Hey..
I've been playing trombone for about 4 years now, in a brass band. Next year I'm moving to university and probably joining a new band, possibly brass/concert/jazz. Not sure who'll want me!
Anyways I'm thinking of buying a cheap trombone so if there isn't one of the band's that I can use I'll have one of my own. I know I'm being cheap but I'm looking on ebay for trombones under $200.
Has anyone heard of the brand I&K? Its one trom I'm looking at, there's also a second hand student King. What's the difference between student trombones and other ones?
Sorry to be so long and stupid lol.
Kathleen

I haven't heard of that brand. But if the student King is in good shape, I'd go with that one. If you could somehow increase your budget by even a hundred or two hundred, you'd open up quite a few more doors. Unfortunately, two hundred bucks won't get you much these days

Thanks... I'll see if I can con any of my family to picth in for Christmas or something!

Yeah, it's definately a good season to hagle money from the family...

And remember, especially if you are planning on playing in college, you want something that will perform to your standards. You may want to do everything you can to round up the most money you can and get something a bit more advanced. Remember, the horn you buy will be yours forever, so you want something good that will last. You don't really want to go out horn shopping again next year...

I was at a band clinic the week before thanksgiving with James Curnow as the guest conductor, and the trombone section was talking about horns and how people mangle theirs up, or it comes like it. For an example for horns that arn't well known, or are well known for there poor craftmanship, someone bought a horn for $20 (I think thats what he said). He said he played on it, and it was a pretty decent horn to start with. That night, a sodered on cross-section came undone, followed by another, and another until finally it was completely trash and in so many different parts. So yeah, I wouls say unless you have had recommendations from professional players who has been playing on the horn for years and years thats its good, or just well known for the superiority of the instrument, than I would stay away from it.

i would also go with the king trombone, b/c in my opinion they are the best, i have a bach soloist, i dont reccomend them b/c they are too easily broken, so i would go with the king.