TromboneChat

Hi All,

I am currently in the market for a new bass. I'm leaning towards some of the courtois stuff eg, 551, 550. I've played a couple and they have been consistently apart of the best horns i've tried. Im curious to know some of your thoughts and opinions, I would also love to hear some of your suggestions for similar horns.

Hugo

I played a lot on an older model (AC500 with dual Hagmanns, when they still used the "resonance plate" style counterweight). It had a fantastic sound and played great. Not especially easy to play though, took a massive amount of air.

I'm not sure how much truth is in that, but I was told the AC550 was an updated version of the AC500 that shared a lot of its basic design but brought it back somewhat towards the middle of the road. Not as heavy and not quite as open (or greedy on the air).

All the models play great above the staff. That might not be what you are looking for but to blend with the tenors gives you an advantage. Yes you can play the low notes. Fwiw- the placque resonator (ac500BH) really solidifies sound but guess what- you have to do the heavy lifting. Not a bad trade off for the sound. Of you like the sound you figure out how to play it. Same goes for TIS horns. The sound.

Ergobone anyone?

I developed tendinitis. But that could just be my weak arms!

I've played a 551 and owned a 550 for a while. Really liked the 550, and I felt that the 551 added some more core to the sound, though it could sometimes get a bit tubby in the low range. Also, I don't feel like the 551 is worth the 9k-10k it retails for. I'd go for the 550, and if you really want the bell cut, have a tech cut it. Probably wouldn't be impossible to have a dual bore slide ordered for the 550 if desired

I briefly tried one at a store, I think the 551/New York? I played a couple of notes, and quickly decided no bass trombone is worth the risk of left arm problems.
But maybe the other model is a bit less heavy?

Also I was looking for a lighter, more compact sounding bass trombone, and this was not that.

Pieter wrote: Mon Jun 15, 2026 4:38 am I briefly tried one at a store, I think the 551/New York? I played a couple of notes, and quickly decided no bass trombone is worth the risk of left arm problems.
But maybe the other model is a bit less heavy?

Also I was looking for a lighter, more compact sounding bass trombone, and this was not that.

Then maybe a Conn 72/73H?

S

Weirdly, I've not been a fan of the yellow brass 551s I've tried, but really liked the gold brass 551 I tried.

I don't have tons of time on Courtois, but I have played several 550s and 551s. 550s I don't mind- good horns, play well, sound good. 551 has a weird quality to it I can't put my finger on, I really don't dig the sound. Very heavy too.