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

[Dave Demko]

Hi folks,
	Thanks very much for all the advice and information about alto
trombone. I'm paying attention to all of it and appreciate the care
and thoroughness you're put into your responses. I see the Sluchin
books and your Bordogni edition at Hickey's and your book, Harvey, at
the Brassworks site.
	I had thought that the one easy part of this business would be
picking a mouthpiece, probably a 12C, 12E, or 15E depending on the
horn. But the point is that trying mouthpieces will be easy compared
with finding altos to try in the first place. Recently I was shopping
for a large-bore tenor and was able to test out all kinds of gear; one
shop had a left-over Bach 42BO, Conn 88H CL, Yamaha Xeno, and Getzen
custom for side by side comparisons (thank you Arts & Music, Marietta,
GA). But I haven't seen an alto in a shop yet.
	Several of you have offered advice on learning and practicing that
has further piqued my interest in the alto. Andrew, your advice about
using a tuner makes good sense; I did something similar while learning
to play a new horn in tune. Al, I like your point about trying the
high notes and then settling down. The voice of maturity whispers that
the alto is only, what, two and a half steps higher than a Bb bone.

Dave