Trombone Under $500: 9 Best Options for Students and Beginners (2025)

Want a good trombone under $500 that won’t empty your wallet? You’re in the right spot. After selling trombones for years, I know what makes a great starter horn.

A budget trombone is still a solid choice!! Through my music store work, I’ve seen which affordable models keep trombonists happy. I’ve checked hundreds of reviews and talked to real players to find seven reliable picks.

What Is The Best Trombone Under $500?

Used Yamaha YSL-354 stands out as the top trombone under $500. Music teachers love this horn because it plays well and lasts long. You can often find used ones for around $200, which makes them an amazing deal.

Used Bach TB301 comes in as a close second choice. It’s made in the USA and has great build quality. The TB301 features smooth slide action and makes a warm, balanced sound that works for any style.

Etude ETB-100 offers a budget option but doesn’t match the quality of Yamaha or Bach. While it comes with nice accessories and works for beginners, it needs more maintenance to play well.

Check my “13 Top Trombone Brands: Reviews & Rankings” for more info!

Why Trust My Trombone Under $500 Recommendations

I’ve helped match countless students with their perfect trombone over 15 years in music retail. When picking these trombones, I focused on what RELLY matters:

**Build and Materials**

The slide needs to move like butter, and the metal should feel sturdy. Each horn has a solid build quality and a nice finish.

**Sound Quality**

A decent trombone hits all the notes clearly and stays in tune. It should have enough power when you need it.

**Value for Money**

These horns won’t fall apart after a few months. You can find replacement parts without much trouble.

To make sure these picks are SOLID, I worked with local music teachers and pro players. They all have played in different settings:

• Indoor practice spaces
• Band rehearsals
• Music lessons (Best 11 Resources For Trombone Lessons)
• Outdoor events

I also got feedback from:

• Band directors
• Repair technicians
• Music students
• Weekend warriors

Find more prices in the “Best Trombone Price Guide“!

1 Etude ETB-100 Series Student Trombone

Etude ETB-100 is a basic brass trombone that won’t empty your wallet. Many school bands use this model because it’s easy to play and maintain.

Build and Features
The ETB-100 comes with a medium .495″ bore that helps new players make sound easily. The yellow brass bell and chrome-plated slides give it a classic look.

What’s Included
You get a basic case and a 12C mouthpiece in the package. The thermoplastic case keeps your horn safe during transport.

Sound Quality
The brass bell helps create warm tones that work well in school bands. However, some players say it doesn’t project as well as pricier horns.

Real User Feedback
Many parents say it’s perfect for lessons and beginning band. But serious players often outgrow it quickly. Some teachers use it as a backup teaching horn.

Best For
This trombone works well for:

• First-time players
• School band beginners
• Those testing the waters

Watch Out For
The slide might need extra care (more oiling) to stay smooth. The sound won’t match up to Yamaha or Bach models. Some players say it sounds thin in big spaces.

The lacquer finish scratches pretty fast. You might want to upgrade after a year or two. Most teachers suggest saving up for a better brand if you’re serious about playing.

Etude ETB-100 Student Trombone

Features:

• Medium .495″ bore for easy tone production
• 8″ yellow brass bell
• Yellow brass body
• Clear lacquer finish
• 12C mouthpiece (small shank)

Check Price

The ETB-100 makes a decent first trombone for most beginners. While it won’t wow advanced players, it does the job for learning. Just know you’ll probably want to upgrade if you stick with it.

2 Stagg WS-TB225 Series Student Trombone

The Stagg WS-TB225 sits in the middle of our budget picks. While Stagg isn’t as famous as other brands, this model remains in student band rooms and practice spaces.

Core Features
The trombone comes with a .499-inch bore and an 8.07-inch brass bell. It uses yellow brass for the outer slide and chrome-plated nickel silver for the inner slides.

What’s Included
You get an ABS hard case and a 12C mouthpiece in the package. The case helps protect your horn during transport to lessons or band practice.

Watch Out For
The lacquer finish shows wear pretty fast. Advanced players notice limited sound range. Some parts feel less durable than premium brands.

Bottom Line
The Stagg WS-TB225 works as a starter horn if you’re on a tight budget. However, serious students might want to look at used Yamaha or Bach models.

