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
was the leadpipe already exchangable?
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