pBone for those jazzy bits

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samopn
Posts: 60
Joined: Feb 20, 2019

by samopn »

Hiya,

I have a Bach 42b that I use as my "general pupose" bone but find it a bit too "heavy" for high jazzy bits and solos etc.

I'm thinking of getting a pBone when high and bright is called for.

Opinions?
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harrisonreed
Posts: 6479
Joined: Aug 17, 2018

by harrisonreed »

Unfortunately, the pBone is at its worst in the upper register -- they tend to go very flat above F4. pBone slides are also very scratchy and the brass stockings don't last.

The pBone does have a decent sound. But that's about it.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

You should be able to find a nice used straight tenor for the price of a new pBone which will work better. I used a Martin Imperial from 1945 for those parts (until I got a nice Holton Stratodyne). I would pair the horn with a Bach 4C mouthpiece which was reasonably close to the Bach 4G I was using on my symphonic horn at the time.

I've gotten soured on the plastic trombones since the one I have wore out the inner slide with heavy use. I like the plastic for outdoor concerts and when a brightly colored instrument is appropriate (particularly Christmas concerts).
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samopn
Posts: 60
Joined: Feb 20, 2019

by samopn »

Thanks guys

Good points. I guess I was taken in by the hype of everyone saying how good they were...

You're right. Here in the uk there's currently a couple of old student 'bones on eBay for around half the price of a new pBone. Not such exciting colours, thogh <span class="emoji" title=":wink:">๐Ÿ˜‰</span>
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JohnL
Posts: 2529
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by JohnL »

[quote="samopn"]You're right. Here in the uk there's currently a couple of old student 'bones on eBay for around half the price of a new pBone. Not such exciting colours, thogh <span class="emoji" title=":wink:">๐Ÿ˜‰</span>[/quote]
With the money you save, you can buy a can of spray paint.
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samopn
Posts: 60
Joined: Feb 20, 2019

by samopn »

[quote="JohnL"]With the money you save, you can buy a can of spray paint.[/quote]
:lol:
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samopn
Posts: 60
Joined: Feb 20, 2019

by samopn »

I'm now looking for an old el-cheapo 'bone for when I need the bright high bits.

I've seen a Lafleur Zenith that seems to fit the bill. Anyone know anything about these? I've never heard of thr make
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blast
Posts: 671
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by blast »

Dreadful thing...keep looking.
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samopn
Posts: 60
Joined: Feb 20, 2019

by samopn »

Haha... ok.
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VJOFan
Posts: 529
Joined: Apr 06, 2018

by VJOFan »

PBones are toys really. I have a beautiful red one that I o got to do fun seasonal skits. I got one when they were under $200 Canadian which was a reasonable price.

If you want a horn for jazz or any other brighter playing where you care about the product youโ€™re putting out, buy the best horn you can afford. It will be way more fun for you and the audience.