Hi!
I have no experience with trombones but a little bit with trumpets and cornets. I have acquired a ~1947 Buescher trombone and would like to play around with it some, mainly to get my kids interested. (Bringing home derelict or unwanted instruments has produced a cornet player and a piano player so far.) In other words, I want it functional but we aren't very serious about playing at this point.
My primary question is about the mouthpiece. This one came with a Bach 9 and it seems to work and is comfortable but the plating is worn off enough to be icky. Would a new Bach 9 work in this instrument or do I need to find a vintage one? I know old trumpet and especially cornet mouthpieces can have varying shank sizes and tapers and it can matter a lot if you have the right one. Is this the case for trombones? The internet has convinced me that Buescher wasn't exactly a trombone powerhouse back in the day...I can't find much info.
And, of course, is a Bach 9 a terrible mouthpiece for beginners altogether?
If there is any interest from a kid whatsoever, I'll get the trombone overhauled--or more likely, get a modern one--and some lessons. We don't have a good local shop for vintage brass so I'm going to wait and see. I figured a new mouthpiece couldn't hurt though.
Thanks for any guidance!
New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
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- Doug Elliott
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Re: New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
The Bach 9 would be an excellent choice, it's a good mouthpiece. I have not seen a new one lately. If you need the old one refinished and replated, I do that. But not everyone is sensitive to brass, you might be fine leaving it as is.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
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Re: New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
Thanks for the info. I really didn't know if it was an oddball mouthpiece or not!
- Doug Elliott
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Re: New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
Oddball only in that not many players use it, but it's actually a great mouthpiece.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
- BGuttman
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Re: New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
Trombones from the first quarter of the last Century (before around 1920) used smaller shank mouthpieces. Your trombone is probably new enough that you can use a modern one.
If you are squeamish about the mouthpiece, a Faxx 7C (or even 11C) might work well and be easier to find than a Bach 9 -- and cost less than having Doug refinish yours (refinishing is usually done for expensive or custom mouthpieces; not for bargain bin finds).
I've also coated rims with nail polish (red might be good for Halloween). Not too permanent, but works in a pinch.
If you are squeamish about the mouthpiece, a Faxx 7C (or even 11C) might work well and be easier to find than a Bach 9 -- and cost less than having Doug refinish yours (refinishing is usually done for expensive or custom mouthpieces; not for bargain bin finds).
I've also coated rims with nail polish (red might be good for Halloween). Not too permanent, but works in a pinch.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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Re: New mouthpiece for old Buescher? (Beginner alert!)
Thank you both. If it's a standard fit mouthpiece I won't worry about it. I'll see if anyone complains and if so, just get another (or try the nail polish trick). It's not terrible, but if I were going to have to look for a 70-year old replacement, I'd want to get started early.