TromboneChat

Hi guys!

So I’ve been playing on a Shires Q series tenor for a couple of months now, and the horn has treated me very well. But for a little while now, I haven’t really felt fulfilled playing tenor in general, as it’s gotten really boring and sometimes tedious for me. I’ve always been super interested in playing bass, though. The role of bridging the gap between trombones and tuba has always been intriguing to me. I’ve tried out a couple basses, and while I didn’t sound too great on them due to it being alot bigger than what I’m used to, I think if I practiced hard like I do on tenor, I could get good at it. So I decided to contact my college music director to see if there was a spare bass at my college or if there were any schools nearby that’d have spares. But, in the chance that it doesn't work, I’ve been considering just flat out selling/trading my Q series for a bass. But I’m having some doubts, so I wanted to ask here. Would it be a good idea to trade my Q series for a bass, or should I stay on it for a while and wait to get a bass. Of course I know it’s my choice at the end of the day, but I’m hoping I could see if anyone else has been through this sort of thing and/or if they have advice.

If you think tenor trombone is boring, bass will be even more boring. The parts move around less, they get the melody even less. Look at tuba parts - boring. Certainly don't make the change for that reason.

You said in another place that "money is in short supply". Another reason to not buy a bass bone, unless you do have some limited budget and can find a bass bone in that range.

You're in high school? The bass bone parts you see in high school can largely be played on a tenor with a bigger mouthpiece, which you have also asked about.

And lastly, you're asking a forum of people with widely different perspectives. Some people here are going to give advice from extremely esoteric points of view, they probably have jobs and are playing with extra money or professional needs. Nobody really knows you or your situation.

Taking things like "life" into account, I'd say start playing bass parts on your tenor. Maybe get a 2G as others have recommended. Get a job and start saving money. You might get a playable 72h for $1200 or so. A rather used double valve dependent might go $1500, double used indy for $1800, something shiny but used for $2500, and a new horn might set you back ~$5k+. The Q was probably an expensive gift, and the people who gave it to you might look askance at disposing of it.

You're not in college, not a music major, not a prospective pro... so it's discretionary spending. Save your self a lot of grief, and don't spend the money until you have it and don't need it for something more urgent.

Sorry I shouldve mentioned it but I am an incoming college freshman at a community college and I am planning on majoring in music. But your points do still stand.

I started playing bass trombone at the behest of my teacher, who felt it would improve my sound on the tenor. I ended up playing both, which I still do. If possible, my advice would be hold on the the tenor, and get the bass trombone also.

It takes time to learn how to manage your breath on the bass; I used to joke that if you're not hyperventilating, you're not doing it right!

btw, If you really feel tenor is boring and tedious, I fail to see what would be different on bass trombone. Perhaps you might rethink your reasoning......

Bass will likely improve your tenor playing. You should play both if you're serious about the trombone. If you're not serious about it in a livelihood kind of way, it doesn't matter. You can do what you like!

Add to the collection! There's room

Still playing tenor or bass as needed

In the OP's case I would just put a bass mouthpiece in the Q tenor and play bass etudes. The whole reason Remington advocated a large bore tenor was because it could cover tenor and bass parts.

Don't forget the room for cases, and two tubas, etc

vetsurginc wrote: ↑Thu Aug 01, 2024 7:28 am IMG_4219.JPG

Add to the collection! There's room

Where are all the mouthpieces and lead pipes hidden?

Posaunus wrote: ↑Thu Aug 01, 2024 10:36 am

vetsurginc wrote: ↑Thu Aug 01, 2024 7:28 am IMG_4219.JPG

Add to the collection! There's room

Where are all the mouthpieces and lead pipes hidden?

See that desk in the back right? Basket on top full of m-pieces, drawers full of pipes