Selecting a trombone for a beginner

Buying your first instrument can seem like a daunting task - with so many brands a models to choose from, and perhaps coming from a position of relative inexperience can leave you dazed and confused.

Most student model trombones sold are of fairly low quality build, and I would avoid buying these with online services such as eBay for the first time buyer. Rather, it is better to visit your local music shop and receive advice from the shopkeeper on what is available and suitable for the potential student. Even if you don't buy anything from the shop, if you ask questions you will be armed with further knowledge to make an informed purchase.

You should be looking for a small or medium bore trombone - this is best to start learning on as it does not require as much air support as a large bore trombone. Beginners should also avoid trombones with "F" attachments, as this can encourage laziness in learning slide technique. Students who later wish to focus on jazz will most likely remain on a small or medium bore trombone, whereas classical students will change later on to a large bore instrument with F attachment.

Student trombones retail new from around £150-£600 depending on the manufacturer. Personally I would recommend the new line of trombones built by John Packer in partnership with trombone artisan Michael Rath. If these do not appeal to you, Conn, Bach and Yamaha all make and sell affordable good quality instruments. For those on an extremely low budget, there is also the new p-Bone - a trombone made entirely from plastic and sold for £50 online. This is a useful beginners instrument and is also extremely cheap.

There are many choices, for many different people... but remember: always try before you buy!