TromboneChat

As the title says: Has anyone played the fairly new Rath model R6?

At first glance it seems to be a Conn derivative, but with what looks like an oversized Rath valve of - seemingly - a new design.

If anyone has tried it; what do you say? Bland, good, or bad? What is it like?

I have one in stock right now but with a Hagmann valve. Plays larger and maybe a tendency to a more round sound than the R4.

Digidog wrote: Fri Jun 12, 2026 8:08 am As the title says: Has anyone played the fairly new Rath model R6?

At first glance it seems to be a Conn derivative, but with what looks like an oversized Rath valve of - seemingly - a new design.

I'm not sure I would call it a Conn Derivative, especially since the R6 has a single radius slide end bow and main tuning slide, in addition to on the F-attachment. This is quite a departure from the usual for Rath, which usually has double radius end bows. I am trying to think of which company besides King / Benge used single radius slide end bows for .547" bore instruments.

tbonesullivan wrote: Fri Jun 12, 2026 11:54 am

Digidog wrote: Fri Jun 12, 2026 8:08 am As the title says: Has anyone played the fairly new Rath model R6?

At first glance it seems to be a Conn derivative, but with what looks like an oversized Rath valve of - seemingly - a new design.

I'm not sure I would call it a Conn Derivative, especially since the R6 has a single radius slide end bow and main tuning slide, in addition to on the F-attachment. This is quite a departure from the usual for Rath, which usually has double radius end bows. I am trying to think of which company besides King / Benge used single radius slide end bows for .547" bore instruments.

My R1 has single radius bends at both ends of the horn. I hadn't realised it was unusual until I was comparing it to a pals the other week. It's an early example that I bought secondhand. I asked Rath about it once, but it didn't match their serial number records and Tim said it pre-dated his time with the firm.

Total departure from the R6 thread.

Where did the "R" go on the R6???

Rath struggled to enter the professional symphonic world as they are pretty known and appreciated in the brass band world. Having this kind of smell of non professional music the pros snubbed Rath. So when they developed the R6 the let the R away and made a simple beace instead. And suddenly, at least in England as I heared, the professional trombone players seem to accept Rath as a serious trombone maker.

The R6 usually has a new rotor valve that Mick Rath configured himself. As I was told it was his Covid project when the world shut down. I’ve tried the horns at NAMM and they are very good. The valve is excellent and I preferred it much more to a Hagmann. I used to own an R4F with a Rotax but since it’s been such a long time don’t think I can compare fairly. I remember thinking that an R6/R3F hybrid of some configuration would be awesome.

I've much preferred the R6s I've tried to the R4s I've tried. The R6 is hard to beat, it is excellent.

meine wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:41 am Rath struggled to enter the professional symphonic world as they are pretty known and appreciated in the brass band world. Having this kind of smell of non professional music the pros snubbed Rath. So when they developed the R6 the let the R away and made a simple brace instead. And suddenly, at least in England as I heared, the professional trombone players seem to accept Rath as a serious trombone maker.

Sad how people still hear with their eyes, but I guess I get it. Over here in the US many look at Rath trombones as "Conn Style", since they come from the UK, where the Conn 88H was the preferred symphonic horn for many years. Many of the early Rath artists in the US I was familiar with had been Conn players.

Correct. And man, I‘m still thinking if I should order one. The R9 is a fantastic bass.

Finetales wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2026 11:05 am I've much preferred the R6s I've tried to the R4s I've tried. The R6 is hard to beat, it is excellent.

Can you elaborate?

Since all R6 I’ve seen have had red brass bells and what may, or may not, be a bell taper reminiscent of an 88, I asked if they were a Conn offspring since I really like the Conn concept, but think it needs to be developed now in the 21:st century.

I ordered mine over a year ago and still no word on when it'll be ready. The R6 bell is the same as the R4 bell which is more of a conn shape and it's a 2-piece bell, but they've always played more bach-like for me.

For me, the R6 feels more open than the R4F and the slots are very secure and centered, it feels similar to the way a Shires slots to me.

Digidog wrote: Sun Jun 14, 2026 11:48 pm

Finetales wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2026 11:05 am I've much preferred the R6s I've tried to the R4s I've tried. The R6 is hard to beat, it is excellent.

Can you elaborate?

Since all R6 I’ve seen have had red brass bells and what may, or may not, be a bell taper reminiscent of an 88, I asked if they were a Conn offspring since I really like the Conn concept, but think it needs to be developed now in the 21:st century.

They are made, and they aren't necessarily the Conn 88NV model -- The modern Conn style horn that I've liked the best is the Getzen Eterna one - the horn almost nobody talks about but it's actually incredible. They keep tweaking the design a bit, so I can't remember which exact model it was. Something like this:

https://www.getzen.com/trombones/eterna ... -trombone/

I played a very similar Getzen Eterna horn in Japan but with no over sleeves and it was like the best 88H ever.

From the R6 marketing description on the Rath website, FWIW:

“The main tuning slide features a newly designed large taper and marks a departure from Rath tradition by incorporating a single fixed brace between the tuning slide legs instead of the classic ‘R’ brace. This new brace gives the instrument a more traditional appearance while also improving response, and the new taper produces a rich, full sound.

“Michael has always worked closely with his team of technicians to ensure quality, consistency, and the development of new manufacturing techniques. Recently, he has introduced new tooling to create a more rounded rim profile on the bells. This new shape enhances player feedback without compromising projection and will be incorporated into all new Rath trombones, including the R6.”

(Emphasis added.)

The R6 I have in stock is all yellow brass and it's absolutely nothing like a Conn 88h FWIW.