Hi everyone,

I have played trombone in the past and want to start playing again. I want to buy my own trombone with F attachment, and am looking for a used one.
I don`t know on what (technical) aspects I can tell a good from a not so good trombone. I think material use etc. are important.

Who can tell me what`s important to look for when buying a used trombone?

Thanks!

First find a good brand. Like conn, yamaha, bach, shires etc. Forget Jupiter or brands like china etc.
Play it first, see if it has a good feel to it, and a good sounds.
Look for major dents or resistance in the slide. Also make sure the trigger works, and works well.
Also look for a good price between 200-1500.
Best of luck to you

I have a Holton Collegiate. That has little or no dents it has served me though high school and college. I thought I would continue plying apon graduation but it webt into the garage with all the other stuff. I would be more than happy to send it to you. Since it would probably get more use in your hands than mine and I do not have to hear my wife complain about the junk in the garage. I can give it to you for 175.00. Send me mail and I will send you the pictures.

If he doesn`t take you up on it, I`m looking for one just as you described for my 10th grader in marching band.

Technical aspects of a trombone depend on what sort of playing you are going to do. Because you want an F attatchment, I will assume that you want a legit horn, and not a screaming lead trombone. I would reccomend getting something with a .525" medium large bore. This will be the easiest F attatchment trombone to play, as it will not require the air volume or embouchre support of a full (.547") large bore trombone.

As for materials, they matter, but not so much that you should fret about it. The bell is what counts the most. If it is standard yellow brass (~30% zinc, ~70% copper) then it should have a good slot and the tone and color of the instrument will be very similar throughout the dynamic range. The more copper in the metal, the darker and richer the sound, though it becomes brighter and more colorful when played loudly. Sterling silver has a very colorful sound.

The finish is also important. I would reccomend silver, because it is a much better alternative to lacquer. There are other finishes such as raw brass and gold plating, but they are very uncommon. Lacquer kills many of the overtones so the trombone has a much deader sound.