horn.

[irtjames14]

Do you have any recommendations on what to focus on in the Doug Yeo website? There are indeed a ton of information on his resources page..

There is a lot of information and rep suggestions on his resources page. Being relatively fresh to the horn, you may find some of the materials in the young players resources to be handy. In addition, Mr. Yeo has some of the ubiquitous Bach Cello Suites available in pdf form on the index page of his site, and you might find those a fun challenge to play once you’ve had a little time on the new horn.

Sounds good, I'll look more into this, thank you!