Japanese traditional lacquer trombone

[Slide009]

This is my first post.
Please point out if I am making any mistakes.

I work for a Japanese lacquerware store.
I also play trombone in big band jazz.

I mixed work and hobby to made a Japanese traditional lacquer trombone.
I would like to sell this abroad.

I would like to post a photo, but it seems I can't upload a photo until I have 3 posts.

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post it.

I would like you to come to our website if you would like.
http://www.edoshikki.com/?tid=2&mode=f16

Best regards

[tbonesullivan]

Isn't Urushi lacquer usually fairly thick when compared to the protective lacquer coating used on instruments? I would worry that the resonance of the horn might be reduced.

[Burgerbob]

Beautiful work.

[NotSkilledHere]

im by no means an expert but i collect fountain pens as a separate hobby have seen many urushi pens. lacquer ends up being quite thick but from what i understand, they are applied in thin layers and built up to desired thickness and that's part of how the depth and richness of color is achieved. So i guess the thickness of the lacquer would depend on what particular color you are aiming for and darkness/depth/richness you are looking for. That being said, I do think some combination of tradiional instrument engraving and silver/gold plating and lacquerwork would be quite exquisite and beautiful!

and that horn pictured is really beautifully done!! i could stare at that makie work all day!

[JohnL]

The price ($6,500 US) puts it well out of my reach, but it is certainly beautiful work.

[NotSkilledHere]

im curious if $6.5k is including the horn or just the work. a lot of the price of that horn pictured could very well be based on makie work. I know urushi on its own is not cheap to begine with but the makie artistry ive seen bump prices up largely.

[Digidog]

Beautiful! Fantastic looking horns!

If I had $6500, I'd order one just for playing it decoratively without any prior testing. I'd have either a Kiku decoration or - like the menuki of my iaito - a by the looks of it female flying dragon, from which I gave the sword the somewhat pretentious (and maybe silly) name "Hiryo no hime".

How durable are they? I mean: How do they take wear and tear and smacking into stuff, and mute dings? Are the slides lacquer too?

[Finetales]

That is gorgeous!

[hyperbolica]

Stunning. Love the use of natural materials as well.

[Slide009]

Isn't Urushi lacquer usually fairly thick when compared to the protective lacquer coating used on instruments? I would worry that the resonance of the horn might be reduced.

I am very happy that so many people have responded.

You are right, the lacquer coating is very thick compared to the regular lacquer.

It was easy to imagine that the sound could be suppressed.
So I attempted to make it as thin as possible.

I had a musician try it and gave me the following advice.
The curved part of the tuning tube and the tip of the slide should not be painted. It is because it is where the brace hits and resonates well.”

[Slide009]

Beautiful work.

Thank you very much!
If you ever come to Japan, please come and play this trombone!

[Slide009]

im by no means an expert but i collect fountain pens as a separate hobby have seen many urushi pens. lacquer ends up being quite thick but from what i understand, they are applied in thin layers and built up to desired thickness and that's part of how the depth and richness of color is achieved. So i guess the thickness of the lacquer would depend on what particular color you are aiming for and darkness/depth/richness you are looking for. That being said, I do think some combination of tradiional instrument engraving and silver/gold plating and lacquerwork would be quite exquisite and beautiful!

and that horn pictured is really beautifully done!! i could stare at that makie work all day!

You are very knowledgeable about maki-e!
And it is wonderful that you also have a fountain pen.

What is the name of the pattern on this trombone?
It is called “Shunju” which means spring and autumn.
It represents cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.

[Slide009]

The price ($6,500 US) puts it well out of my reach, but it is certainly beautiful work.

Thank you very much!

Since the yen is currently weak, the price of the instrument itself has risen very much.

20 years ago king 3B about $1,700
Currently king 3B about $3,700

[Slide009]

im curious if $6.5k is including the horn or just the work. a lot of the price of that horn pictured could very well be based on makie work. I know urushi on its own is not cheap to begine with but the makie artistry ive seen bump prices up largely.

Thank you for your comment!

The price of $6,500 is the price of the king 3B body and all the japanese lacquer painting and maki-e combined.

If it were just the urushi-nuri and maki-e, it would be roughly $3,500.
The rest is international shipping costs.

[Slide009]

Beautiful! Fantastic looking horns!

If I had $6500, I'd order one just for playing it decoratively without any prior testing. I'd have either a Kiku decoration or - like the menuki of my iaito - a by the looks of it female flying dragon, from which I gave the sword the somewhat pretentious (and maybe silly) name "Hiryo no hime".

How durable are they? I mean: How do they take wear and tear and smacking into stuff, and mute dings? Are the slides lacquer too?

Thank you very much!

Very cool name!

