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Roy Benson Alto Trombone

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:39 pm
by Hudsonband
Does anyone have any experience with a Roy Benson FL-201 Eb Alto Trombone? I am interested in any opinions on this instrument.

Re: Roy Benson Alto Trombone

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:46 pm
by Fruitysloth
I've got something similar to it, and it plays alright for what I need it to do(local orchestra, some brass sextet stuff). It's usually hit or miss with the Chinese brands of altos, which I'm sure both the Roy Benson and mine are. The Leadpipe from Hornguys (Stauffer I think) has been reported to help with some of the response and intonation issues. Anything above a community orchestra, and I'd recommend something else.

Re: Roy Benson Alto Trombone

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:05 pm
by JCBone
Fruitysloth wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:46 pm I've got something similar to it, and it plays alright for what I need it to do(local orchestra, some brass sextet stuff). It's usually hit or miss with the Chinese brands of altos, which I'm sure both the Roy Benson and mine are. The Leadpipe from Hornguys (Stauffer I think) has been reported to help with some of the response and intonation issues. Anything above a community orchestra, and I'd recommend something else.
Stauffer which is made by Kanstul is no longer avaible. If you want a good cheap alto then get the JP Rath alto.
Alternatively you can try your luck with a regulat chinese. horn. Some of them are actually pretty decent!

Re: Roy Benson Alto Trombone

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:38 pm
by Fruitysloth
JCBone wrote: Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:05 pm
Fruitysloth wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:46 pm I've got something similar to it, and it plays alright for what I need it to do(local orchestra, some brass sextet stuff). It's usually hit or miss with the Chinese brands of altos, which I'm sure both the Roy Benson and mine are. The Leadpipe from Hornguys (Stauffer I think) has been reported to help with some of the response and intonation issues. Anything above a community orchestra, and I'd recommend something else.
Stauffer which is made by Kanstul is no longer avaible. If you want a good cheap alto then get the JP Rath alto.
Alternatively you can try your luck with a regulat chinese. Some of them are actually pretty ok!
Aw man, I didn't know that! My Chinese alto plays pretty okay as is, so I haven't seen the need to upgrade anything as of yet. As of today, it looks like Horn Guys may still have some of the pipes in stock. Also yes! I should have mentioned the JP Rath. That horn looks super solid for under 1K.

Re: Roy Benson Alto Trombone

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:24 pm
by JakeRoberts69
Hi,

I've played on a roy benson for my entire higher ed career. Honestly, I've preferred it to some professional horns I've tried, and some big names have not confronted me about it! It is a great instrument to learn on, and for me, I have just kept learning on it!

best,
jr