Stagg WS-TB225 Student Trombone

Features:

• .499″ bore size
• 8.07″ brass bell
• Yellow brass body
• Chrome-plated inner slides
• Clear lacquer finish

Check Price

The Stagg WS-TB225 isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done for beginners. It costs more than some starter horns but less than premium brands. If you’re testing the waters with trombone — it’s WORTH checking out!! Just don’t expect it to compete with professional models.

3 Used Yamaha YSL-354

Yamaha stands as a trusted name in student trombones since the 1960s. Many music teachers pick Yamaha over other brands.

These horns often appear in music shops, costing half the price of new ones. Many players say used Yamaha YSL-354 models can match new ones in quality if well maintained.

What to Check In Trombone Under $500
Older models had chrome peeling issues on a slide. Some units develop red rot in slide tubing. Used horns may need slide work or cleaning. The narrow slide design takes getting used to.

Slide Action

Before buying a used YSL-354, inspect the slide.
The slide should move smoothly without catching or scraping. Check both inner and outer slides for dents or alignment issues.

Value Points
Used YSL-354s often cost half the price of new ones. Many teachers say these horns last years with proper care.

Typical Price Range

• Good condition: $300-400
• Fair condition: $200-300
• Needs work: Under $200

Shopping Tips

• Try the horn before buying if possible
• Ask about the horn’s history
• Check all slides and moving parts
• Look for obvious repair work

Used Yamaha YSL-354

Features:

• .500″ medium bore
• 7.87″ yellow brass bell
• Yellow brass body construction
• Nickel-silver inner slides

Check Price

A used YSL-354 can be an amazing trombone under $500 if you find one in good shape! Remember to check it thoroughly before buying.

Also, budget for a cleaning and possible slide work when buying used. A good repair shop makes an old YSL-354 play like new.

4 Used Bach TB301 Trombone

Bach is a name that musicians trust. Bach makes some of the best brass instruments around. They’ve been doing it for years.

The TB301 is perfect for students who want quality. When you find a used trombone under $500, you’re getting a REAL deal!!

What makes the TB301 special? Players say it stays in tune really well. That’s super important when you’re playing with others in a band.

Why Players Love It
The TB301 isn’t too heavy, which helps when you’re learning. It makes a nice, clear sound that fits well with other instruments. Plus, if you want to sell it later, these horns keep their value pretty well.

This horn works great in school bands. I’ve heard it myself in student concerts. It sounds just right – not too loud, not too soft.

What to Check When Buying A Used Trombone Under $500
Check the slide first – it should move smoothly without sticking. Look inside the slide for any scratches or dents. The spit valve (we call it a “water key”) should close tight.

Some used horns might have problems. But Bach makes sturdy instruments. Most TB301s can handle years of practice and performances

A used Bach TB301 gives you a quality horn without spending too much. It’s like finding a hidden treasure in the music world!

Used Bach TB301 Trombone

Features:

• .500 inches bore
• Yellow brass on the outside of the slide
• Comes with a Bach 12C mouthpiece
• Special silver coating inside the slide
• Strong ring where the bell connects

Check Price

The Bach TB301 is a smart choice for new trombone players. It’s built well and sounds great in school bands.

 Check the used horn carefully before buying. Make sure the slide moves smoothly. Look for any big dents or problems.

5 Schiller American Heritage Trombone

The Schiller American Heritage Bronze Rose Trombone looks different from other student horns. Its special bronze bell catches everyone’s eye and makes a warmer sound.

Construction Features

The bell measures 8 3/8 inches and uses yellow brass with a bronze finish. This gives the trombone a darker, richer sound than regular brass horns.

The slide needs good cleaning when you first get it. After some care, it moves pretty smoothly. The sound takes a bit more work to make, but many players like it.

Sound Quality
The bronze bell makes the music sound darker and warmer. Some players really like this different sound. It stands out in group performances.

This horn works best for players who don’t practice hours every day. It’s good for occasional playing or as a second instrument.

Schiller American Heritage Trombone

Features:

• 8.5” bell 
• Warm, dark tones
• Decent intonation
• Impressive finish
• Comes with accessories: case, mouthpiece, and maintenance supplies

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The Schiller American Heritage gives you something different without costing too much money.

Try to play it before buying if you can. Make sure you like how it feels and sounds. With good care, this trombone under $500 can make nice music for years!

