[Trombone-l] Doubling on Bass

[Eric Swanson]

On May 18, 2009, at 1:03 AM, Jeff Marcilliat wrote:

> I've been on this list for years but this is my first post!  I need to
> start doubling on bass rather quickly.  At IU I went the other route
> and learned alto.  While I'm trying my best to find a bass in the Bay
> Area, what is a good mouthpiece for my tenor (Shires .547) that would
> facilitate the lower range a little better?  I've been working in the
> low register this week on my Bach 4G, but feel like bigger equipment
> could help immensely.
>
> Also, what are the best bass trombones out there?  The Conn 62 HCL
> caught my eye.  I just need something that plays easily and has both
> valves.  Hoping to hear from you guys.


Jeff,

How can you be the list for years and never post?  I can't hold my  
tongue sometimes.  Feel free to jump in more often.

I'll add my 2 cents to this since I am a doubler on tenor and bass  
for the last 30 years.  Start with something reasonable in size like  
a Bach 1 1/2 G.  Work your way up to a 1 1/4 G or Schilke 59  
eventually.  I always say, "You'll know when it's time to move up  
because the mouthpiece will seem too small to do what you need it to  
do at some point in your progress as a bass trombone player," (if you  
ever progress far enough).  You could stick a 1 1/2 or 2G in your . 
547" bore temporarily to start getting used to the feel of the  
mouthpiece while you look for a horn.

I liked the new Conn 62H just fine, but I wouldn't go with the 62HCL  
personally.  The Lindberg valves make it really expensive.  I think  
the rotary valve model plays just fine, and you can get it for $3000  
or even less.  The Getzen 1052 or 1062 are good horns too and I think  
you can still get them for $2700 or so.  Someone else mentioned the  
Yamahas, and I agree both models are good, I've played both.  I was  
just in LA and got a chance to play on some new Kanstul basses at  
Steve Ferguson's place.  I was very impressed with them as well.   
Bach horns are great, but prices have gotten out of hand on the new  
ones.  Shires are nice too if you have the money.

For my money, as a doubler just starting out on bass, I'm suggesting  
the Conn, Yamaha, or the Getzens because of the price.  I hate to see  
you pay $5000 when you can get a good horn for $3000.

Eric Swanson