All my life, I have played King trombones. Thunderbone I was a King 606 Diplomat student model. Thunderbone II is a King Cleveland 605 with F Attachment. I have often wondered what playing another horn would be like, and here lately I have had a chance to try a horn or two.
The first horn was borrowed from my old High School, and I used it for Papa's funeral. It was a Blessing B88 trombone, and was professional quality. This was the first time I can recall ever playing a professional horn. It was a large bore trombone, but was built to accept my small bore mouthpiece or a large bore mouthpiece. The bell was very large compared to my King, and seemed to be shorter. Third and forth positions, which you usually judge against the bell, seemed to be off. The sound was great, but it just wasn't as comfortable as my ole King. Blessing trombones are among the most affordable trombones, and they don't seem to lose a lot in the quality department. Still, it wasn't quite to my tastes.
The second horn was a Bach 42 Stradivarius straight tenor trombone. This is the horn I used when I played with the National Guard. It too was a professional level, and was practically brand new. I had my brand new Bach 5G mouthpiece with me, and I thought it may be a great fit. I found it very easy to hit upper register notes, but I also felt air flow resistance, and could not be heard over the trombone player to my right or to my left. There were many times where I was guessing pitch based solely on the way my mouth felt. I have never anything like it before. Very odd... and it greatly hindered my playing.
For now, I must say I'm very happy with my King and wouldn't trade it. I'd really like to try a King 2103, the small bore professional trombone from King, and see how it compares. I'd also like to try a Yamaha Xeno trombone too. But I must admit, it's been interesting to try other brands.
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