Posted by Dave Shriver on April 02, 2003 at 15:22:39:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: bass bone posted by Mary Ann on April 02, 2003 at 14:12:07:
The open side of a bass trombone is Bb. That's the fundamental tone with no valves depressed. A bass (or tenor) trombone with one valve will be in Bb and F (f with the valve). A duel valve bass will be able to play Bb (open) F (first valve) D (both valves) if its a dependant horn. If its an independant horn then you'll have Bb (open) F (1st valve) Gb (2nd valve alone) D (both valves). That's the most common tuning. You will also (though rarely) see the second valve tuned to G, giving you Eb with both valves.
You mentioned that you liked your german horns. There is a very fine german company that makes trombones. Its Thein http://www.thein-brass.de/ They are wonderful intstruments but very pricy. I recently fell in love with the Thein Bass Trombone at the Eastern Trombone Workshop, but I couldn't swing the $8K+ to buy it. Yahama also makes a "german" style bass trombone. If you want a customized modular horn (ie you are able to change to different slides, valves, bells, tuning slides) then look at Shires, Rath or Edwards but prices will run you $3500 - $4000. As far as the mass market horns go, check out Getzen, Holton, Bach, Yamaha, King or Conn. You should find these horns in the $1500 - $3000 range.
Of course there is also the contra bass trombone (pitched in F or BBb) but that's an entirely different topic. :)
Clear Skies,
David Shriver
Bass Trombone
Brass Band of the Tri-State