[Trombone-l] Bring your "axe"

[Mike Caton]

Todd Jonz wrote:
> Gabe writes:
>
>   
>>> what do you mean by axe?
>>>       
>> "axe" is slang for any musical instrument
>>     
>
> Just out of sheer curiosity, does anyone have any theories as to the
> origin of this usage?  I've always assumed (for no good reason) that it
> is a reference to the tool of one's trade....
Practicing is sometimes called  "woodshedding" in some circles - so 
perhaps the derivation stems from that?