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A friend has asked me what kind of trombone that they should get for their 12 year old child. I have never bought an trombone for a 12 year old, and I know some of you guys are trombonists.

Anybody got any good ideas? Maybe used?

Thanks!

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Unless the kid has actually been playing awhile, I suggest renting. Kids are notorious for changing their minds and sending it back to the store is easier than selling. A used horn would not lose value but a new horn certainly world depreciate.

You can often find a used Yamaha student model (YSL-354) for around $100 - $150 and it's a good instrument - I played one professionally for many years. It will probably need some repairs, but you'll end up with a horn that plays well and will retain its resale value forever.

If you can pick up a good (ie. decent slide) Yamaha 352 or 354 for about $150, you should get it. Many band directors seem to like the Yamahas and as such the resale value and potential is really good on these trombones. The stock Yamaha mouthpieces (47 or 45) are good mouthpieces for most beginners. Make sure to get a hard case.

Where I live, trombone rentals are about $20 a month. Over the course of 10 months one can spend more on a rental than they would have to buy a used horn.

My two oldest grand-kids (both age 12) just started playing trombone last year. My grandson, Ben, plays my son's King 3B that he got when he was a student of Art Sares ~20 yrs ago. My 12 y.o. granddaughter, Mandy, plays on a rental Yamaha. Sorry, I don't remember which model.

Rent one. This almost new Bach (not really made in the US, but who cares!) came into my shop yesterday with an authorization from NEMC to make the repairs not to exceed $75. Apparently the NEMC warranty also covers stupid!

Around here Music and Arts Co. will rent a kid a horn for three months for $30.00. That is not $30 per month - but $30 for THREE months! By that time they know if band is for them and if this is the right instrument, etc. I recommend ALL of my students take advantage of this deal and then we talk about buying after that.

I do agree that a good used horn is a better option for kids than a bad new horn.

If you are going to buy a King Silver Sonic...buy it for ME!

Check craigslist; I bought a really clean 606 with a serviceable slide for fifty bucks.