5 Incredible Jazz Trombones for Breathtaking Improvs

For many years, jazz music has been considered a classic affair. Recent studies have even proved that this classical music has immense health benefits. Finding the perfect jazz trombone is one of the best ways to enjoy jazz music. This is why we decided to carry out research into some of these woodwind instruments. A probe that has led us into the stretches and depths of trying to get the best jazz trombone.

To come up with this comprehensive information about jazz trombones, we tried out several instruments. Among the things we were interested in are bell size, the type of and number of key (s), the sized of bore, warranty information, and distinctive features that make a jazz trombone stand out. These seemingly small features are important things that each one of us needs to look at when they are looking for a trombone to play whether at a personal level or for a professional jazz group. The best trombone that balances all these features with a great price is our Editor’s Choice Selmer Prelude TB711.

It has taken us several months to conduct the research, which has incorporated renowned trombonists and jazz enthusiasts. We have teamed up with these valuable trombone users to come up with this in-depth article that has a comparison table, thorough description of each instrument, and an impeccable buyer’s guide all with the aim of helping you find the right jazz trombone. Before you finish reading the article, you will also learn how to play a jazz trombone and get answers to some of the provocative questions.

Top 5 Jazz Trombones Review 2024

Jazz trombone – benefits and types

The trombone is an ancient instrument whose word arose from the Italian and German word for trumpet. It is an ancient instrument but its origin is still not known. Although there could be different types of trombones, generally speaking, professional jazz groups tend to use two main types namely tenor and bass trombones. In the world over, researchers opine that listening to jazz music can have profound benefits on one’s health. Pro jazz supporters argue that listening to jazz can help in:

• Alleviating pain
• Lowering blood pressure
• Stroke recovery
• Improve one’s immunity
• Relief stress
• Relax the brain by stimulating brain waves

Consider the following features to buy the perfect trombone for jazz

Before placing your money on any of the trombones highlighted herein, consider the following features. It is true that most of the features are found on almost every product but a few are unique. For instance, while all the trombones mentioned above have nice finish, come with either 8” or 9.5” mouthpiece, only pBone PBONE1B Jiggs weighs 1.8 lbs. Besides, the trombone is made of high-quality plastic. Look at such distinctive features.

Look for the reliable brand

Why is reliability important? Well, as the term suggests, you will only purchase a trombone that you are sure will last. The other thing is about the brand. In the world over, companies have come and exited the market. Why? Because these manufacturers did not give users the value for their money. Selmer King 2103 3B for instance, is a reputable brand you can trust. The manufacturer has been around for quite some time.

Consider the group

If you are buying a tambourine for a jazz group, then you need different types of trombones. You cannot buy the same brand and type of trombones, considering that different types of this instrument produce different types of sounds. It would be ideal to include a bass trombone such as Yamaha YBL-620G in your group. However, YBL620G is not enough for a group. For nice sound packaging, you will need a lead trombone such as Selmer King 2103 3B or any other that you may prefer. The main point is your group to have a variety of jazz trombones.

Bell and bore sizes

Bell and bore sizes are key. In most cases, the size of the bell will either mean a high or low pitch. When shopping for the trombone, first you must know where you are going to play it. For a lead jazz, you need a narrow bell that can project the sound. Bore sizes also matter a lot in the trombone’s resonance, tone variation and sound projection. Selmer King 2103 3B and Yamaha YBL-620G are best options for high and low sounds respectively.

What about the wrap?

Anything one spends their money on should be elegant, sleek, and come with a nice clear finish. In many cases, we are all moved by good looks. There are different types of wrap depending on the close and open wrap. The type of wrap determines the blowing feel, compactness and protection. Many companies offer the open wrap since it had a free blowing rotor and a lot of trombone players prefer it.

Valves

Whether short or long, when you consider trombone valves, you are likely to make a good choice. From a general view, valves dictate the type of sound a trombone produces. However, a critical analysis will reveal that the more the valves, the better the player will change through the notes to produce different types of pitches. A trombone with three valves is generally ideal because it can play almost all keys.

Key and sound

Generally, all trombones come with Bb keys. However, others come with 9-D key options. These keys help in balancing the right pitch and sound a trombone will produce. Although it may appear to be a difficult thing for students at first, they will master the art and learn about the distinctively unique differences between each key and the sound a trombone can produce thereafter.

Slide

It is common sense that if the slide is rigid, it would be a challenge to change the notes. For this reason, you need to look for trombone whose slide is very flexible. Another thing about the slide you need to know is if the instrument produces noise when you are changing the notes. Although it is praised more for its bass, Yamaha YBL-620G is also good for sliding.

Materials

The material used to make a trombone has been a hot debate for many years. We still believe it is a personal decision. It is true that chrome, brass, and nickel, are some of the preferered materials. However, trombones whose bodywork is purely ABS plastic such as pBone PBONE1B Jiggs have made people change their mind. This item is incredibly durable and comes with extraordinary features that complement the material.

Player’s level

We all agree that no one was born a professional trombonist. It takes time for one to master the art of playing any musical instrument. As such, it is important to note that some trombones come with advanced features that can only be played by professional players. For students, we recommend Selmer Prelude TB711 and pBone PBONE1B Jiggs. These trombones are not only easy to play but they are also light, making it easy to carry for a long time.

Budget sound

You love a particular trombone, right? What would you do if you do not have the money to buy it? The fact is you will not own the musical instrument. While many trombones go for more than $500, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot get quality and durable trombones that cost much less. On our list, there are trombones that go for less than $200. Mendini by Cecilio MTB-L is a perfect example. The musical piece comes with nice features you cannot find in other costly trombones. For instance, the trombone comes with white gloves and a special piece of cloth to clean your instrument.

Warranty

Sadly, many jazz trombone manufacturers do not consider it a thing to offer their clients warranties. Those who do, they are not generous. Many give a 1-year warranty. Besides, they accompany the warranty with many stringent rules in the name of ‘terms and conditions.’ In the end, the warranty doesn’t help the user because it is labeled ‘limited’ warranty. Does it mean there is no company that values its clients? Far from it! Yamaha, the maker of Yamaha YBL-620G, gives a staggering 5-year warranty. If this is what you care about, then you know the trombone to choose.

How to play jazz music on a trombone?

If you have never played a jazz trombone, you are going to know the swung eighth notes. This means, you try to tie a set of notes together such as 1, 2, 3 so that you do not create a break. The second thing you need to master is how to move the slides. To be a professional jazz player, you need to move the slide as fast as you can. Note that some trombones come with slides that are very easy to move. A good example is Yamaha YBL-620G. The trombone is praised for having the smoothest slide. The third step would be to learn how to play and hold different notes by giving the notes a slight vibrato. If you repeat this process severally, you will be a pro in a few days.

FAQ

Our Verdict

Before you make a choice, let’s wrap up three trombones we gave preference on our list. Perhaps, you will make a wise decision after reading this.

The first one is what we labeled the ‘editor’s choice’. Selmer Prelude TB711 comes with robust bodywork, a nice lacquer finish, and a nice casing for carrying it.

Our second choice is Selmer King 2103 3B, the best professional trombone with 0.508 bore, smooth nickel silver outer slides, and a bell size of 7.9”.

Lastly, we chose Mendini by Cecilio MTB-L if you are on a tight budget. In addition to this product being affordable, it is very easy to clean it.

Remember, you need the best jazz trombone to be affordable but to also have various features. The choice is now yours.