hi y`all,

i`ve been wanting to get a trombone for ages now and learn and i was inspired to try to buy one off ebay... i have found one and i wondered if u had any tips comments etc... see http://www.ekblessing.com/prd_trombones.htm it`s the B-128 it think

For a new trombone, I`m assuming you dont want to spend a whole lot, and I would also assume that you are wanting a straight tenor with no f attachment (trigger). If you dont know what one is, then you probably dont need a trigger unless you have a teacher who says you do. I have a trombone with and without a trigger, love both of them. I have been playing for like 5 years or so, and I have two trombnes, a conn 88h, very nice proffesional one, and a king 606 straight tenor. Excellent beginners trombone. I bought it off ebay a couple weeks ago, and it is one of the better trombones I have played. I know its a beginner trombone, but I actually prefer it to some of my friends bachs. Anyways, do a search on ebay and look for a king 606 trombone. I have one for the early seventies, isnt the prettiest, just some laquer wear, but it playes phenomenal. Search around on ebay and get on from the seventies or so, great quality, and make sure it comes with a case. You will want one. Even if it is a really ratty one, it will suffice for now. The one I bought also came with a mouthpiece, and for 60 bucks, you cant go wrong. Dont spend a whole lot of money on a trombone, because you may not like it, but the king i mentioned is an excellent trombone. If yours does, or does not come with a mouthpiece, I would recommend a Bach 12c small shank mouthpiece. It is an excellent mouthpiece for all around playing. Anyways, get a teacher also. Best resource youll ever have.

Ebay link for 606 trombone,
http://cgi.ebay.com/KING-CLEVELAND-TROMBONE-606-MADE-IN-U-S-A-WITH-CASE_W0QQitemZ7363721668QQcategoryZ64373QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This looks like a decent one, from a reputable seller with lots of feedback. If you decide not to get this one, or any of the 606`s, make sure you buy a trombone with a brand name on it! I cannot stress this enough. You do not want to buy a cheap, no name trombone, because they are usually very poor quality. Make sure it is something like blessing, bach, conn, king, schmidt, or just any other major name brands. Do a search for it on yahoo or google, and if it doesn`t come up at the top of the list, then it probably isn`t a well known manufatcurer. If you have a question about a brand, or anything, email me at a.f.carlton@sbcglobal.net i can answer many questions that you may have. There are probably more experienced players on here, but I will suffice until you find a better one.

If this is your first horn, and you are learning to play trombone for the first time, anything that is in good and playable condition and wasn`t horribly made will be fine. Blessing, Getzen, Bach, King, Yamaha, and Holton are all good brands. If you can, play it before you buy it to make sure it is good condition, the slide works well, there aren`t dents in it, and you like it. Just stay away from anything that either does not have a brand name, or says "Made in China."

cheers for your help guys! i used to play baritone many years ago so i pretty much know i`ll like playing the trombone as it is the same pitch/mouthpiece etc...

how much should i pay for a 2nd hand blessing B128 - i`ve been offered it for £75 think thats about $130

If it`s in decent condition, that could be about right. Just make sure the slides work very well, and there aren`t any major dents.

U don`t need to buy one off of ebay because u don`t know if the trombone is nice or worth buying. i saw what it looked like and it is nice but it might not look like that. i am just telling u. ur friend mark

The trombones there look nice but like the others i cannot stress enough the brand name. i own a 15th anniversary edition james morrison (a tenor-bass, or in Bb with an F attachment) by Yamaha and i like the brand. it was about Aus $2200 so it cost a bit but i love it. get a standard tenor tho because this is your first. Bach are amazing but expensive, and an Edwards is a very nice trombone but are mainly Tenor-bass, with a large pull to make the trigger click into place. if you can find an edwards tho that is a standard tenor then play it, because you will love the tone.
good luck
MicMac