Step-Up Trombones
Trombonists who get past the basics soon discover the advantages of step-up trombones. Among them are a bigger, fuller sound, more control over dynamics (louds and softs), quicker transition between notes, and an extended range. The result is often not just improved playing, but increased inspiration to practice and play.
Step-up Levels
Trombones are often classified as beginner, intermediate, performer, and top-line.
Beginner trombones have small bores (the inner diameter of the tubes) to make the instrument easier to play. A small bore requires less air but also produces a smaller tone. Beginner trombones come with small to medium mouthpieces and rarely include any special features--they are very much basic instruments for getting started.
Intermediate trombones should have slightly larger bores. As students develop stronger embouchures (the facial position when playing a mouthpiece) and lungs, they can fill a larger bore with air and create a fuller, more resonant sound. Many intermediate trombones come with F-attachments--a valve and tubing that extends the low register, and allows the trombonist an alternate way to reach difficult slide positions. Intermediate trombones are popular in junior high and high school bands.
In addition to larger bores and F attachments, performer trombones usually incorporate slightly larger one-piece bells, special annealing of the brass, and hand-hammering. As a result they have very full, rich tones and allow the player to more easily control the dynamics (louds and softs). These models are appropriate for young musicians who
take their music seriously.
Top-line
trombones are almost always large bore with an F attachment and typically incorporate all of the manufacturer's best features.
Music majors or professionals most often play top-line trombones,
although others
sometimes choose them too.
A step-up trombone, particularly a performer or top-line, should last through school and longer--with regular maintenance step-up instruments should not have to be replaced.
Many schools with strong music programs like their players to play similar brands and models of trombones so the sound blends well and the instruments are in perfect tune with each other.
The charts below show some of the differences between each level of instrument.
Features Found on Most Beginner Trombones
| Feature |
Benefits
|
Small bore (inside diameter of tubing)
|
Requires less air
|
|
Lighter weight |
Easier for beginners to hold
|
Medium mouthpiece
|
Easier for beginner to play
|
Features Found on Most Intermediate Trombones
| Feature |
Benefits
|
Medium to large bore
|
Bigger sound
|
F attachment
|
Quicker performance between notes and added lower range
|
Features Found on Most Performer Trombones
| Features |
Benefits
|
Larger bore
|
Bigger sound
|
Larger bell
|
Richer, fuller tone
|
| Hand-hammered one-piece bell |
Superior tone fidelity
|
F attachment
|
Quicker performance between notes and added lower range
|
| Medium large mouthpiece |
Produces a larger sound |
More questions about trombones or stepping up?
Reach an instrument specialist by email here or by phone at (901) 323-8888.
