What do I spend £200 on?

[Drombone]

Dilemma!

I have a £200 Rath gift voucher, as a leaving gift from my work. But now, what do I buy with it?

I've an R4, a 3B and a TR181 (rebuilt and prettified by Rath).
The R4 is the best trombone I've ever put to my chops. The Holton is great, too. The 3B gets the least amount of playing. I've got mutes and mouthpieces on nearly every shelf in the house.

I'm thinking:

1. chop the 3B in and get an R3F, .525, it's the 1 size-fits-all option. But then I don't have a small bore horn.
2. chop the 3B in and get a R1/R2/R10. Replaces what I have, but will likely get very little use.
3. Buy a new case for the R4
4. Chop the Holton in and get a R9. I think this is my least preferred option, there's nothing wrong with what I've got and I like the Holton.

My main playing is concert band (R4), then amateur musical pitwork (depending on the dots, any of the 3), then orchestral (R4 / Holton)

what would you do? Any other thoughts?

[MrHCinDE]

Maybe pick up a .525” or .525”/.547” slide for the R4, and/or a straight gooseneck (assuming you have an R4F)

[Matt K]

The only difference between the R3 and R4 is the slide afaik. You can get the 8” and 8.5” bells on both sizes. So if you’re thinking about getting a complete horn rather than just the slide, perhaps keep the 3B and get a 525 slide to use on your R4 bell section. If you really like it, maybe a 8” bell down the road. (Post made before I saw the first response! I agree with them)

[MTbassbone]

Nothing...save it for later. Or if its really burning a hole in your pocket get a lesson or two.

[Drombone]

Nothing...save it for later. Or if its really burning a hole in your pocket get a lesson or two.

It's a vouncher - I can only spend it at Rath's

[MTbassbone]

Nothing...save it for later. Or if its really burning a hole in your pocket get a lesson or two.

It's a vouncher - I can only spend it at Rath's

My bad...reading is fundamental.

[harrisonreed]

Ask for your £200 back

[WilliamLang]

You might be able to ask for a lesson with a Rath artist.

[StephenK]

Such a strangely specialised gift! Either it could be used towards a large purchase, or some smaller items, but the choice there is very limited, and I think only you will know. Smaller things could be a mouthpiece, practice mute, grip, or polo shirt. Might be worth giving them a call to discuss options.

[Fidbone]

Save it for your yearly overhaul......

[MTbassbone]

Do you like the 3b and/or the 181? Could you sell one and get a corresponding choice in a Rath? There for sure would be additional funds that need to be added. However, if you are willing to chop up a horn you must not like it enough to keep.

[Drombone]

However, if you are willing to chop up a horn you must not like it enough to keep.

Ah… lost in translation. Chop IN = part exchange. Not chop up into bits.

[walldaja]

Have a set of mutes, solid music stand, trombone stand, best wishes.