Best Trombone In Jazz: 7 Top Picks For Beginners Under $1500

Ready to start your jazz journey and look for the best student trombone in jazz? I’ve rounded up the top 7 picks for the best jazz trombone that won’t break the bank, perfect for the beginner or student. These carefully-selected models are reliable and feature popular jazz addons – so everyone from beginners through advanced players can get some use out of them! Read on to discover reviews on each pick, along with tips on how to find the right fit for you.

What is the Best Trombone In Jazz?

There is a wide variety of jazz trombones available in the market. One great option is the Prelude Tenor Trombone. This straight horn is a simple design with a medium bore and is produced by a well-known manufacturer at an affordable price point. Another excellent choice is the Yamaha YSL-454, which is pricier but offers the precise quality and durability Japanese manufacturers are known for. Both trombones offer the musician the clarity and projection needed in jazz music and are sure to impress any listener.

If you’re learning to play the trombone and feeling a bit uncertain about trombone theory, check out our guide on the Trombone Slide Chart as the First Steps in learning trombone.

Yamaha YSL-354 Series Student Trombone

Benefits

• 5-year limited warranty
• Key: Bb
• Gold lacquer or silver-plated finish
• Yellow brass bell
• Case included
• Small shank SL-48S mouthpiece

Overview

Yamaha YSL-354 is designed to help beginners easily produce a good sound, while it’s also been thoroughly tested and inspected by experts to ensure the highest quality.

Jazz trombones, medium-to-small-bore trombones, typically have a bore size ranging from .480” to approximately .510”. The Yamaha YSL-354 falls in the medium-bore category, with a bore size of 500”, which makes it easy to control and offers tonal flexibility. Compared to small-bore tenor trombones, medium-bore ones produce a larger and darker sound, but not as much as large-bore tenor trombones.

The bell is constructed from yellow brass, an alloy that is 70% copper and has excellent resonance. This produces a bright and direct tone which is particularly effective. The outer slide of the bell is also made of yellow brass, while the inner slide is made of nickel silver, resulting in a clear and powerful sound.

Pricing

Bottom Line

Yamaha YSL-354 is designed to be an ideal trombone for beginners and students and constructed from yellow brass and nickel silver resulting in a clear and powerful sound. It comes with a durable case and will last you for many years with proper maintenance.

Etude ETB-100 Series Student Trombone Lacquer

Benefits

• 1-year warranty
• Key: Bb
• Yellow brass 8″ bell
• Medium bore .495″
• Thermoplastic case included
• Small shank 12C mouthpiece

Overview

This instrument has a brass outer handslide and a chrome inner handslide, which enhances its durability. It also has a clear lacquer finish that gives a somber, solid sound with a clear definition, even at loud volumes. However, it is made of a lightweight material that makes it prone to denting. Some users have reported that the cases are not very sturdy and can break with major impacts. Nonetheless, this instrument is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an affordable option.

Pricing

Bottom Line

Etude ETB-100 is beneficial for those who may be unsure if they want to invest in a trombone that costs over a thousand dollars, as it allows for easier note-reaching compared to older or used trombones which may prove difficult to play. You may consider using this trombone for marching band during bad weather or games when you upgrade to a higher-grade jazz trombone.

Cool Wind CTB-100 Plastic Trombone

Benefits

• F-Attachment available
• Lagre .547″ bore
• 8.5″ bell made of ABS
• Brass leadpipe and a carbon fiber slide
• Key: Bb/F
• Choose from 5 bright colors
• Thermoplastic case included
• ABS mouthpiece and soft carry bag included

Overview

Manufacturers of plastic “brass” instruments are using their knowledge to create advanced designs, like the plastic F-attachment trombone. The Cool Wind CTB-100 Trombone is a reasonably priced option to begin playing jazz brass that isn’t as heavy or costly as traditional brass models. It’s made of durable ABS resin and has smooth trigger action, great slide action, and a warm, mellow tone.

New owners stated that the instrument’s range, both low and high, was good, and they didn’t have any trouble playing an F above high B-flat. They recommend using slide grease to eliminate any potential slide noise. The slide material is delicate, and it is effortless to cause scratches on it. Additionally, the trigger hinge does not feel as sturdy as the brass one. If you are looking so something not as expensive as a brass instrument, this is a great alternative.

