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Contrabass Trombone
The contrabass trombone is one of the more rare trombones. This may be due to it’s very high price and the special skill required to master it. It is the largest and lowest pitch of all the trombones. This instrument is strikingly beautiful. Most musicians, including trombonists, have never even seen one. This magnificent instrument has seen many different pitches and configurations throughout history.
Early models of the contrabass trombone featured a very long slide. It is necessary to have long tubing to achieve the pitch and low octave. The slide was so long that it required an extension handle, otherwise the player would not be able to reach the outer slide positions. Then the innovation of doubling up on the slide tubing came about. The slide was wound back and now had four tubes. Essentially, the slide was mad shorter but still had the same length of tubing.
To assist in playing the very low notes, the player uses a tuba mouthpiece. The contrabass, however, requires more air from it’s player, due to less resistance than the tuba.
Most other trombones are nine feet, the contrabass, however is 12 feet long and tuned to the key of F. It has two valves, sometimes referred to as rotors. The valves have the same function as on the bass trombone. These rotors are located on the part of the instrument that sits on the players shoulder and are controlled with the players left hand, while the right hand moves the slide. One valve lowers the pitch to the key of C, while the other will drop it a major 3rd to G flat. If both valves are actuated, this puts the instrument in the key of A.
There three main obstacles on this instrument. The weight, size and the price. It is important that you choose one that is well balanced and comfortable to hold. Remember that you are not supporting it with your fingers. Your fingers must have a light touch on the slide to promote agility and smooth motion, while the other hand controls both valves. The contrabass trombone is quite an investment as well. Prices for a new instrument begin in the six thousand dollar area and can go higher as well.
Early models of the contrabass trombone featured a very long slide. It is necessary to have long tubing to achieve the pitch and low octave. The slide was so long that it required an extension handle, otherwise the player would not be able to reach the outer slide positions. Then the innovation of doubling up on the slide tubing came about. The slide was wound back and now had four tubes. Essentially, the slide was mad shorter but still had the same length of tubing.
To assist in playing the very low notes, the player uses a tuba mouthpiece. The contrabass, however, requires more air from it’s player, due to less resistance than the tuba.
Most other trombones are nine feet, the contrabass, however is 12 feet long and tuned to the key of F. It has two valves, sometimes referred to as rotors. The valves have the same function as on the bass trombone. These rotors are located on the part of the instrument that sits on the players shoulder and are controlled with the players left hand, while the right hand moves the slide. One valve lowers the pitch to the key of C, while the other will drop it a major 3rd to G flat. If both valves are actuated, this puts the instrument in the key of A.
There three main obstacles on this instrument. The weight, size and the price. It is important that you choose one that is well balanced and comfortable to hold. Remember that you are not supporting it with your fingers. Your fingers must have a light touch on the slide to promote agility and smooth motion, while the other hand controls both valves. The contrabass trombone is quite an investment as well. Prices for a new instrument begin in the six thousand dollar area and can go higher as well.
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