When shopping for trombones, you need to be careful!
A trombone is an investment, and there are quite a few junky ones out there. I’d hate for you to spend a lot of money on something that’ll never sound great!
But by sticking with respected trombone brands, you can rest easy!
I used my own experience and (better yet) spoke with my band director and trombone friends to compile this list of the most trusted trombone brands.
Disclosure: Links in the article may be affiliate in nature, meaning we get a small commission if you click and buy at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Table of Contents
A Brief Overview Of The Best Trombone Brands
| Brand Name | Best Aspect | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | Renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and versatility | Mid to High Range |
| Bach | Known for their classic, traditional sound and durability | Mid to High Range |
| Conn | Famous for their rich, warm tone and excellent playability | Mid to High Range |
| King | Renowned for their powerful projection and robust construction | Mid to High Range |
| Getzen | Recognized for their precision and attention to detail in manufacturing | Mid to High Range |
| Edwards | Highly regarded for their customizable options and professional performance | High Range |
| Rath | Known for their innovative designs and modern approach to trombone making | High Range |
| Shires | Renowned for their handcrafted instruments and customization options | High Range |
| Holton | Recognized for their unique and distinctive sound, ideal for jazz and big band music | Mid to High Range |
| XO Brass | Known for their exceptional playability and value for money | Mid to High Range |
#1 Yamaha
Yamaha is a well-known and respected brand in the world of musical instruments, and their trombones are no exception.
With a history dating back to 1887, Yamaha has established a reputation for producing high-quality instruments that are renowned for their craftsmanship, versatility, and durability.
One of the best aspects of Yamaha trombones is their exceptional attention to detail in manufacturing.
Yamaha utilizes cutting-edge technology combined with skilled craftsmanship to produce trombones that are precise in their construction, resulting in instruments with excellent playability and intonation.
Yamaha trombones are known for their smooth slide action, allowing for effortless glissandos and accurate pitch control.
In addition to their technical excellence, Yamaha trombones are also known for their versatility.
Yamaha offers a wide range of trombone models, including student, intermediate, and professional-level instruments, catering to musicians of all skill levels.
From orchestras to jazz bands, Yamaha trombones are utilized in various musical genres and settings, making them a popular choice among trombone players worldwide.
Furthermore, Yamaha trombones are known for their durability and reliability. Yamaha uses high-quality materials in their manufacturing process, ensuring that their trombones are built to last.
This makes Yamaha trombones suitable for both beginner students who require a durable instrument and professional musicians who demand instruments that can withstand rigorous use on stage or in the studio.
While Yamaha trombones are typically priced in the mid to high range, their reputation for quality and performance justifies the investment.
Yamaha’s commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a trusted brand among trombone players, earning them a prominent place in the world of brass instruments.
Example Of Yamaha Trombone
What Real Players Have To Say
Yamaha is my top choice for students up until the highest levels. They are consistent and great (not to mention durable)!
Yamaha. Reliable, durable, good sound.
#2 Bach
Bach is a renowned brand in the realm of musical instruments, and their trombones are widely recognized for their classic, traditional sound and durability.
Established by the legendary instrument maker Vincent Bach in the early 20th century, the brand has become synonymous with excellence in brass instrument craftsmanship.
One of the best aspects of Bach trombones is their exceptional sound quality.
Bach trombones are known for their rich, warm tone, which is ideal for classical music and other genres that require a traditional brass sound.
This makes them a popular choice among professional trombone players, especially in orchestras and wind ensembles.
In addition to their distinctive sound, Bach trombones are also prized for their durability.
Bach instruments are constructed with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in trombones that are built to last.
This makes Bach trombones suitable for both student musicians who require a reliable instrument for practice and performance, as well as professional players who demand durability in their instruments.
Furthermore, Bach offers a wide range of trombone models to cater to different skill levels and playing styles, from student to professional level instruments.
This versatility makes Bach trombones suitable for a wide range of musical genres and performance settings.
Although Bach trombones are generally priced in the mid to high range, their reputation for quality, sound, and durability justifies the investment for serious trombone players.
With a long-standing legacy of excellence, Bach remains a trusted brand among trombone players, and their instruments are considered a hallmark of quality in the world of brass instruments.
Example Of Bach Trombone
What Real Players Have To Say
Preference for the Bach. Overall more rounded out sound on the highs and lows especially for orchestra work.
I play Bach, but sometimes their production can be uneven so would recommend picking up a known used horn or go to the factory.
