My son has played trumpet for five years, and his teachers finally agreed with us that his teeth are just not right for high register trumpet playing. They think he would make a good trombone or baritone player. He's pretty advanced, so it's kind of a shame. But we do like trombone (he can always pick up a baritone if he wants), and he said he'll give it a shot...

We have an old student model Conn that he can use to start and also use for marching band. But I do want him to have a Good horn - with trigger, of course - because he will probably become pretty good within the year and this old thing won't cut it.

What makes/models do you suggest? (I know, sell the Bach Strad trumpets first...he has two.....to pay for the trombone....)

And any other tips are greatly appreciated.

When I worked for a music store, it was more common to see parents looking for the cheapest horn out there, caring very little about the quality of the horn. It is refreshing to hear a parent wanting a good instrument for their child.
Don't underestimate that Conn that you have. It will do you just fine for a while. Just make sure the slide is in good repair, especially considering that slide technique is going to be the biggest challenge for your child.
When the time comes for a better horn, the same brands you are used to seeing in trumpets carry over to the bone world.. Conn, Bach, Yamaha, King. There are others, sure, but those are some biggies.
An F attachment does not necessarily a good horn make... make sure you try out horns before you buy, and if possible, bring an experienced player with you to help as well. You're going to have quite a few decisions to make (trigger or no trigger, large bore, med bore, small bore, dual bore?... Rose brass, yellow brass, silver?.... lightweight slide??? and more.) My advice to you is, if you don't know what implications those choices will have on the horn, then it's probably best to have help with you when you choose.
You may also get a lot more attention to you question if you post it on the Trombone Forum at tromboneforum.org as well. Good luck... if you have any more questions, I will do my best.

Depending on the brand, which there are several, can depend on the number of the trumpets you sell, that is unless there is no want of even keeping it. I would keep one just to play around with here and there. But anyways, The brands that are great professional models would be Conn 88H. Bach Strads, Shires, Getzen, and Edwards. If you are thinking about switching over pernamently and want to go the extra step for a custom made horn. There are Shires, and Edwards, and I think Rath. I havn't heard or seen a Rath instrument, but i've heard there good. I don't know anything beyond that. But Edwards has a lot of combinations for horns along with the regular set horns. But edwards and Shires are both pricey (3000-4000 depending on valves, finsh, etc.) But I hope this helps some. Check out of company's wedsites and look around. UMI (United Musical something) is a good website since most companys are in there.

UMI (United Musical Instruments) no longer exists by that name. They were bought out by Conn-Selmer.
As for the Bach horns, I would recommend looking into used horns.. not necessarily to save money, but because Bach has had some serious quality control issues in the last few years. But I tell ya, with Bach trombones, when you find a winner, they are sure hard to beat.
The government supplies me with a brand spanking new Bach 42 to play, and I just won't play it. I play my considerably older, less pretty Bach 42 that sounds great. You can still get a new one that sounds great , but you may have to play half a dozen horns to find it.
Seriously though... as long as that Conn horn you have is in good repair, there is no need to rush into buying a new horn. Your child is going to have to get used to putting a lot more air through the horn, get used to working the slide and playing in tune, and getting used to the embouchure differences. He's also going to have to get used to bass clef music, and a totally different role within the ensemble. Music stores are notorious for trying to convince you to buy a large symphonic horn, preaching that that is what the more advanced players play, but that will just be to much for your child to handle for a while.
I see so many young players playing large bore tenor trombones that have little to no concept as to how they should be played. It's too much for them to handle, so they develop all kinds of bad habits to compensate.
And remember, just cuz it's got a trigger, it doesn't mean it's better.
Just some food for thought.. my humble opinions, nothing more.

I agree with the above. For now, stick with the Conn, just make sure it is in good working order. Make sure the slide works well, the water key (spit valve) is good, and that there are no major dents in it. That will work more than fine for quite a while.

Eventually, if he really wants to stick with it, you will want to look for a better horn. (depndeing on, of course, the condition and quality of the Conn. You could be sitting on a great horn, it's impossible for us to tell in an online forum.)

Any major brand will be fine, and the trumpet brands basically go for trombone as well. Bach, Conn, Getzen, Yamaha, Bessen, Holton, all are major brands that put out good equipment.

More than anything, when it comes time for the need to get a new horn, make sure you find a trombone player teacher and begin testing. Play as much as you can, for as long as you can. Personal taste, feel, and sound is much more important than the brand name. Stay away from Chinese knockoff brands, and stay with the major names.

Good luck!

Hi - Thanks for all the suggestions. His band director is a pretty good trombonist (we parents are professional musicians as well, woodwinds, though) so I am hoping for his help when it comes time to get something. When we bought the second Strad, the guy who helped us was one of the Jazz Ambassadors' former trumpet players. That worked well, because my son would not have had the chops to last to play all the horns they brought out....!

I totally hear you about the quality of Bachs. The older Strad we have is really way better quality than the newer one. The valves are a little strange, the person who owned it wore it in their own way and it's tough for the kid to play.

Are there any good serial number ranges to look for or to stay away from?