TromboneChat

Lets open a new can of worms. I am looking at a 1986 Holton TR-181 bass trombone. This will be my first bass. Price is around 2K and its in great shape. No mods. One owner.

what do y'all think?

Thanks for your input

Too expensive, and IMO not great horns.

A lot of people like the 181, but I never warmed to them. They don't seem to have the same character of the other Holton basses. They go from $1000 - 1800 at the high and low.

If you can't try it first, then make sure you get a good price so you can sell it without losing too much money.

You don't have to treat it like it's the only horn you'll ever buy, especially if you don't live near a musical hub with a lot of instruments you can just go and try. Sometimes you have to buy and sell to figure out what you like.

Have you tried it? Have you compared it to other basses? You will get both positive and negative comments about this horn. Lots of positive in the Bass Trombone Appreciation Society on Facebook:









I own one and I like it. I have made modifications to it though and it is much better now than when it was stock. Also, I got mine for a fraction of what yours is going for.

I used to have one. Not bad horns, I really liked the sound, but I found it a difficult instrument to play in general. I wouldn't pay $2,000 for one.

I have tried a few but did not like them enough to buy. I think the dependent cousin, the Holton TR-180 plays a lot better on the valves. You could try other brands too. There are many good used horns out there that people want to sell.

/Tom

Thanks everyone for your input.