Discovering the 13 Top Trombone Brands: Reviews & Rankings For Best Trombone Brands In 2025
Choosing the right trombone brand is a real head-scratcher, especially with SO many options out there. As a former music store owner (network of online and offline stores) for over 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how tricky it is to compare brands.
One brass player I know put it perfectly: “Every brand makes GOOD horns from time to time, every brand makes BAD horns from time to time. NEVER be brand loyal, and never base your decision on one instrument.”
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the world of trombone brands. We’ll dive into the TOP players in the industry, what to look for, and how to find the perfect horn for you. So, let’s slide into the world of trombones!
Top Trombone Brands And largest Musical Instrument Manufacturers
When it comes to tenor trombone brands, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Players have their own preferences, and what works for one might not work for another. Some swear by Bach or Shires, while others won’t touch anything but a Yamaha or Getzen. Let’s break down some of the top names in the brass biz
1 Bach — Idol Of Music Industry And Trombone Brands
Vincent Bach, an Austrian-American musician and instrument maker, founded this iconic brand in 1918. Initially focusing on mouthpieces and trumpets, Bach expanded to trombones in 1928.
Bach offers 45 different trombone models of various materials, including gold brass, yellow brass, and sterling silver.
Bach
Most pro musicians and teacher praise their popular 42 series (Stradivarius 42BO and 42T) for its versatility and warm sound. Many players appreciate the customization option with Thayer and Hagmann valves, different bell materials, and finishes.
John, a professional orchestral trombonist, shares his experience: “My Bach 42B has been my go-to horn for over 20 years. The sound is unmatched for symphonic work, and the craftsmanship is impeccable. It’s like an extension of myself when I play.” [MusicArt — 19 buyers reviews]
Bach still proudly handcrafts trombones in Elkhart, Indiana, maintaining their reputation for quality. However, some players note that there can be slight inconsistencies between individual horns — so it’s always best to try before you buy (especially second-hand horns).
2 Yamaha — One Of The Greatest Trombone Brands
Yamaha, a Japanese company known for everything from motorcycles to pianos, entered the trombone market in 1965 and quickly became popular with school bands and pro players. Yamaha offers a wide range of models from student to custom level.
Yamaha
Yamaha offers a wide range of models for all skill levels. The YSL-354 is a top student model, while the Xeno 800 Series is the absolute fav of many pro trombonists.
One player mentioned, “I’ve been very happy with my Yamaha 400 (Large .547 bore). It was my main instrument until I switched to Bass trombone as a main.”[Shider, a German brass pro from the Trombonechat.com forum]
3 Getzen with Custom and Eterna Series
T.J. Getzen founded this American brand in 1939, selling his first trombone in 1946. Getzen has since become synonymous with quality in the trombone world.
Getzen
Getzen offers several series of trombones, including Custom Reserve, Custom, Eterna, 700, Capri, and 300/400 Series. They’re known for their attention to detail and hand-crafted instruments.
Getzen makes their trombones in Elkhart, Wisconsin, proudly committing to American craftsmanship. While some players find their pro models pricey (compared to other brands), many feel the quality justifies the cost.
4 King – The King of Intermediate Trombone
King — founded by Henderson White and Thomas King — has been a major player in the trombone world since 1894!! Today, King produces quality horns at competitive prices, especially in the jazz world.
King
Price:
$1,500 – $5,000
Country:
USA
Total rank (0 – 10):
7.33
The King 2B and 3B are legendary jazz models, while the 4B is popular among classical players. Their signature curved bell brace (still present on many horns today) is a testament to their innovative spirit.
While Conn-Selmer, another big name, produces King trombones now, some players feel the quality isn’t quite what it used to be. However, many still swear by vintage (used) King horns for their unmatched sound and character.
5 S.E. Shires Professional Trombone Brands
S.E. Shires company, founded in 1995 by Steve Shires, focuses solely on building custom trombones of unparalleled professional quality.
S.E. Shires
Shire trombones are known for their high customizability with “mix-and-match” components — mix and match different parts to create your ideal instrument!
I know Lisa, the principal trombonist of a major symphony, who shares about her Shires: “My Shires Q36 is the most responsive horn I’ve ever played. The sound is so pure and focused!”
Shires handmade trombones in Massachusetts. While some players find the customization options overwhelming, many pros think it is worth the investment.
6 Durable Jupiter
Jupiter, founded in 1930, focuses on providing educational instruments to schools and communities. They’re part of the KHS Musical Instruments umbrella of brands.
Jupiter
Jupiter trombones have a balanced design — they use nickel silver for outer slides to improve dent resistance.
