Well currently I play a King 608F full time. I love it like a brother but I want one specifically for jazz. My high school has had an evening audition-based jazz band which I was in last year (Freshman year) but it only met every Wednesday evening for 1 1/2 hours. Now, our director has talked to the guidance department at the school and has gotten permission to merge the evening jazz band and the former Jazz Theory day time class that was offered as an elective. So I auditioned and made 2nd chair for this new jazz band which will be meeting every other day for 85 minutes. (This will be my Sophmore year)

I really enjoy jazz a lot. It is really the play where I open up the most. I am never even slightly nervous in jazz even in rehearsal doing improv solos or whatever. I'm not afraid to really be heard and play more challenging stuff.

So I am looking at getting a trombone specifically for jazz band. I'd like to get a king considering their reputation for jazz trombones plus I really like my current King trombone. I was looking specifically at the 2102 Legend 2B and the King 2102S 2B with the sterling silver bell.

I'd like to know the advantages of the 2102S over the 2102 because at most of the websites I looked at it seemed there was generally about a $900 difference. What's the actual sound difference between the two?

I have $3000 from inheritance that I technically have access to but it would require parents approval but that shouldn't be a problem since they are very supportive of my music and this is a rather good investment, not like I'm blowing it on something stupid that won't be worth anything in the future or won't help me in high school and college and beyond.


So bottom line is: What's the difference between those two and which one would you recommend if you've played both or heard both played by someone who knows what they're doing.

There are a lot of varying opinions on this, and there are many who say the sterling silver bell is more of an ego issue than anything else. Personally, I feel that the sterling bell gives a darker sound. It's harder to push, but also very hard to break up. It won't be as easy to blend with others, but the projection is very good. Your mileage may vary.
I play a sterling bell 3B, and have played it against other standard 3B's. I'm happy with what I have. Mine is a newer model, circa 2004. I'd say if you're looking for a new horn and want lots of projection, give the silver a try. If you are going used, and buying a 2B from back in the good old days, a standard brass bell will be just fine.
At the end of the day, you've got to try them and decide what's best for you.
Maybe consider contacting DJ Kennedy in Chester IL. He keeps a huge inventory of used horns and really knows his stuff.

I would suggest the 3B also.

ALTHOUGH, the 3B+ has the same bore size (.525) as the 608F. So if you want the same size horn but a "freer" blow, a straight 3B+ might work too. If you are looking for something that cuts (projects) and , a 3B Silver Sonic (2103SS) would be perfect.

I don't like the 2B too much, but just because I prefer larger horns. They do, however, have a very unique and focused sound.

I own a 1975 4BF (.547-large bore) silver sonorous (sonic) and I love the projection and tone.

King Trombones: F-in' A!!!

-Raul