TromboneChat

Very happy with my Birthday present - a new Rath R900 funded by giving up smoking and boozing 7 months ago!

Sweet!

Congrats to all your achievements!

This is the way to announce a new hor. No picture no horn!

walldaja wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 10:48 am This is the way to announce a new hor. No picture no horn!

?? I can see the picture I uploaded - or am I not getting your post?

walldaja wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 10:48 am This is the way to announce a new hor. No picture no horn!

Picture displays just fine here! Looks nice, too. Happy birthday. Enjoy.

I’m actually thinking of getting a r900, what else did you consider getting before deciding on the r900?

jimmatsushino wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:21 pm I’m actually thinking of getting a r900, what else did you consider getting before deciding on the r900?

Hi, I'm a doubler on Bass Trombone, so no expert...

I used a Holton TR181 for 30 odd years, but was never totally happy with it - "stuffy" is a word that comes to mind, although I did get some big sound out of it. What led me to going for the R900 was a series of events/conditions:
- I am a fan of Rath Trombones and own a large bore R4F, and a very custom small bore R12F - both of which I love.
- I suffered a severe medical incident 7 months ago which led to me giving up smoking and drinking - which has saved me a shed load of money, and I fancied treating myself to something to celebrate, and completing my set of Rath trombones appealed.
- I have a friend who swapped from a TR181 to an R900 a few years ago and he is really happy with it.
- (In the UK) there is no comparable option available at the same price - my budget was bang on the price of the R900 - I didn't want to go any cheaper, and a full custom Rath was out of range for me (and as a doubler I wouldn't know where to start on the options).

I wasn't able to visit Rath's factory, so ordered over the phone - so taking a bit of a chance without having played one, but confident due to my experience playing Raths and the experience of my friend who did the same switch.

Am I happy with the choice? YES! - it blows lovely, with a beautiful sound, and great construction quality. Even my wife (who is not a musician - a typical muggle who doesn't normally notice the things we players do) said immediately what an improvement in sound it was.

Yes, a TR181 is. "pro" instrument, and the R900 is really and "intermediate", but for me the difference was step change upgrade from the TR181 to the R900. I would recommend trying one out for yourself before buying, but I am very happy with having taken a punt on it!

Thanks for the insight and congratulations on your new horn.