Characteristics to Consider

F Attachment: The addition of the F attachment is one of the most common characteristics found in a step-up trombone. The F attachment consists of extra tubing to extend the lower range and a trigger to add alternative positions to the trombone. This allows players to reach extra notes and also play harder pieces with greater ease.

Open Wrap: An open wrap trombone is designed with fewer bends in the tubing than a trombone with a traditional wrap. This allows air to travel through the trombone with less resistance, making it feel more free-blowing.

Bell: Most upgraded trombones will have a bell made of yellow brass or gold brass. Yellow brass is popular because it allows for better sound projection, while giving the player a resonant, bright tone. Gold brass has a higher copper content which gives it a brighter sound. It still provides good projection, and some musicians choose it because of its broader, fuller tone. Upgraded trombones may also have what is called a one-piece, hand-hammered bell. This means that the instrument’s bell was constructed with a single piece of brass.  This gives the instrument a clearer sound because it can vibrate more uniformly.

Bore Size: The bore size of the trombone is the internal diameter of the tubing.  A step-up trombone will often have a larger bore than its student-level counterpart. This requires a greater volume of air from the player but it also provides a more powerful sound. 

It is important to decide which of these features is most valuable to you as a player, and the best way to verify this is to try a wide variety of step-up trombones.  At Menchey Music Service, we have upgraded trombones from Yamaha, Eastman, and Bach and we are ready to help you find the right fit!