Time to change the 606 ?

[NotATrumpet]

I've been playing 3rd in the local community bands using a Rath R3 Bb/F 0.525" which has been good. However, over the last few weeks I've been playing 2nd and lead. I can make the Rath work on 2nd but is not great for lead. I can play the parts but it just doesn't sit well. I have an old King 606 from when I started. I've been playing that for a few rehearsals. It is a little easier but I don't enjoy the sound I'm making (If the sounds not right it distracts me). I feel it lacks a certain richness. Not exactly a thin tone but no breadth. It's hard to decribe such abstact concepts but I hope you get the idea. I've tried a few different mouthpieces with varying success. Bachs 12C, 11C, 7C and 6 1/2 AL also a Wick 12CS. Also I find the 606 quite constrained and not as free blowing as I'd like. Are my expections too high for the 606 after playing the Rath ? Is there a mouthpiece that would do a better job ? ( On my Conn 88H I use a Wick 5AL or 5ABL and a Bach 5G or 4G on the Rath), Should I look for another small bore, if so what ? I've seen dual bore and slightly larger small bores. Would they be a better choice ? I have a budget which runs out at about $1000 ( although I'm hoping to pay less, of course).

[Burgerbob]

Sounds about right for your typical student model. Something better will be much more fun.

[Crazy4Tbone86]

Student instruments are designed for young players who don’t have much embouchure development and very little breath support. Thus, there are points of restriction on the horns that are much tighter than professional instruments of equivalent bore size. The leadpipe (it’s a two piece construction) on a King 606 is rather tight. Place a more open leadpipe in that horn, and many things become easier for a developed player.

Another thing that bugs me about the King 606 is the hardness of the metal in the gooseneck. If they would anneal the gooseneck after bending it, I think the sound of the trombone would be much warmer.

Don’t get me started about the wimpy crook guards at the end of the King slides………they give the crook very little protection. I think I replaced three of those crook guards yesterday! Tip for all King trombonist (especially students)…… put a Jupiter rubber bumper on the slide instead of the standard King bumper. It will reduce your chances of smashing in the crook by 10 fold.

[dukesboneman]

I would suggest possibly switching your mouthpiece and staying on the Rath.
Possibly and 6 3/4C or even try a Bach 4C if you`re used to the 4 size rim
or talk with Doug Elliott, or Terry Warburton or Ken Titmus of KTCustommouthpieces

[NotATrumpet]

Student instruments are designed for young players who don’t have much embouchure development and very little breath support. Thus, there are points of restriction on the horns that are much tighter than professional instruments of equivalent bore size. The leadpipe (it’s a two piece construction) on a King 606 is rather tight. Place a more open leadpipe in that horn, and many things become easier for a developed player.

Another thing that bugs me about the King 606 is the hardness of the metal in the gooseneck. If they would anneal the gooseneck after bending it, I think the sound of the trombone would be much warmer.

Don’t get me started about the wimpy crook guards at the end of the King slides………they give the crook very little protection. I think I replaced three of those crook guards yesterday! Tip for all King trombonist (especially students)…… put a Jupiter rubber bumper on the slide instead of the standard King bumper. It will reduce your chances of smashing in the crook by 10 fold.

All that makes sense. Although I think I'd rather spend the money for a new lead pipe on a different trombone.

[NotATrumpet]

I would suggest possibly switching your mouthpiece and staying on the Rath.
Possibly and 6 3/4C or even try a Bach 4C if you`re used to the 4 size rim
or talk with Doug Elliott, or Terry Warburton or Ken Titmus of KTCustommouthpieces

I did play the Rath last night on lead and it was OK. I was thinking there might be a better option. I will try your suggestions. Thank you.

[rudytbone]

I'm an Olds fan and have been using an Olds Super for lead work. Very focused tone, cuts well and I don't need to "push" to stand out. My wife gifted me a 2B for my 60th birthday and I'm loving that horn. Warmer, rounder tone than the Super, not as focused, but very easy to play.

[Geordie]

Used Rath R10?
Olds Recording?

[davdud101]

Try a Yamaha 354 or 200AD. I just got a King 3B and man, WHAT a horn that is - but it revealed to me how unbelievably excellent of a horn the 354 is.

[NotATrumpet]

Try a Yamaha 354 or 200AD. I just got a King 3B and man, WHAT a horn that is - but it revealed to me how unbelievably excellent of a horn the 354 is.

Thanks, I've read only good things about the 354.

[LetItSlide]

Try a Yamaha 354 or 200AD. I just got a King 3B and man, WHAT a horn that is - but it revealed to me how unbelievably excellent of a horn the 354 is.

Funny you should mention that. I recently acquired a 354 and a 3B at the same time. While I’m highly impressed with the King, especially the slide, the 354 is a real pleasure to play. The sound and the response are terrific. It doesn’t feel or sound like I’m playing a .500 bore.