E.F. Durand TB-1000N / JinBao JBSL-800N Large Bore Tenor Trombone

Instrument Type: Large Bore Tenor Trombone
Stencil Model Number: E.F. Durand TB-1000N
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBSL-800N
Reference Model: Blessing B88-O
Price: $114.95 ($259.95 New via USA Music Supply)
Purchased From: eBay
Purchase Date: November 7, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.547
Bell Size (inch): 8.50

Material: 22 Gauge Brass
Finish: Nickel Plated 

I bought this trombone used on eBay...at around $100, curiosity got the best of me. I believe the previous owner used it primarily as a marching instrument(do to the random high school fight song sheet music that was in the case). Despite the usual wear and tear, it was still in pretty good shape. The construction of the horn seemed solid and nothing was loose. As with any nickel plated instrument, the finish seems to turn "cloudy" REALLY fast with constant use. 

The only similar instrument to this one design wise is the Blessing B88-O. They share the same attachment wrap design, but the Blessing has the addition bell brace, while this model has an attachment brace at that ferrule on the side. 

Compared to the other JinBao large bore tenor(the Bach LT42BO clone) this one is definitely a step down and would be considered an intermediate instrument. The 1001/42BO has the angled rotor and attachment which leads to less bends and subsequent bend loss throughout the tubing. As mentioned earlier, this model lacks the additional bell brace. But the obvious difference between the two instruments is the slide construction. The action on the 1001/42BO slide is ALOT better. While the slide on this instrument isn't HORRIBLE, it can be scratchy in places. 

When it is all said and done, this wouldn't be a bad instrument to use for marching band or a step up instrument...but at the same time, there is a huge upgrade in quality for only about $50 more to the aforementioned LT42BO clone. 

Now, on to the pics:

 Figure 1. Linkage

Figure 2. Side View

 Figure  3. Rotor and Lever

 Figure 4. Tuning Slide

Notice the missing bell brace. The smaller lateral brace has been install on the ferrule in its place.

 Figure 5. Rotor and Lever

 Figure 6. Bottom

 Figure 7. Side View, 1000 and 1001 Comparison(1000, 1001, top to bottom)

 Figure 8. Top View, 1000 and 1001 Comparison

 Figure 9. Bell Etching

 Figure 10. Opposite Side View, 1000 and 1001 Comparison

Note the difference in attachment tubing placement and angle.

 Figure 11. Slide Comparison (1001, 1000 left to right)

Note the difference in the width of the slide crook.

Figure 12. Slide Receiver Comparison (1000, 1001, left to right)

E.F. Durand TB-902N / JinBao JBSL-702N Eb Alto Trombone

Instrument Type: Eb Alto Trombone
Stencil Model Number: E.F. Durand TB-902N
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBSL-702N
Reference Model: Kuhnl & Hoyer Slokar Model 125
Price: $149.95 (25% off)
Purchased From: USA Music Supply via eBay
Purchase Date: October 22, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.480
Bell Size (inch): 7.16
Material: 22 Gauge Brass
Finish: Nickel Plated


I had read great reviews about the JinBao alto trombone on the trombone forums, so I decided that I should purchase one. I didn't have any experience with the alto trombone prior to purchase, but it was fairly easy to figure out. The fit and finish of the horn was excellent, with no blemishes. After a little trombotine, the slide action on the horn was great. The tuning slide moved freely, so mechanically speaking, all was well.

I was playing the horn with the smallest mouthpiece that I had available, a Bach 12C...so I am missing out on the TRUE alto experience of playing on a 15C or 22C sized alto mouthpiece. The horn is responsive, and the playability is excellent. The trombone has a removable leadpipe(See Figure 7). I found that OEM one to be suitable for my tastes, but others have suggested purchasing an aftermarket Stauffer leadpipe ($150 from HornGuys) for improved playability.

When it is all said and done, this is a great trombone. At $150, it was a nice investment to add an alto trombone to my collection. Seemingly all of the alto trombones on the market right(eBay, Schiller, Berkeley, etc.) now are the JinBao(if not the original K&H...you can tell by the price). I might not ever have to chance to perform on it, but it is a nice change of pace from the usual euphonium, bass bone, and large bore tenor stuff. I definitely wasn't about to pay $2000 for an alto just to experiment with...but $150, sure, why not?!?

Now, on to the pics:

 Figure 1. In the Case

 Figure 2. Side View

 Figure 3. Slide Receiver

 Figure 4. Bell Etching

 Figure 5. Bottom View

 Figure 6. Leadpipe Detail

 Figure 7. Leadpipe and Slide

 Figure 8. Size Comparison to Tenor and Bass Trombone

Figure 9. Hand Position

Lalo Intermediate Large Bore Trombone

Instrument Type: Intermediate Large Bore Tenor Trombone
Stencil Model Number: Lalo
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao ???
Reference Model: Yamaha YSL-446
Price: $149.50
Purchased From: eBay
Purchase Date: November 29, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.525
Bell Size (inch): 8.5
Material: 22 Gauge Brass


This was a trombone that I ACCIDENTALLY bought on eBay. I placed a bid of around $100 and actually won the auction. The instrument was brand new, and the case is actually fairly nice. The fit and finish of the horn is pretty good. Since it is a copy of an intermediate model horn, I wasn't expecting it to have a ton of flair. The horn is an exact copy of the Yamaha 446...even down to the string linkage(See Figure 4), and gold slide receiver(See Figure 10).

