[Trombone-l] How to learn about F attachment

[Walter Barrett]

On Mar 6, 2007, at 5:48 PM, John A. Vieth wrote:

> I have a Yamaha Y-6XX trombone with F attachment that I play in a  
> community
> band.  This is my first trombone with an F attachment.  I would  
> like to
> learn more about using the F attachment.  There is no documentation  
> for the
> F attachment in any of my basic lesson books.  Can anyone recommend an
> online resource or book so that I can learn how to use this thing?   
> I assume
> the purpose is to make certain notes more accessible or convenient,  
> but I
> would like a very clear explanation of exactly what it does, tips  
> and tricks
> for using it, dos and don'ts, etc.  Please advice, and thank you in  
> advance
> for any information.
>
> - John

For my students just getting into the F attachment, I like the Lew  
Gillis "70 Progressive Etudes for Modern Bass Trombone." Don't get  
scared by the words "bass trombone", most of it stays above the pedal  
Bb, and he really gets into alternates. Each valve position is  
introduced one at a time, and he gives you 10 etudes incorporating  
each new position (plus the ones you've learned already.)

Tuning the F attachment usually falls into 2 camps- tune it so 2nd  
space C is in tune. (One disadvantage to this is that F in Valve 1st  
is then flat, and you have to play it in 6th all the time.) The other  
camp says to tune it so that low F is in tune. The 2nd space C will  
be sharp, but you can bring it down with the handslide, usually about  
1/2-3/4 inch out from regular 1st. The disadvantage to this tuning is  
that low C (2nd leger) is more sharp than when you tune the other  
way, and has to be lipped down even more. (That low C is usually  
sharp, no matter which way you tune it. It's just more sharp with the  
F in tune method.)

I like the low F in tune method, myself. I find myself wanting the  
availability of F in 1st AND 6th.


Walter Barrett

"so does the sound exist somewhere in your head
and you try to find a brass funnel that fits ???
OR do you fit your head into the brass funnel
????????????? "
	-DJ Kennedy

Alto, tenor, bass trombones
Bass trumpet, euphonium, tuba
Yamaha Artist/Clinician
http://www.walterbarrett.com