Looking for your next musical instrument can be daunting if you don’t know what to look for. There are many options available on the market and it can hard to see through the pool of amazing choices. If you are looking to buy a trombone for sale, here are some tips to help you with the process:
Play on your Instrument
When buying a trombone, warm up on your current instrument and take note of how it sounds in space around you. It is imperative to have control for the experience and what your instrument can give that. Eliminate uncertainties such as unfamiliar mouthpieces, music, and others.
Shop with a Musician
As you play the instrument, you will only be aware of how it sounds. The feedback you will get is usually different from what others hear so try to have somebody else give you their honest feedback. Consider having your trusted musician listen and give their thoughts.
Understand the Sound of the Instrument you are Buying
The natural tone characteristic of a trombone and other instruments is something that is not easy to change. Consider plying long tones on the trombone you want to buy to understand its sound. Do this by relaxing and sending air through it and listen.
Feel It
A trombone’s ergonomics can take time to get used to. New musical instruments will feel slightly different. As you try playing the instrument, take note of the handslide’s width. Some trombones have narrower end crooks that make the handslide tubes closer together. Remember that the balance of an instrument can affect comfort as much as the overall weight.
Consider Resistance
In terms of any musical instrument, too much and too little resistance is a bad thing. Instruments need to be balanced and an appropriate resistance in the right places is necessary to make the instruments work. In case the horn allows it, you must experiment with various leadpipe options.
Think about Response and Projection
Response is how reactive horn is to your articulation and input of air. Often, lightweight horns are more responsive than heavier ones. Heavier instruments are expected to hold together better at louder dynamics. Take into account the ensembles in which you play and weigh the significance of the projection and response. When you play in a symphony orchestra, you want to prioritize projection and stability over flexibility and response. If you usually play on a microphone, you may sacrifice some projection for more flexibility and quicker response.