What are your opinions of the soprano trombone as a major instrument? It may sound strange to some of you, but over the past few years sales of soprano trombones have gone way up and whereas 20 years ago nobody knew what one was, most trumpet and trombone players know what it is. I think it adds a certain soloistic quality to most music especially jazz. I`m not fool enough to believe that it will become as popular as the tenor trombone or the Bb trumpet, but I do think that it could become as popular as the alto trombones. It sounds different enough from the regular trumpet and has the addition of a slide so I feel that it has something to offer. Anyway enough ranting, what do you guys think?

Where's the evidence that soprano trombone sales have gone up? I haven't seen any popping up anywhere at any of my gigs, nor have I heard of anybody buying or playing one, even though I visit the OTJ Forum, a very site, several times a day.

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** The OTJ Forum is a very busy site, I meant to say.**

I've seen several people playing them lately. Not a large number by any means but they are out there. I also have seen a few articles from various associations that include the soprano trombone as well. Actually, there was a kid playing one at the Berklee jazz festival this year.