TromboneChat

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

Used King 3B.

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.

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

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.

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.

harrisonreed wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2019 4:15 pm 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.

$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.

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

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

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.

Great suggestions! I'll pass the info along.

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

greenbean wrote: Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:32 pm I strongly believe that the best intermediate horn is a used pro horn.