My son, who is ten, is learning the trombone. On this website, I saw some inexpensive trombones. http://www.greatmusicproductsonline.com/products.asp?id=27 Someone suggested I get him the "Palatino Bb F-Trigger European Brass Trombone W/Case" for $219.00. Its a lot cheaper than the $800 (or $1300 rent to own) Yamaha the school uses. My question is, does anyone know if its any good.

you get what you pay for... seriously
you can`t go wrong with the Yamaha YSL 354
most stores offer an initial trial period on the rental where the first few months are dirt cheap. at least take advantage of that to see if your child isn`t gonna want to change instruments. I used to work for one of the biggest music instrument rental places in the country.. trust me, they change their minds often.
if you rent to own, however, you will pay a rediculous amount for the horn.
my advice.. do the three month rental for like thirty bucks.. if the kid still likes it, look at some good used horns, or a new one if finances permit and the student really shows exceptional promise.
good luck
steve
most of those dirt cheap brands break easily, play and sound horrible, and repair shops can`t get parts. remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

I agree completely with the person above me. I recommend renting at first, just to make sure the student likes and enjoys playing the horn.

I do have one thing to add though. That is the reason for these horns being so cheap. I have seen it several times. More than likely, these horns are Chinese knockoffs of American and European brands. They don`t work, plain and simple. I friend in college bought one, excited about getting a "comparable" horn to those that the rest of us played. The brand was Maestro, it was made in China. This horn was so bad that when she got it, it had to go directly to she shop. The trigger was in a position no one could reach or hold comfortably, the slide did not work properly because the inner slide was too large for the outer slide, and it really never played in tune.

So, for now, I would say rent a horn, at the minimum for the first few months, but more likely for the first year or so. Then, when the student is ready to commit to playing, and enjoys it, then start looking to buy a horn, just make sure it is a major, trusted brand. Bach, King, Yamaha, Getzen, Blessing, Conn, Olds, and Holton are all great brands you can trust will work.

Look for a good used horn. One of the best beginner horns is the Olds Ambassador trombone; it plays well and they are not expensive. Another good one is the Conn Director if you can get an old one (quality slipped after `65 making newer ones hit-or-miss). If you can find a used pro horn like a King 2b or 3b those are good horns that will be good jazz horns later if he sticks with it; unfortunately these tend to be pricy even used but every now and then folks stumble onto a deal.

Like others said, the super cheap Chineese trombones are junk; most won`t play right and can`t be repaired. I have heard that Jupiter trombones aren`t bad but that is the only low-priced brand I`ve heard anything positive about. Of the new student line horns King 606 isn`t a terrible horn either though a used Ambassador or Director will be a better horn for less money though they may no longer be shiny; if you son has to have a shiny new horn than the King 606 is probably your best bet.

I`ve also been looking for a horn for myself. I would say that there is no one horn that is better than the other, it all depends on which one that your son plays the best on. Granted, a $200 horn will not play as good as a $1800-$2500 horn, but when you look at the same price range try and play as many horns as possible. Happy Hunting!