Holton TR181 introduced when?

[greenbean]

I am curious about the history of the Holton TR181 independent bass trombone. I am pretty sure they still make them, but when did they start?

I have one from, I believe, 1976. It thoroughly outplays the (two) more modern ones I have played. I just realized that I have no idea when they introduced these. And did they make them continuously after the introduction? Any Holton experts our there care to share what they know?...

Thanks.

[Neo Bri]

Guessing here. I thought it was around 1968 or so.

[mrdeacon]

Guessing here. I thought it was around 1968 or so.

Nah that's the TR180.

The TR181 came about at the end of the TR180 and TR185 production cycle so if memory serves me right production on the TR181 started around 1978 or 1979. I could be wrong on that though... but I'm pretty sure the TR180 and TR181 were not produced side by side.

The actual first production date is buried in a thread somewhere in the old tromboneforum archives. Byron Pillow should also be able to give you an exact date.

The Adams website has the Holton serial numbers up through until the company was sold.

[ZacharyThornton]

The modern TR181s even use parts from Bach 50s. It is weird seeing them without the chrome slide braces!

[mrdeacon]

The modern TR181s even use parts from Bach 50s. It is weird seeing them without the chrome slide braces!

I forgot about that! I remember that thread from the old trombone forums. It was a trip seeing Bach 50B parts on a stock TR181.

[ssking2b]

Original TR181 was designed by Van Janet with additional input from Dave Taylor in the late 70's. Janet left Holton and went to King because he got no recognition from Holton. At king, Janet worked on the 7B, 8B, 5B, and the Benge 290.

Haney was a teacher and friend of mine so heard all the war stories.

[ssking2b]

Spell check keeps changing Haney to Janet. Sorry about that!