Jupiter JTB1100 features a .525″ medium-large bore, providing a rich, full tone that’s perfect for advancing players. Its 8.1″ yellow brass bell offers excellent projection — ideal for the ensemble!
7 Eastman Winds
Eastman Winds has gained popularity among trombone players in recent years.
Eastman Winds
Eastman is known for producing horns at competitive prices, making them a popular choice for students and beginners.
8 XO: Jupiter’s Professional Line
XO is a professional line of instruments produced by Jupiter (KHS Co.). They have a GREAT reputation for quality among pro brass players.
XO
One player mentioned, “I have King, Blessing, Conn, Shires, and Jupiter ‘XO’ horns. The XOs are my most played by a good margin.” [Trombonechat.com] XO trombones can hold their own against more established professional brands.
XO CONSTANTLY commits to innovation in advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Their instruments often feature unique design elements that set them apart from traditional brands.
9 Michael Rath
Michael Rath specializes in handcrafted trombones. Each Rath trombone is a testament to the company’s dedication to quality and customization.
Rath
Rath trombones are known for their high quality and attention to detail. They’re particularly popular among professional players looking for a custom instrument.
“Playing a Rath trombone is like wearing a perfectly tailored suit,” explains Andrew, my fellow symphony orchestra trombonist. “Every aspect of the instrument feels like it was made specifically for me, from the slide’s responsiveness to the tone’s richness.”
Rath allows you to customize everything from the bell material to the finish, resulting in TRULY unique instruments that cater to your styles and preferences.
10 Conn Selmer
Conn is renowned for their student and professional series. They offer optional slides, removable leadpipes, and a variety of bells and rotors, including the CL2000 rotor system designed by and for Christian Lindberg.
Conn Selmer
Price:
$2,000 – $6,000
Country:
USA
Total rank (0 – 10):
7.45
Many players have a soft spot for customizing Conn trombones. 88H with F attachment, in particular, offers a warmth and depth of sound that’s “hard to match”.
11 Courtois
Antoine Courtois started making brass instruments in Paris, France, 1803 and is now part of the Buffet Crampon Group. Courtois trombones have a long history of quality craftsmanship.
Courtois
Courtois has developed an innovative “Dual Bore” system for combining the benefits of small and large bores. Some models feature edge bracing and “vibrabell” technology. “The Chicago Lyric Opera are all AC artists. They are a solid brand!” [Reddit user]
12 John Packer
“They offer a level of quality that’s surprising at their price point, allowing students to develop good habits without breaking the bank.” instruments are budget-friendly, affordable options for students and budget-conscious players.
John Packer
These trombones offer a surprising level of quality (at their price point) for developing good habits without breaking the bank.
13 Bonus — Plastic pBone
pBone is a unique entry into the trombone world, made of plastic instead of brass.
pBone
Emma, a middle school band director, explains: “The pBone has been a game-changer for our beginner trombone program. Its lightweight design and durability make it ideal for VERY young players, and the fun colors excite kids about playing!”
While NOT a replacement for traditional horns, pBones is great for youngest beginners, outdoor playing, or as a fun second instrument.
Trombone Brands Comparison Table
| Brand | Popular Models | Price Range ($) | Price Rank (0-10) | Level | Reputation (0-10) | Popularity (0-10) | Total Rank (0-30) | Average Rank (0-10) | Country | Founded |
| Bach | 42, 36B | 3,000 - 10,000 | 8 | Intermediate, Professional | 9 | 9 | 26 | 8.67 | USA | 1918 |
| Yamaha | YSL-354, 448G, Xeno | 1,000 - 7,000 | 7 | Beginner, Intermediate, Professional | 9 | 9 | 25 | 8.33 | Japan | 1960s |
| Getzen | Custom Reserve, Eterna | 2,000 - 6,000 | 7 | Intermediate, Professional | 7 | 7 | 21 | 7.00 | USA | 1939 |
| King | 3B, 2B | 1,500 - 5,000 | 6 | Beginner, Intermediate, Professional | 8 | 8 | 22 | 7.33 | USA | 1894 |
| S.E. Shires | Q-Series | 4,000 - 10,000 | 9 | Professional, Custom | 9 | 8 | 26 | 8.67 | USA | 1995 |
| Jupiter | JTB700A, JTB1150 | 1,000 - 4,000 | 5 | Beginner, Intermediate | 6 | 6 | 17 | 5.67 | Taiwan | 1930 |
| Eastman | ETB 828 | 1,500 - 5,000 | 6 | Intermediate, Professional | 7 | 7 | 20 | 6.67 | USA | Recent |
| Conn | 88H | 2,000 - 6,000 | 7 | Intermediate, Professional | 8 | 8 | 23 | 7.67 | USA | 1875 |
| Courtois | AC420, Legend Series | 3,000 - 7,000 | 8 | Professional | 8 | 7 | 23 | 7.67 | France | 1803 |
| John Packer | JP231, JP3320 | 500 - 2,000 | 3 | Beginner, Intermediate | 6 | 6 | 15 | 5.00 | UK | Recent |
| pBone | Original | 150 - 300 | 1 | Beginner | 5 | 7 | 13 | 4.33 | UK | 2010 |
| Edwards | T396 | 4,000 - 10,000 | 9 | Professional, Custom | 9 | 8 | 26 | 8.67 | USA | 1989 |
| Blessing | BTB-1287 | 1,000 - 3,000 | 4 | Beginner, Intermediate | 5 | 5 | 14 | 4.67 | USA | 1906 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Trombone Brands
When picking a trombone brand, consider MORE than just the name. Build quality, sound characteristics, and price-to-value ratio — all crucial factors!!
