Good morning!

A quick question about a trombone for beginners. I'm hesitating between these models (which I can't try because I don't live near the shops where they are sold):

- Bach TB 503

- Courtois AC280 (Mezzo)

- Jupiter 1150 FROQ

Do you think it's worth spending twice as much as the Bach to buy the Courtois if, in a few years, I might need a professional trombone? I also accept suggestions of any other in this price range.

Best regards,

P.S. I'm in Europe

Are you set on new or is used acceptable? Even in Europe, a pre-owned instrument should be way cheaper and suffice quite well. Used Yamaha are particularly good as they're built very well and hold their value. Their "intermediate" horns are really quite good as well, there's really nothing "beginner" or "intermediate" about them other than their branding. You may wish to go straight to a "pro" horn too. There's no real advantage to an "intermediate" horn other than in some cases they happen to be ideal, on paper, for "intermediate" players (such as being a medium bore, which are generally at least "okay" at playing a variety of styles).

PS I've used my quota of quotation marks for the day in one post!

Buy a used 88h or 42b, these are easily obtained in Europe

You may want to consider the AC260 as well. I have an AC280 and really like it. Slide is very good. Only drawback is playing in tight quarters, sometimes my F slide gets into the music stand of the trumpets behind me.

The ACs have pretty cases but I got a replacement that gives me more room.

Thank you very much for all your suggestions, I will take them into account.

Best regards!