Rath Bass Trombones

[Beethoven]

As a newcomer to TromboneChat, I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether Rath bass trombones are professional level or not?

[pompatus]

Rath makes bass trombone models of all levels. Through the partnership with John Packer, there are also JP Rath models mass produced for the less expensive market.

I’m sure others can chime in with information on specific models and series.

[BGuttman]

The Rx (x is between 1 and 12) are top level professional horns.

The Rx00 are a cut below; a little less configurable. I think they are made in China.

Packer-Rath are made under Rath supervision in China and are good amateur or student horns. Comparable to Wessex Tubas.

[Specialk3700]

I played multiple JP Rath 333 bass trombones at the mid West clinic last year. I was very impressed with them. They reminded me of Yamaha bass trombones. It played much better than the Wessex at the show but the Wessex was much cheaper.

[freeman]

A capable bass trombonist could make nearly any instrument sound "professional level," particularly one from any of the boutique manufacturers. There are so many great choices for us in the market currently. I've yet to play any of the JP Rath trombones, but my current setup is a Rath R9D which I do use professionally.

[Beethoven]

Thanks to all who replied to my post of yesterday concerning Rath bass trombones

[bbocaner]

http://www.rathtrombones.com/artists/

Lots of professional R9 players on that list. Mr. Freeman, above, sounds amazing on one. Certainly fewer players in the US using them than Edwards or Shires, so it's certainly the road less traveled, but the quality of construction in Rath instruments is extremely high.

[thatme]

When I play my R9 I sound amateur at best, but I’m certain that’s not the fault of the Rath trombone - which I absolutely love!

[Mikebmiller]

I’m not a bass player, but my R3/F is as fine a trombone as any in the world.

[Beethoven]

Is it for sale ?

[Mikebmiller]

Is it for sale ?

If you are referring to my post, then no. I plan to keep that one a long time.

[Beethoven]

Not to worry.

[Tarkus697]

I played trombone Christmas at UPenn last weekend and one of their students was using a Rath R900 that the *school* owns and it sounded magnificent, at least to my ears. For the record, I was using my Rath R2F for that show so I may be a little biased.

[Beethoven]

Thanks for following up

[Mikebmiller]

FWIW, the Rath R900 is only about $300 more than the JP/Rath 333.

[Beethoven]

Is the Rath R900 a professional grade bass trombone?

[Mikebmiller]

It’s kind of like the Rath version of the Shires Q series. Designed in England, but made in China. Call Dillon Music. They can tell you all about it.

[Beethoven]

Thank you

[thetuningslide]

From what I've heard the rath 00 bones are great quality. The rath customs as well as the 00s I played at itf this year were wonderful sounding. I guess I'm just not a rath guy unfortunately. I also play shires horns there and I've been in love since.

[deanmccarty]

I haven’t been on the forum in a while... but I came across this.

Rath is most definitely a professional level instrument. It is modular (similar to Edwards and Shires). I Purchased my first Rath about 10 years ago... an R4F large bore tenor. About a year later I purchased an R3. Then I made the switch from Shires and bought an R9. About 4 years ago I sold my BAC small bore and purchased an R10... I now play Rath exclusively... from symphonic work, to jazz, to salsa, to the studio work that I do... these instruments perform better than anything I’ve ever played.

If you don’t feel the need to pay the premium price if you’re just a hobbyist... look at the 00 series... the Rath 900 is a good instrument... and... even more economical is the partnership with JP, the JPRath 333 is a great entry line bass.