Intermediate horn suggestions?

[Trombone47]

I would love your input/suggestions on a small bore, straight tenor, new or used in the $1200-$2000 price range.
Thanks in advance

[Burgerbob]

Used King 3B.

[Matt K]

What do you play now? Any other things you like dislike about setups? Your budget basically allows you to buy just about any horn used unless its super mint condition.

[harrisonreed]

A used 3BF is just about the nicest small bore you could ask for, and you could probably get one for about $1000

[Trombone47]

Hi Matt,
The horn is actually not for me, it is for a friend who recently started to play again. He has been back at it for a few years now and he has a Bundy student model that I imagine he has had since jr. high. Thanks for the 3B and 3BF suggestions.

[Kingfan]

What are his plans? If he wants to play in community bands and lower parts on big bands, an F attachment would be useful. I'm a fan of King horns. A 3B is a great horn, as is a 3B-F. A 2B is smaller bore, brighter, faster slide and great if he wants to focus on dixieland, salsa, or lead in a big band. He can buy a brand new Yamaha YSL-354 in his budget at around $1,700, a "student" horn that punches above its class and is well regarded, but for $500 more he can get a King 3B which will hold its value much better in the long run. Check our forum classifieds section, I remember Greenbean had a few tenors for sale.

[Mikebmiller]

A used 3BF is just about the nicest small bore you could ask for, and you could probably get one for about $1000

I have a 3B/F from the 70's that I was thinking about putting up for sale. It's in good shape. I would take $750 plus shipping. No mouthpiece included. I can send pics.

[JLivi]

$1200-2000 is a hefty budget for a straight small bore horn, especially if you go used. Your friend can pretty much can buy anything he/she wants. If your friend is looking to save a little money, I would recommend a Conn 6h. Usually you can find one for around $500-600. But of course a 3b or 2b would be great too.

I love the 3b, but I always find the 3BF's to be a little harder to play. I assume the valve is part of the reason/problem. I think both horns sound the same, but play differently.

[JLivi]

I also just noticed that Greenbean is going to be listing a bunch of straight tenors. He lists them under the "FS: Tenor Trombones" post in the classifieds section.

1950s Conn 6H
1960s Conn 6H
1960s Conn 48H Connstellation
1970s Bach 16
Yamaha 683G .525-bore

https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=11209

[Tarkus697]

I have a 1960's Selmer Bolero for sale in the classifieds as well. Another great small bore straight horn to consider.

[MrHCinDE]

There are plenty of great value used instruments in that price range: 6h, 3b etc.

If your friend is looking more in the new direction would a Rath R100 be worth a look? The one I’ve tried played great. Nice slide and solid sound.

[Trombone47]

Great suggestions! I'll pass the info along.

[greenbean]

I strongly believe that the best intermediate horn is a used pro horn.

[Posaunus]

I strongly believe that the best intermediate horn is a used pro horn.