ok guys and girls i`m looking to buy a new trombone. mainly for symphony, and solo`s (for college reasons only). i know edwards is better quality and better sounding, but the conn 88 cl has a better trigger. and i`m not sure which is better for symphonic playing. so if any of yall are nolegible of anthing other then yamahas, bachs, kings, and blessings please give me some input to this. also comments on shires compared to these would be nice.

If you plan on majoring in music I`d put forth a little extra cash and get a custom Shires.

Are you kidding? Buy the Conn 88H. The Edwards is not better quality and is certainly not better sounding. The Conn has the most mellow, most beautiful sound for solos. And you can also play strong symphonically. I prefer the Conn 88H over the Bach 42B anyday. Also, why do you think the greatest trombone player in the world is playing on a Conn 88H?

I would have to agree. Edwards are really nice, but they are just high level Getzens. Conn`s play nicer than anything except for the Shires horns, many of which are based on the Conn. Bachs suck. Go with a Conn or a Shires.

I would recommend trying out these horns on your own using the same mouthpiece on each one. Try to see which one feels better on YOU. And of course ask your college trombone instructor for what he recommends.