Build quality affects durability and playability. A well-built trombone lasts longer and is more comfortable to play. Sound characteristics vary between brands and even individual instruments. Some players prefer a bright, punchy sound, while others go for a darker, mellow tone.
The “price-to-value” ratio is especially important. As I love to put it, “You’d be amazed at how far a good student horn will take you. If you choose between a $500 horn with $3000 of lessons and a $3500 horn without guidance — to take the LESSONS every single time!”
Different Trombone Types: From Low End To Valves
When it comes to bass trombones, Conn and Bach offer popular models — Conn 62H and Bach 50B — with rich, powerful sounds and excellent intonation. These instruments typically feature larger bores and often have dual independent (or dependent) triggers for a lower range.
While less common, brass manufacturers still craft several alto trombones. King and Yamaha offer common alto models — King 2166 and Yamaha YSL-872 — with great agility and bright tone, ideal for baroque and classical repertoire. (Read my other post with the “13 Different Types Of Trombones”)
Valve trombones also have their place in certain genres. Yamaha YSL-354V is a popular choice for beginners (and doublers), offering the familiar valve system to trumpet players.
Options for Different Player Levels – Student, Intermediate, and Pro Trombone Brands
Your skill level plays a big role in choosing the right trombone brand. For beginners, brands like Yamaha and Jupiter offer reliable, affordable (Jupiter is more affordable, tho) options. The Yamaha YSL-354, for instance, is a popular choice for students.
Intermediate players might look at brands like King or Conn for a step up in quality. For professionals, high-end brands like Bach, Shires, or Edwards offer the precision and customization needed for top-level performance.
For those on a budget, I recommend John Packer, Stagg, or Allora trombones. However, be wary of super cheap instruments from Amazon. Stay AWAY from any cheap, noname horns from Amazon (made in China and India).
Finding the Perfect Trombone for You
Choosing the right trombone is a personal journey. Here are some tips to help you find your perfect match
1. Try before you buy — nothing beats hands-on experience (especially for second-hand trombones)
2. Consider your style and the genres.
3. Don’t get hung up on brand names — focus on how the instrument feels and sounds to you!
4. Remember, “You’d be amazed at how far a good student horn will take you!”
MOST importantly, invest in lessons!! A skilled teacher will help you improve more than the most expensive instrument ever could.
Brasswind Instruments — Trombone Brands FAQ
Q: Are expensive trombones always better?
A: Not necessarily. While high-end trombones often offer superior craftsmanship, a well-made student or intermediate model can serve many players well.
Q: How often should I upgrade my trombone?
A: It depends on your progress and needs. Many players stick with a good student (or intermediate) horn for decades before a professional model.
Q: Are plastic trombones worth considering?
A: For beginners or as a second instrument for outdoor play, yes. But they’re NOT a replacement for a brass trombone.
Q: What’s the difference between small bore vs large bore?
A: Small-bore trombones typically have a brighter sound for top jazzers, while large-bore trombones are fuller, darker horns for orchestras.
Q: How important is the brand when choosing trombone brands?
A: Brand reputation can guide, but individual instruments vary. It’s more important to find a horn that feels and sounds right to YOU!!
Conclusion: Best Trombone Brands And Quality Trombones
Choosing a trombone brand is a personal journey. While Bach, Yamaha, and Conn have strong reputations — every brand has its hits and misses! Some brands are more ‘predatory’ than others.
Try multiple instruments, regardless of brand, and find what works best for you. Don’t forget that a good teacher and consistent practice are more valuable than ANY brand name. So get out there, try some horns, and let the music SLIDE!! (Learn more about “What Key Is Trombone In”)
