[Trombone-l] An alto neophyte asks for it.

[thetubameister@adelphia.net]

Wow...

I haven't done a great deal of alto, but the demand is growing, so I'm building my own (saves quite a few bucks!).

But as someone who has sat in sections with numerous Alto's the first thing is to answer why you want to play Alto.  Make the high range easier, but still fit into a moder section?  Are you planning to play with a "sized down" section when you use it?  Are you hoping for an individual timbre?

The Bach definitely has it's own timbre - a true alto.  The Amati is similar.  The Miraphone is also individual and easy to play.  I've found that the Yamerha has the best section blend.  The Weril and the Conn both do well, with a touch of individual character.  I've heard great things about the K&H, and the more economical copy by "Selman".  I've heard amazing things about the Courtois, but I don't know if those are still available.  Their sound is absolutely beautiful.

Your sound concept and bank account will determine - ultimately - what you'll chose.

That said, as it is hard for some of us to jump from Bass to Contra, taking several days, Alto will have the same problems.  You'll need chops at the ready, and good habits developed so that when you pick it up, the habits come back quickly.

My $.02

J.c.S.

---- Dave Demko <demko61 at gmail.com> wrote: 
> Tenor trombone is and will remain my principal ax, but I'm considering
> taking up alto and would welcome some informed advice. Even if the
> advice is "don't."
> 
> My notion is to have alto as an option for chamber music with trombone
> quartets and mixed brass ensembles. I want to be able to play in tune
> without having to fight and cajole the horn too much and to blend well
> with the "normal" instrumentation of a brass quintet.
> 
> Some bore sizes I've seen range from the .454 on the Amati ASL-601 up
> to .500 on the Edwards. Is a "large" bore .500 horn designed to hold
> up in a section where the second and bass are playing modern, "louder
> is better" orchestral trombones? What kind of contrast in tone quality
> between small and large are we talking about?
> 
> What do people think of the Bach 39, the Amati, the Conn with the Bb
> attachment, the Yamaha YSL671? Any other favorite equipment? This
> question is not an invitation to launch a holy war over the One True
> Alto, merely a request for impressions. Does anyone have
> recommendations about method books and etudes? Any thoughts on whether
> alto will confuse my chops or my clef-reading on tenor?
> 
> Thanks,
> Dave
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