Valve Trombone in "C"

[Davidus1]

I noticed Yamaha and Jupiter are making valve trombones in the key of "C". Why would they want to do that? Seems like it would be a difficult switch for a Euphonium or Tuba Player wanting to double. (if playing BBb tuba) Just curious. I thought the brain trust here would know and be able to enlighten. Thanks!

[Dan Schultz]

They used to call trombones in C 'preacher' models for playing piano music without having to transpose.

[windshieldbug]

Think learning British Brass Band music (transposed and in treble clef) and then trying to play a tune from hymnal, piano book or lead sheet without transposing.

[Davidus1]

Thanks for the responses. They make sense but I still don't see this is a "high volume" sales item but I'm not in sales.

I'm sure if they weren't selling they wouldn't be offered.

[greenbean]

If you post a valve trombone on Craiglist anywhere near where I live, it is almost certain to bought by a Latin player who will immediately have it cut to C. They use them for Banda or perhaps other type of Mexican music.

Edit: I live in California.

[Doug Elliott]

This summer I was in the Barcelona area of Spain and saw a band using a C Yamaha valve trombone. I didn't realize they actually sold them that way. I think various C valved instruments are pretty common in Europe.

[roweenie]

This summer I was in the Barcelona area of Spain and saw a band using a C Yamaha valve trombone. I didn't realize they actually sold them that way. I think various C valved instruments are pretty common in Europe.

Quite a coincidence - I was in Barcelona this summer, too (July and hot as hell). I saw a band playing in front of the old cathedral in the Gothic section, and there were two young men playing C flicornos (very well, BTW).

[Doug Elliott]

Yes, I saw those too, maybe it was the same band... I think they're made right there in the Barcelona area.

The double reed tenora and tible are cool instruments too.

[roweenie]

Yes, I saw those too, maybe it was the same band... I think they're made right there in the Barcelona area.

The double reed tenora and tible are cool instruments too.

Yes! I saw them (and heard them) too - the sound was very cool.



They also let me photograph their horns. One of them was fairly new, and one of them was quite old, and made in Barcelona, just as you stated....



As a side note, Barcelona is an absolutely phenomenal city. I wish I could have spent another week there.....