Trouble playing higher notes on larger bore trombone.

M
MuskLight23
Posts: 1
Joined: Feb 20, 2024

by MuskLight23 »

Recently, I upgraded to a larger bore trombone with an f lever. Before, I could play up to a high f in closed position, but now the highest I can play is a d in closed. Is it the trombone that is causing it, and if so how can I fix this? Any help will be appreciated!
B
BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

We've had this discussion many times before and a search might give some great advice.

First, your experience is quite common. The solution is to play a lot of long tones and rangebuilding exercises. There is no shortcut and no fast way to adapt. It will take a fair amount of time. Do you have a teacher? If not, find one. It will shorten your path to getting the large bore working properly.
K
KingThings
Posts: 54
Joined: Feb 13, 2024

by KingThings »

[quote="BGuttman"]We've had this discussion many times before and a search might give some great advice.

First, your experience is quite common. The solution is to play a lot of long tones and rangebuilding exercises. There is no shortcut and no fast way to adapt. It will take a fair amount of time. Do you have a teacher? If not, find one. It will shorten your path to getting the large bore working properly.[/quote]
I have a 1964 1480 King I am fixing up and have always played a 3B so it will be interesting for me to see how it goes once it is ready.
T
timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

[quote="MuskLight23"]Recently, I upgraded to a larger bore trombone with an f lever. Before, I could play up to a high f in closed position, but now the highest I can play is a d in closed. Is it the trombone that is causing it, and if so how can I fix this? Any help will be appreciated![/quote]

Very possibly you're holding it at a different angle. F lever horns sometimes don't have a brace to grip and always are different in nose heaviness. Try a mirror, or put your cell phone on the stand and video you playing each horn.