TromboneChat

Hello,

I'm looking for suggestions for good used trombones that can be used in marching band situations (small band of 8-15 members). I would prefer a straight trombone over an f-attachment (I like the simplicity, the weight and, yes, the looks). I currently have an XO1634 and a YSL-881 but would prefer not dinging these up with bell clip-on lyres, and the abuse of being in a band that plays outside in any weather. What do you suggest? Thanks.

yamaha 354

Something used and inexpensive.

Yamaha YSL-354 or AD200, student horn from Conn/King/Bach/Getzen/Olds/Holton or other major maker. Avoid cheap imports like Eastar, Cecilio, Slade, Mendini, etc. and no-brand-name horns as they won't hold up in my opinion. I just scored an older Japan-built YSL-354 with a stiff slide for $60 and spent $150 with my tech; I have a great player for under $250.

Holton TR602

harrisonreed wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 1:15 pm Something used and inexpensive.

Ummm...yes that was the point of my post.

Burgerbob wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 12:45 pmyamaha 354

I was hoping you would reply. Thank you. That's 2 votes for the Yammy 354.

Kingfan wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 1:56 pm Yamaha YSL-354 or AD200, student horn from Conn/King/Bach/Getzen/Olds/Holton or other major maker. Avoid cheap imports like Eastar, Cecilio, Slade, Mendini, etc. and no-brand-name horns as they won't hold up in my opinion. I just scored an older Japan-built YSL-354 with a stiff slide for $60 and spent $150 with my tech; I have a great player for under $250.

Thank you for your reply. YSL354 has two votes. Another person replied with Holton TR602. I admit I'm curious as I've never tried a Holton. I am quite familiar with Yamaha instruments and they are great quality which I'm assuming has trickled down to the student horns as well.

KingToot wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 5:20 pm Holton TR602

There's a used 1950 TR602 near me. I'm tempted to go try it. I've never played a Holton before. Any thoughts on this particular era - stay away or buy quick?

Olds Ambassador. They are tough, play well, and can be found for a very reasonable price.

ChicaBone wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 5:49 pm

KingToot wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 5:20 pm Holton TR602

There's a used 1950 TR602 near me. I'm tempted to go try it. I've never played a Holton before. Any thoughts on this particular era - stay away or buy quick?

I’ve owned and played a TR602F for marching band. It’s a little bigger, .525 bore with a F-Attachement, so a little different of a beast, but along the same lines. I found the build quality to be good. I also messed around on a TR602 when I was in school…it’s a solid quality student horn. I wouldn’t put it on the same tier as a 354, but at the right price and if it’s a player, it wouldn’t be a bad choice. It’s easily as good as the King 606 student horns I’ve played…which the King 606 would also be a decent choice.

I enjoy the Yamaha 354. If you can find a Conn 14H or 18H made in Elkhart, those aren't bad either.

Any used Olds tenor (e.g., Ambassador, Special, Studio, ..
,,)- very robust - or King student trombones (also pretty sturdy) or Yamaha, as previously noted,
All are often available at favorable prices.

ChicaBone wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 5:33 pm

harrisonreed wrote: Fri May 15, 2026 1:15 pm Something used and inexpensive.

Ummm...yes that was the point of my post.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be facetious -- you never really know what horn is going to pop up that fits this bill. The suggestions here are all spot on. I do like having an F attachment, so maybe a used Getzen?

See if you can find an old (1950s onwards) Boosey and Hawkes or Besson small bore (0.487in with 7.5in bell). They were built like tanks so ideal for marching bands.
The Besson 2-20 was sold in the USA but most of the others were sold in the UK and its Commonwealth so they come up in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Cheers

Stewbones43

Just know that the Yamaha 354/200AD does not have room for a standard lyre that attaches on the mouthpiece receiver.

Olds Ambassador