The trombone actually plays pretty well. It has a nice solid tone, and the rotor is fairly smooth. The slide has good action with no hang ups. While I don't think I would chose this particular horn for my everyday use, it is nice to have around for a medium bore change of pace. If I'm ever in an ensemble of players with smaller equipment, then I'd use this horn. Having this trombone gives me the flexibility in my equipment that I wanted without breaking the bank.

When it is all said and done, for $150 this trombone was a good investment to add a medium bore trombone to the mix.

Now, on to the pics:

 Figure 1. In the Case

 Figure 2. Side View

 Figure 3. Attachment Tubing

 Figure 4. String Linkage

 Figure 5. Side View

 Figure 6. Rotor

 Figure 7. Bottom

 Figure 8. Lever

 Figure 9. Bell Etching

Figure 10. Slide Receiver

MACK-EU1150 Comp / JinBao JBEP-1150S / Schiller Elite Compensating Euphonium

Instrument Type: Compensating Euphonium
Stencil Model Number: MACK-EU1150 Comp
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBEP-1150S
Reference Model: Yamaha 642
Price: $1007.00
Purchased From: MACK BRASS
Purchase Date: October 11, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.590- 0.661
Bell Size (inch):11.81
Material: 22 Gauge Brass
Finish: Silver Plated
Accessories: 24K Gold Trim

If you are considering buying one of these compensating euphoniums, do yourself a favor and stop reading IMMEDIATELY and head over to www.mackbrass.com and place an order!!! I cannot understate how much of a deal this horn was at barely over $1000. The fit and finish on the horn is top notch. The silver and gold plating is bright and beautiful. The pictures provided do not do it justice!

Having played a Yamaha 642 during college and a Yamaha 321 during high school, I can say that this euphonium is AT LEAST on par with the 642, if not BETTER. The valve action is great. I know some people have switched out the valve springs for aftermarket ones(the ones for the 642), but the OEM springs are fine with me. Playability on the horn is fantastic. It is open and has a wonderful tone throughout all ranges. Of course the mouthpiece that came with it was the typical JinBao mouthpiece...so that went straight in my desk drawer never to see the light of day again.

The compensating euphonium I bought from Mack Brass is the EXACT same one that is being sold by Jim Laabs(the Schiller Elite Compensating Euphonium) and by Big Bottom Music for hundreds more, so the price Mack Brass has them for is truly a steal. I can see no reason to spend $4000-$6000 on a compensating euph, when you can get this one for a fraction of the price. Honestly, since I only play as a hobby, I never expected to own an instrument of this calibur...surprise, surprise!!!

Now, on to the pics:

 Figure 1. In the Case

 Figure 2. Valves

 Figure 3. Bell Etching

 Figure 4. Back View

 Figure 5. Mouthpiece Receiver

 Figure 6. Rest Bar and Comp Slides

 Figure 7. 4th Valve

 Figure 8. 4th Valve Depressor

 Figure 9. Valve Tops

 Figure 10. Valve Bottoms

Figure 11. 4th Valve Top

Selman 1400L / JinBao JBBT 1400 Rotary Bass Trumpet

Instrument Type: Rotary Bass Trumpet
Stencil Model Number: Selman 1400L
Manufacturer Model Number: JinBao JBBT-1400
Price: $209.95 (25% off)
Distributor: USA Music Supply
Purchased From: eBay
Purchase Date: December 29, 2011
Bore Size (inch): 0.459
Bell Size (inch): 6.10
Material: 22 Gauge Yellow Brass

Lets be honest, I HIGHLY doubt that I'll ever play the bass trumpet in any performance...but it is fun to play around with. This is my first experience with a bass trumpet and it's quite an interesting instrument. The fit and finish of the instrument is excellent. There are no blemishes of any sort on the instrument. At first the rotors were a bit dry, but with a little Al Cass oil they started to perform much better. All of the slides moved freely, so nothing alarming mechanically speaking.

It was quite interesting trying to figure out how to actually hold the instrument. Eventually when I got the hand position correct (or what I THINK is correct) it was pretty enjoyable to play (See Figure 7). Depending on how long you hold the instrument, it can begin to become uncomfortable on your left hand. I jokingly consider the instrument to be more of an alto cimbasso instead of a bass trumpet. As expected, it is significantly larger than the typical Bb trumpet (See Figure 10).

The timbre of the instrument is VERY mellow. If I were a jazz musician, I would absolutely love to experiment with the horn. Due to the rotors, there are definite elements of french horn in the operation and sound of the horn.

When it is all said an done, if you have $210 to blow or your group is performing Wagner's Ring Cycle this bass trumpet would be a good investment. I know there is a piston version of the bass trumpet that I'm anxious to try...so stay tuned for that comparison.

On to the pics:

 Figure 1. Top View

 Figure 2. Rotors

 Figure 3. Paddles

 Figure 4. Bell Etching

 Figure 5. Linkages

 Figure 6. Linkages and Paddles

 Figure 7. Left Hand Position

 Figure 8. Playing Position

 Figure 9. Grip

Figure 10. Size Comparison