Pricing

Bottom Line

Cool Wind CTB-100 is an excellent alternative to its traditional cousin. With its lightweight design and impressive range of sounds, it allows for easy transport and provides hours of enjoyable playing time, making it ideal for young students.

Allora ATB-450 Vienna Series Intermediate F-Attachment Trombone Lacquer Yellow Brass Bell

Benefits

• Three-year limited warranty
• Open wrap F-Attachment for less resistance
• Lagre .547″ bore
• Yellow brass 8.5″ bell and body (leadpipe)
• Key: Bb/F
• Lacquer finish
• Nylon polyfoam-covered case
• Small shank 12C mouthpiece

Overview

The Allora Vienna Series is an exceptional collection of instruments made with only the highest quality materials to improve the sound and playability of each model. Featuring key guards, metal thumb rests, ribbed construction, and extra keys to increase the range of playable notes, the Allora ATB-450 tenor trombone delivers an exceptional sound that is projected through the 9.5″ bell.

The .562-inch bore and lacquer finish result in outstanding resonance, and the open wrap F-attachment allows for smoother airflow, making for a freer blowing experience with full sound. The handslide boasts both a chrome inner and brass outer, ensuring excellent action and precise movement.

Pricing

Bottom Line

The Allora ATB-450 Vienna Series is a solid jazz trombone for anyone who wants to start their jazz journey. The instruments are made to specifications and provide good playability, durability, satisfying tone, and dynamics, all at an affordable price.

Prelude Tenor Trombone in Bb TB711

Benefits

• F-Attachment available
• 2-Year Warranty
• Yellow brass 8.5″ bell
• Bore: .509″
• F-Attachemts model bore: .547″
• Key: Bb/F
• Lacquer finish
• Soft case
• Bach small shank 12C mouthpiece

Overview

Conn-Selmer, renowned for being one of the largest manufacturers of band instruments in the US, presents Prelude Instruments – a popular line of quality musical instruments designed with young players in mind. The affordable and excellent Prelude TB711F tenor trombone is among these incredible products, perfect for students and beginners. The F-Attachment model provides a fundamental ‘pedal’ tone with easier access to the 7th position, making it a great bonus for jazz enthusiasts.

With a .509″ medium bore, the straight trombone is easier to play with and helps with forming the correct embouchure. The F-Attachment model, on the other hand, boasts a wider bore of .547″ and a traditional wrap for the F-section, which promotes clean attacks and stability. The nickel silver outer handslide tubes and chrome-plated nickel silver inner handslide tubes provide the ideal surface for smooth and quick action.

Pricing

Bottom Line

The Prelude trombone is designed to provide a comfortable playing position, making it easier for younger players to focus on practice. Even experienced jazz trombone players are impressed by the price and quality of the Prelude when they try it for the first time.

Jupiter JTB700V Bb Valve Jazz Trombone Lacquer Yellow Brass Bell

Benefits

• Valve trombone
• Key: Bb/F
• 8″ brass or silver-plated bell
• Medium-small bore .482″
• Tree finishes and bells available: yellow, rose, and silver-plated
• Wood-frame case
• Small shank mouthpiece

Overview

The Jupiter JTB700V Valve Trombone is the perfect choice for any jazz music player seeking to improve their agility and playability. Valves allow for quick and accurate passage, making it an easier and more efficient alternative to the traditional hand slide. The Stainless Steel Pistons are smooth and fast, providing players with the confidence they need to navigate complicated runs easily. The Lacquered brass body also ensures that the instrument is precisely scaled and easy to play.

A jazz trombone with a medium-small bore, like this one, produces a mellower and a more controlled sound. A smaller straight bore (i.e., no F-attachment) makes it easier to play high notes for long periods of time.

Pricing

Bottom Line

The Jupiter JTB700V valve tenor trombone is a standout option in the jazz trombones category thanks to its compact size, high-quality valves, and excellent construction materials. The valves themselves are also designed with precision and craftsmanship in mind, and with materials like yellow, rose brass, and nickel silver used throughout, it’s easy to see why the Jupiter JTB700V is such a go-to choice for jazz musicians of all experience levels.

