I think the 3b is the best symphonic horn in the world. The **h should only be used for jazz. the 2b is what I use for base work. I have a 1g mouthpiece for it. Oh and one more thing all hors are good for what ever you use them for unless your a freeking pro.

So really though I play a 3b for jazz an 88h for symphonic and a getzin eterna base bone for base work. It is all preference. There are those out there that love the bach mouth piece and others that swear by j.marcinkewitz. It is all preference. If you like a horn then you should play it.

WOW... Ruben is an idiot, and so are the other people telling you what to buy and that King trombones suck. I guess Tommy Dorsey was an idiot for playing a King 2B, huh, Ruben? If the young man has his heart set on a King 2B, I see nothing wrong with that; I see a young musician who has good taste and good ears. Give the young musician whatever it takes to keep him in music! As for you Bach 42 freaks out there, don`t you listen to your own instrument? The Knig 2B is capable of a classic trombone sound that can NEVER be achieved by playing a Bach 42! Hey guys, use your ears and not your eyes when you`re looking for a good instrument, be it a trombone or ukulele! I`ll help you guys find a good one if you haven`t yet. Email me and let me know.
Howie D.

While i understand different sounds are created by different companies and all it iz all depends on the style of music your playing. concert band a begginer king or conn or even a yamaha and see how it goes. On the other hand you have ppl telling you get him w/e he wants to keep him in music that is not a good idea. If you go and buy him an osm bone and he gives it up in two years that leaves you with an empty pocket and a trombone you dont use. Again the choice iz yours and may his ear and comfort level lead him to the best one for him.
-soxman

thought I`d add my 2 cents- I started on a Conn Dirtctor, the graduated to a vintage king 5B. Won all state on that horn. A few weeks ago i bought a `67 2b silversonic with gold inlay. Challenging to play, but the sound is well worth it. I say to hell with the Bachs. Well, all but the 12G. Had one of those for a while, but jsut until I could track down my 2B. I`m a jazz player, no classical. If your kid likes jazz, go with the 2B

Its amazing to hear the sound coming from this King 2b and my son. He is a Jr. in highschool and has been playing trombone for 2+ years and his Texas 2b for a about a year. He is unbelivable. Solos in marching band, leader of his group and an a student in Jazz band. Doing a tribute to Benny Goodman for Jazz concert. Horn is loud, strong and he loves it. Even praticies.

Thanks for all the feedback.

R

to say that King horns are bad is ridiculous. I haev played King professionally for over 30 years! Many great jazz players play king, or played King: JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Jiggs Wigham,John Fechock, and many others. I played Bach awhile, but found them to without that Powerful King sound. Both are good horns.

For overall playing, get a 3B, but avoid those big horns,. They are strictly for symphony music, and sound like baritone horns. I do not understand why the classical cats went to those monstrosities!

The classical cats went to big bores because they.... we.... needed a bigger horn to fill out the orchestral sound. There is no way I could get by in a real orchestra on my Bach 16. The best horn I would want to play for lead jazz work, but it stays in the closet for orchestral gigs. The Edwards fits sooooooooooooooooooooooo much better.

King trombones are bad? Whoever wrote that is a bit confused. JJ Johnson, Jiggs Wigham, Kai Wonding, John Fechock, and many other great trombonists play King horns. I play a Jiggs Wigham model 2b, and a Silversonic 2b. However, your son may want a bigger horn for overall playing.

The big bore horns, in my opinion, sound like euphoniuns. A King 3b is a good middle of the road horn, or a Bach 16M. A bigger bore would be a bach 36 or a King 3b plus. All are great horns.

Wow. You just said the same exact thing as the other John did. Or... are you the same person? I suggest reading the whole thread before commenting on something said a long time ago. Also,

1. A Bach 16 is by no means a middle of the road horn. It is hard to find a smaller tenor trombone than the 16, with the .500 bore. There are a few, but they are considered extremely small. The Bach 36 and King 3B are medium bore horns, at around .525, and the Bach 42 and King 4B are large, at around .547. There ya go.

2. I play a big bore horn. And trust me, it sounds nothing like a euphonium. I take offense to that. I see where you are going, and yes, they sound nothing like a little jazz horn, but they diffinately have a life and purpose all to their own, aside from the invalid euphonium.

I`ve played on a King 3b for the past seven years, and I love it. The 2b is a wonderful horn; I played one my senior year in high school when I played lead. You purchased a great instrument. I don`t understand why people push 42b`s so much. They are very inconsistant horns. One is great while the next is below average. I`m sure your son will love his 2b. I actually found this thread because I am looking for a vintage 2b brass bell for myself. Keep playing...

Don`t knock a brand name, its the player that makes the horn, not the other way around. If you have to rely solely on the horn type, rather than your own skill (or lack thereof) maybe you should go back to your basics.

The guy who said Kings are not good is an idiot. Tommy Dorsey, Kai Winding, Urbie Green all used straight King 2B Liberty models.No other brand has slides as consistent as King. Conn plating wears off always. Some Bachs are great some stink. The best trombone is the Williams but you can`t get them. I play one. I have a really GREAT King 2B Liberty, probably from the 1950`s when they were best. No lacquer on bell. Great slide, responnse and perfect slotting. With big case I`ll sell it for $400.00 plus shipping in USA. Not a great looker (but could be) but a really super lead/jazz horn. You will love the way it plays. Call me days at 414-283-2373 Chuck

In 2003 when you first posted, I would recommend getting your son a " poor man`s 2-B " King curved-brace Tempo. But since you have now posted about your son`s 2-B, I see you decided to go for the gusto. Way to go. I know your son is happy. The 2-B is a great horn.

To everyone else : THIS GUY ALREADY BOUGHT A HORN !!!!!!


CALL OFF THE DOGS !!!!!!

Eric, the Bach 16 is not a .500 bore. It is a dual bore, .495 and .508. Teh Bach 16M is a .508, and the King 3B is a .508. King 3B plus is .525 as well as the Bach 36.

.500 bores are the Bach 12, Conn 6H, King 2B plus.

Really small bores are the King 2B and Bach 8, both around .491, give or take, adn the Bach 6 (played by Glenn Miller) which is .485.

King 3B is my favorite. I had a Bach 36, but it was too tubby.

Yes, my son has a 2b and LOVES it. The 2b is really for lead trombone jazz. If he isn`t going to be playing lead in a jazz band the 3b is for 2nd and 3rd chair. The king 2b is really a jazz bone - it puts off a rich warm sound.
my son tried playing it with concert band - but for some of the called for a larger bore so we also got him a concert f attachment horn.
I have talked to alot of people and you will find that everyone has an opinion. But if you talk to a jazz player he can tell you the difference.
good luck