E.F. Durand TB-1031B / JinBao JBSL-831 Independent Bass Trombone

Instrument Type: Independent Bass Trombone
Stencil Model Number: E.F. Durand TB-1031B
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBSL-831L
Model Reference: Yamaha 613H/ Xeno 830/ Courtois 502R
Price: $524.95 (25% off)
Distributor: USA Music Supply
Purchased From: eBay
Purchase Date: October 07, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.562
Bell Size (inch): 9.5


Having owned a Yamaha YBL-613H bass trombone a few years ago, I had pretty high strandards. Surprisingly the "Durand" is actually a really good trombone. I felt the that valves were alot more open compared to the Yamaha, which of course lead to easier playability. The construction of the instrument was top notch. The brass seemed to be the typical 22 gauge that is used by most manufacturers today.

There were only two major gripes that I had about the horn: The Gb lever and the ring on the slide. When the horn arrives the lever is completely parallel to the slide, and even with large hands, it's almost impossible to comfortably operate. You'll have to bend the lever to a more comfortable usable position(See Figure 8). I also prefer a straighter paddle on the lever, so I'm not a HUGE fan of the circular one provided...but it's not horrible either.

It looks like the slide is modeled after the one on the King 7B(Durand TB-1030, JinBao JBSL-830). That particular slide has the grip ring and the single radius slide crook. I'm used to traditionally gripping the trombone around the mouthpiece receiver, so the ring was constantly in the way. For players with smaller hands, I could see how it would be a convenience though.

When it's all said and done, it's an overall excellent instrument for the money. I'd recommend it for anyone on a budget in need of a solid bass bone.

And now a few pics:

 Figure 1. Side View

 Figure 2. Triggers and Slide

 Figure 3. Bell Etching

 Figure 4. Bottom View

 Figure 5. Levers

 Figure 6. Bottom View

 Figure 7. Rotors

Figure 8. Paddle and Hand Ring

Notice how much the Gb lever had to be bent in order to have a comfortable hand position.