Japanese lacquer has very strong properties among various paints.
It can peel off with a strong impact, but compared to regular lacquer, Japanese lacquer is stronger.

The outside of the slide is coated with Japanese lacquer, but nothing is done on the inside.

[Slide009]

That is gorgeous!

Thank you very much!

Please come visit Japan and see this trombone!

[Slide009]

Stunning. Love the use of natural materials as well.

Thank you very much!

You are right, Japanese lacquer is a natural paint refined from tree sap.

It is a traditional craft that Japan is proud to offer to the world!

[tbonesullivan]

I am very happy that so many people have responded.

You are right, the lacquer coating is very thick compared to the regular lacquer.

It was easy to imagine that the sound could be suppressed.
So I attempted to make it as thin as possible.

I had a musician try it and gave me the following advice.
The curved part of the tuning tube and the tip of the slide should not be painted. It is because it is where the brace hits and resonates well.”

It definitely looks beautiful. I deal with antique Japanese items such as Nihonto and Jingasa, so I definitely have an appreciation for the beautiful work that can be done with Urushi.

[Slide009]

I will also upload pictures from different angles.

Later, I will also upload a video of me playing this Japanese traditional lacquer trombone.
It's big band jazz, so it doesn't show much....

[Slide009]

I am very happy that so many people have responded.

You are right, the lacquer coating is very thick compared to the regular lacquer.

It was easy to imagine that the sound could be suppressed.
So I attempted to make it as thin as possible.

I had a musician try it and gave me the following advice.
The curved part of the tuning tube and the tip of the slide should not be painted. It is because it is where the brace hits and resonates well.”

It definitely looks beautiful. I deal with antique Japanese items such as Nihonto and Jingasa, so I definitely have an appreciation for the beautiful work that can be done with Urushi.

Great collection!
He loves Japan more than I do as a Japanese.
Thank you!

[HawaiiTromboneGuy]

Where in Japan are you located? I’m visiting Tokyo from June 1st-20th and it would be neat to see this in person!

[Slide009]

Where in Japan are you located? I’m visiting Tokyo from June 1st-20th and it would be neat to see this in person!

That's great!

I live near Asakusa, Tokyo.
Please drop by my store when you come to Tokyo.
and,
Please try to play this trombone.

If it had been June 28, I would have wanted you to come because my band was having a free show.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E7%A ... FQAw%3D%3D

[HawaiiTromboneGuy]

Where in Japan are you located? I’m visiting Tokyo from June 1st-20th and it would be neat to see this in person!

That's great!

I live near Asakusa, Tokyo.
Please drop by my store when you come to Tokyo.
and,
Please try to play this trombone.

If it had been June 28, I would have wanted you to come because my band was having a free show.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E7%A ... FQAw%3D%3D

That could work! Perhaps the day that we visit Senso-ji we could meet up!

The community band that I play in here in Honolulu is having a joint concert with our sister band in Omiya.

Your shop seems to be less than 30 minutes away from where we’re staying in Akiba!

[Slide009]

That's great!

I live near Asakusa, Tokyo.
Please drop by my store when you come to Tokyo.
and,
Please try to play this trombone.

If it had been June 28, I would have wanted you to come because my band was having a free show.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E7%A ... FQAw%3D%3D

That could work! Perhaps the day that we visit Senso-ji we could meet up!

The community band that I play in here in Honolulu is having a joint concert with our sister band in Omiya.

Your shop seems to be less than 30 minutes away from where we’re staying in Akiba!

Kaminarimon is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Japan!
Please contact me closer to the date you will be traveling.

[Slide009]

Here is a video of my band playing.
I am MC and 2nd trombone.

We perform once a month at the Food Hall of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station.

日比谷 vibrant city jazz orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0zghL6LOeY&t=32s

[HawaiiTromboneGuy]

That could work! Perhaps the day that we visit Senso-ji we could meet up!

The community band that I play in here in Honolulu is having a joint concert with our sister band in Omiya.

Your shop seems to be less than 30 minutes away from where we’re staying in Akiba!

Kaminarimon is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Japan!
Please contact me closer to the date you will be traveling.

Yes, I’ll be sure to contact you later when it’s closer to my trip to work out the details. Kaminarimon is always a must stop! Last year was super busy with the influx of tourism.

[tromboneVan]

I will also upload pictures from different angles.

Later, I will also upload a video of me playing this Japanese traditional lacquer trombone.
It's big band jazz, so it doesn't show much....

Beautiful.

[HawaiiTromboneGuy]

Slide009- Sent you a PM/email. Flying out this Sunday so hopefully we can link up.

[davdud101]

That is some incredible stuff!! The price is pretty prohibitive for anyone that isn't a brain surgeon for their day job, but it does give me some ideas as I've been doing my own mods on horns I pick up for cheap.