6 Allora ATB-250 Student Series Trombone

The Allora ATB-250 costs a bit more than other beginner horns (~$649.99). But many band teachers say it’s worth the extra money. This model shows up often in school bands and rental programs.

The Allora ATB-250 stands out as a solid student trombone. Of all Allora’s student instruments, this trombone gets the most praise.

Core Features
The ATB-250 comes with a .500″ bore and an 8″ yellow brass bell. The yellow brass construction helps create clear tones that work well in school bands.

What’s Great
The trombone responds quickly and projects well for a student model[6]. Its build quality holds up to daily practice and band rehearsals[15]. The three-year warranty gives parents peace of mind[7].

What’s Not
The lacquer finish needs careful handling to stay nice. Some players say to pick a used Yamaha over this if prices match. The included mouthpiece is basic

Allora ATB-250 Student Trombone

Features:

• .500″ bore for quick response
• 8″ yellow brass bell
• Chrome-plated inner slides
• Nylon polyfoam case
• Small shank mouthpiece
• Three-year warranty

Check Price

The Allora ATB-250 sits at the higher end of affordable student trombones. While pricier than some options, it offers better build quality and sound. If your budget stretches to $650, this horn could serve you well through several years of playing.

7 pBone Plastic Trombone

The pBone brings something new to the trombone world – it’s made of plastic. At just half the weight of a brass horn, it’s super easy to carry.

Build and Design
The slide uses carbon fiber with metal stockings, while the body is rigid plastic. It comes with two plastic mouthpieces, but you can use any small shank metal one.

The big slide lock has clear marks to show when it’s locked. The spit valve sits on the outside of the slide, which is different from regular trombones.

Sound Quality
The pBone can make warm, nice sounds across all volumes[1]. The high notes sound pretty good, but the low notes can sound a bit “plasticy”[1].

Durability
This horn can take bumps and drops that would wreck a brass trombone. You can even carry it in a plastic bag without worry.

Perfect for Beginners
Many music schools use pBones for teaching. Kids find it easier to hold because it’s so light. The bright colors make it fun for young players.

Common Issues
The slide might feel sticky at first. It gets better after playing it for a while as the parts wear in. Some players say it’s harder to play loud notes.

The sound isn’t as rich as brass, especially in lower notes. It won’t project as well in big spaces. The bell can pop off if you’re not careful.

pBone Plastic Trombone

Features:

• Standard .500-inch bore size
• 8-inch plastic bell
• ABS plastic and fiberglass construction
• Ergonomic grip design
• Two plastic mouthpieces — 6.5AL and 11C

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Think of the pBone as a great starter horn or backup instrument. It can’t match a quality brass trombone’s sound, but it’s a perfect trombone under $500 for learning or casual playing.

9 Jean Paul USA TB-400

The Jean Paul TB-400 offers good value for beginners. Many band teachers say it plays better than its price suggests.

Build and Features
The TB-400 comes with a yellow brass body and generous bore size. The balanced weight helps new players hold it longer without getting tired.

What’s Great
The slide moves smoothly after breaking in. The brass construction feels solid and resists dents well. The included case protects the horn during transport.

What’s Not
The slide can feel sticky at first. Some players say it’s harder to play loud notes. You might want to upgrade the basic mouthpiece later.

Real User Feedback
Students say the horn plays well in school bands. Teachers praise its durability for daily practice. Some compare it to a Kia – not fancy, but reliable.

Jean Paul USA TB-400 Trombone

Features:

• .500″ medium bore
• 8″ yellow brass bell
• Standard slide design
• Yellow brass body construction
• Nickel-plated inner slides

Check Price

The Jean Paul TB-400 offers good value for absolute beginners. While it won’t match premium brands like Bach or Yamaha, it offers good value for learning.

Try to test the horn before buying, if possible. Many music stores let you test it first.

Conclusion: Trombone Under $500

You can get a great trombone under $500 without spending too much money.

The Bach TB301 gives you trusted quality and holds its value well. The Schiller American Heritage offers unique looks and warm sounds. The Yamaha YSL-354 remains a top pick for its reliability and smooth playing.

Remember to try before you buy when possible. Check the slide action and look for any damage. A good used trombone can serve you well for years with proper care.