Bass trombone for $2500-$3000

[lsmallberger]

I play bass trombone in a couple big bands at the college I attend, and out of all the brass instruments I've learned in my life (all but french horn) I can say that it is by far my favorite. As a result, I'm actively looking for a bass trombone in the price range specified in the title, and I figured I would ask here since I think I'll get better advice here than researching on my own.
What I've gathered so far is that a Benge 290 is a good bet for something on the cheaper end (but the age of a lot of those doesn't sit right with me), and if I can find a good Yamaha or Bach for the price, it's also a good bet.

I'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!

[nateaff]

Yamaha 611, 612, 613. Easy to find and easy to play.

[tbonesullivan]

I'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!

Also check thebrass-exchange.com and brassark.com. Baltimore brass also sometimes has good used horns.

As mentioned before, a Yamaha 613 or 613H would work well. Holton TR181. Olds P-24G horns can be nice as well. The Conn 112H and 62HI (current production) have their fans. You might also see a Kanstul 1585 once in a while.

[nateaff]

There's an AWESOME looking 613G for sale now on the classifieds here for $1600. If you're looking to buy youd be a fool to not scoop that up.

[Chronos91]

I'll often look on eBay, reverb, and here when I'm looking to get a new horn. Honestly, if you do some looking and have patience, you should have a ton of options in that range. I bought a Bach 50T3 a couple of years ago for $2250 that I would sell in that range if I was looking to move on, and I've seen other Bach 50's in your range too (typically not with axials). In addition to the Yamahas mentioned, Shires Q36, and maybe Getzen basses would be in range.

[hyperbolica]

I've got a Conn custom job available for $2700. Really nice horn. For details, search for trombone yardsale here on TC.

[sf105]

The Benge 290 is a much underrated horn, which might explain its cheapness. Treated well, that generation of horn shouldn't be a problem.

[WGWTR180]

I play bass trombone in a couple big bands at the college I attend, and out of all the brass instruments I've learned in my life (all but french horn) I can say that it is by far my favorite. As a result, I'm actively looking for a bass trombone in the price range specified in the title, and I figured I would ask here since I think I'll get better advice here than researching on my own.
What I've gathered so far is that a Benge 290 is a good bet for something on the cheaper end (but the age of a lot of those doesn't sit right with me), and if I can find a good Yamaha or Bach for the price, it's also a good bet.

I'm just asking around for the best way to go about this. I constantly peruse Facebook marketplace, Dillon Music, Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist and would like to know what I should look for in specific. My only preference is that it is an independent valve system.

Thanks all!

I know someone in NYC selling a Benge 290. The Yamaha 613G on the Classifieds here is a great deal for a fantastic instrument. For $1600 plus shipping you'll never find something that nice for that price. Just my 2 cents.

[lsmallberger]

In case anyone wanted a follow-up on this (better late than never, I guess), back in the middle of June I ordered a JDM YBL-630G off of eBay for $2100, which ended up being around $2500 after taxes on the initial purchase and.... $284 in tariffs and customs fees.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/286619346554

I think I really lucked out with it because I read a lot about (small) horror stories with ordering instruments from Japan on eBay. The horn is in perfect shape, along with the case, and it even has the G slide that I won't ever use.

[Burgerbob]

Japan post will no longer be shipping to the US, so that route is now unavailable.

[CalgaryTbone]

Japan post will no longer be shipping to the US, so that route is now unavailable.

Anyone know if that means that UPS, FedEx, etc. won't be shipping Internationally? I think we are escaping this issue, mostly, in Canada right now (except maybe to the US cost-wise, at least).

Jim Scott

[Chazzer69]

Anyone know if that means that UPS, FedEx, etc. won't be shipping Internationally? I think we are escaping this issue, mostly, in Canada right now (except maybe to the US cost-wise, at least).

Jim Scott

The two proxy buying websites I check have notices that they will still ship with those carriers, but they may collect prepayment for import duties. I haven't tried that yet, so not sure how ridiculous that's going to be. And I think they are estimating. I believe at least one noted that if you end up overpaying based on their estimate that they won't refund the difference.

I would imagine with buyer fees, basic shipping expense, plus the tariffs , that any 'deals' won't be that great in the end. No idea how the Japanese sellers on eBay that advertise free shipping are going to handle that. Probably means you would have to deal with paying any tariffs via the carrier after the item gets here.

If you're in Canada, you might be ok though. For us 'murricans, we're SOL.

[CalgaryTbone]

For better or worse, this is changing how people do business. I have been eyeing a Marcus Bona case for my alto trombone. In the past, I've tended to buy things like that from places like the Hornguys in LA. I generally found the prices to be slightly better, even with the exchange rate, and since they had more inventory, they were faster too. It looks like I can get one about $200 cheaper from a Canadian chain store now because of the tariffs, so if I get one that will be the source.

Also, I'm about to start the semester at the University where I teach. I always have given my students the info for Hickeys as a source for their etude books and solos. Again, their inventory was a major selling point - local stores might not have as much in stock, and the wait could be longer. Hard to be able to justify such a large price difference, especially for students with a tight budget.

Jim Scott

[Jimkinkella]

Also check thebrass-exchange.com and brassark.com.

Also email Noah ([email protected]) and Doug ([email protected]) directly, they're both super nice guys, fantastic to work with, super knowledgeable, and they might be able to find some things not posted on their sites.


It's hard to argue with the Yamaha recommendations, but you never know what you might find!

Jim