TromboneChat

hello, the opera where I am employed will buy some instruments, now I am doing my research on what to order, I am thinking about the edwards t396AR or the Shires TbAlessi, some opinions about these instruments, how they compare, which one would you choose and why. I don't like instruments that are too bright, I am more of a fan of a darker sound although I play principal trombone most of the time unfortunately I don't have a place to test them that is why I am looking for opinions on this group. Thank you!

Both of these horns play pretty bright. With the Edwards version you can add some weight with copper pillars which seems to put more core into the sound, maybe darkening it a bit.

If you are looking for a horn that is not "bright", neither of these is likely what you are looking for.

Yes, that s with the yellow bell, all are too bright. But beethwen them, what's your choice?

The Edwards is less bright, very chunky sound. The shires is a lighter approach.

Burgerbob wrote: Sun Jun 14, 2026 8:32 am The Edwards is less bright, very chunky sound. The shires is a lighter approach.

Agreed. The Edwards is also more malleable in my experience.

Edwards, 100%. The pillars will allow you to somewhat add core, too, which can be perceived as adding darkness. I suggest the long pillar in the middle bridge hole, facing the tuning slide, most of the way out.

It's a weird premise though, overall. Are those the only two horns you can pick from for purchase?

*Edit sp.*

If you have other recomandation, i am open to them. Not just that two models, but it two models that i like. I am open to sugestions. Thank you

dorutzzu92 wrote: Tue Jun 16, 2026 9:19 am If you have other recomandation, i am open to them. Not just that two models, but it two models that i like. I am open to sugestions. Thank you

There are a bunch of European builders that make horns that, at least I, would not say are overly bright. The few American-style Theins I’ve tried, have not come out as bright to me. They are somewhat special playing, though, so I’d really recommend testing them. Lätzsch also have American-style horns that, again to me, did not feel bright.

Then there are Courtois, Adams, Hölle, Kromat, Voigt, Leuchter a.o. whom all are European builders that make excellent instruments.

In the U.S. there are Stephens and M&W who both make horns that may be built to not be bright, depending on choice of materials and dimensions.

However: The terms ”bright” and ”dark” are vague and hard to specify without having agreed upon a description of what they mean practically, so when it comes to my real suggestion, I’d say that you best get in touch, by mail or phone, with the builders whose horns you are interested in to discuss your preferences and demands.

Edwards and Shires can both be specified to your exact needs. If there is a dealer for either of them that you can get to, you could try out the different combinations of bells, valves and slides to suit your tastes.