#3 Conn
Conn is a legendary brand with a rich history in the world of musical instruments, and their trombones are renowned for their exceptional quality and playability.
Established in 1875, Conn has a long-standing reputation for producing brass instruments that are prized by professional musicians for their rich tone and excellent craftsmanship.
One of the best aspects of Conn trombones is their distinctive sound.
Conn trombones are known for their warm, full-bodied tone that is highly desirable for both classical and jazz music.
The unique timbre and projection of Conn trombones make them ideal for solo performances, orchestral settings, and big band ensembles.
In addition to their exceptional sound, Conn trombones are also known for their excellent playability.
Conn instruments are crafted with precision and attention to detail, resulting in trombones that are highly responsive and easy to play.
The smooth slide action of Conn trombones allows for precise intonation and effortless maneuverability, making them a favorite among professional trombone players.
Example Of Conn Trombone
What Real Players Have To Say
An excellent option for students. Affordable, durable, sounds great, and those slides are so smooth.
#4 King
When it comes to trombones, King is a legend.
Established way back in 1894, King has a reputation for crafting brass instruments that are both powerful and melodic.
Musicians love their trombones for their unique tone and timeless design.
One of the things that makes King trombones stand out is their distinctive and resonant sound.
They’re known for their warm and expressive timbre, producing a “big and brassy” tone that trombone players cherish for its richness in both classical and jazz music.
It’s a sound that’s instantly recognizable and loved by many.
But it’s not just about the sound – King trombones are also famous for their craftsmanship.
Each one is carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in instruments that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional.
The smooth slide action and precise intonation of King trombones make them a joy to play in any musical setting.
And let’s not forget about durability – King trombones are built to last.
Made with high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous testing, they’re reliable instruments that can withstand the rigors of regular practice and performance.
Example Of King Trombone
What Real Players Have To Say
Honestly, though there are some great H.N. White era trombones, King has been pretty consistently great the whole run. At least talking about 2B and 3B. Are they all the same? No, but they all do things well.
King trombones (and the Benges made in the same factory) have been consistently very well made, with no manufacturing flaws attributable to careless assembly or bad design. I’m a fan.
#5 Getzen
Let’s dive into the world of Getzen trombones!
Getzen is a well-known brand with a long history of crafting top-quality brass instruments, and their trombones are seriously impressive.
One of the standout features of Getzen trombones is their playability.
The slides are super smooth, allowing for precise control over pitch and tone.
This makes it easier to play different styles of music and express yourself creatively on the trombone.
But it’s not just about playability – the sound of Getzen trombones is also amazing.
They produce a rich and resonant tone that’s perfect for a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz to contemporary.
You can really make your trombone sing with a Getzen!
Another thing that sets Getzen trombones apart is their durability.
They’re built to last, with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
Whether you’re practicing daily or gigging regularly, a Getzen trombone can handle the demands of a serious musician and stand the test of time.
Example Of Getzen Trombone
#6 Edwards
Edwards is a respected brand known for their premium trombones. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail,
Edwards trombones offer exceptional playability and tone.
They are highly customizable, allowing players to select various components to create a trombone tailored to their preferences.
Edwards trombones are favored by professional trombone players for their craftsmanship and versatility, making them a top choice for those seeking a high-quality instrument that can deliver outstanding performance in any musical setting.
Example Of Edwards Trombone
#7 Rath
Rath is a highly regarded brand known for their exceptional trombones.
Renowned for their playability and rich tone, Rath trombones are customizable and favored by professional players for their quality and versatility.
A top choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performing instrument.
Example Of Rath Trombone
#8 Shires
Shires is a respected brand known for crafting top-quality trombones.
Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, Shires trombones are highly regarded for their playability, tone, and versatility.
They are favored by professional trombone players for their exceptional quality and performance, making them a top choice for those seeking a premium instrument for their musical endeavors.
Example Of Shires Trombone
#9 Holton
Holton is a reputable brand known for crafting high-quality brass instruments, including trombones. With a long history of producing reliable and resonant instruments, Holton has established a strong reputation among musicians for their craftsmanship and performance.
Example Of Holton Trombone
#10 XO Brass
XO Brass is a respected brand known for their premium brass instruments, including trombones. Renowned for their exceptional playability, tone, and durability, XO Brass has earned a reputation among musicians for producing top-quality instruments that meet the demands of professional players.
Example Of XO Brass Trombone