Stagg TB285 Bb Valve Trombone Lacquer

Benefits

• Valve trombone
• Medium-small bore .499″
• 7.99″ gold brass bell
• Plastic case with backpack straps
• Small shank 12C mouthpiece

Overview

With over 20 years of experience on the market, Stagg has expanded from guitar manufacturing to producing various instruments of high quality. Their reputation and name have attained global recognition, making the Stagg TB285 worth considering. The Stagg TB285 produces a clear and warm jazz tone because of its medium-small bore, gold brass bell, and nickel silver piston valves.

A downside of this jazz trombone is its case, which is made of very thin plastic. If you plan to transport your instrument frequently, you may want to consider investing in a sturdier case to ensure its safety.

Pricing

Bottom Line

Some new owners and musicians have claimed that it can take a while to adjust the position of valves. So, be prepared to make some adjustments to your playing style. That being said, once you’ve adjusted to its quirks, you’ll love the way this horn plays. The Stagg TB285 is a good choice for anyone looking for a basic and simple valve jazz trombone.

Features to consider when purchasing the student jazz trombone

Traditionally, jazz music was played in small venues or outdoors, which required a different tone from trombones. Jazz trombonists prefer smaller bore trombones because they provide a unique kind of resistance that is necessary for achieving the desired sound and feel. While small-bore trombones are often favored for their lighter and more comfortable play, any tenor trombone is valued in jazz bands. Larger bore tenor trombones are ideal for better projection and a slightly higher sound pressure output.

As a student trombonist progresses, it’s a wise move to consider investing in a high-quality instrument. Choosing a reputable brand and buying a brand-new instrument over a used jazz trombone can be a good option. When students have an instrument they enjoy playing, and that produces a pleasing sound, they tend to practice more. Higher-quality instruments can also offer a wider range of notes and better mechanical precision, which helps with engagement and overall performance quality.

Consider switching to a jazz bass trombone, as it offers several benefits. With the bass trombone, you could potentially play more as it normally has a more active role than the tenor. You’ll be able to provide continuous accompaniment to the main melody and add both bite and depth to the sound. Furthermore, you might get more opportunities to play solos on the bass jazz trombone compared to the tenor jazz trombone.

Feeling interested in switching to bass trombone? Read out post with 5 Best Bass Trombones of Most Reliable Brands In 2023

Here is a helpful tip for checking if your slide is sticking, which is a crucial aspect of a trombone’s performance. Place the curved part of the trombone slide on the floor and lift the rest of the trombone straight up. This will allow the outer slide to remain on the floor while the inner slide lifts straight up from it. If you encounter any resistance, e.g., ‘catches,’ when lifting the outer slide, the entire trombone lifts up off the floor, and the inner slide may not move freely against the outer slide.

How to play jazz music on a trombone?

Jazz music is a unique genre that can be enjoyed and mastered on a trombone. Focus on learning the basics of jazz music, such as syncopation, improvisation, scales, chords, and melodic ideas. Make sure you have a solid grasp of the basics of trombone playing, such as proper posture, embouchure, and hand position.

Once you’ve mastered the scales and chords, experiment with different patterns and tones of your jazz trombone and practice as often as you can. Assemble a practice routine of playing scales and exercises to improve your technical skills on the instrument. Work on improvisation through soloing over chord progressions. Record yourself to listen back and identify areas for improvement.

Finally, be sure to listen to a lot of jazz music in order to get an idea of what it sounds like and how the jazz trombone commonly sounds. Listen to jazz recordings with lead trombone of featuring musicians, such as J. J. Johnson, Frank Rosolino, or Miles Davis, to get a feel for the jazz style.

Take lessons or attend workshops and dedicate sufficient time each day to work on your playing and continue to push yourself towards greater levels of achievement. Enjoy your progress as you become a better jazz trombone player!

Conclusion

In the world of jazz, the trombone section holds a special place. Every trombone on this list boasts high quality and durability, features that are essential for any musician looking to pursue the jazz genre. Investing in one instrument can be daunting, but with this guide, we hope to make the search a bit easier. With any of these top picks, students and beginners alike can confidently dive into the world of jazz.