Any “Superbone” owners?

[iMav]

I was only made aware of these a couple of years ago. I’ve seen the valve trombones, of course…just not these hybrids.

I’ve never been able to bring myself to play a valve trombone…as I don’t consider it a real instrument. (Learn to play the trombone!)

Anyways…just saw a Superbone the other day and was curious if anyone here owned one.

[davewerden]

I haven't owned one (I have enough trouble keeping track of my current stock!). There are actually a couple types. The Holton model has piston valves in line with the slide. Ashley Alexander played it at a conference I was at, and it was pretty cool. He could do a lick on the slide, and then do it again down a half step but with the same slide positions. And so on. And there is a Schagerl model that James Morrison plays. It has rotary valves perpendicular to the slide.

[davewerden]

Here is a video with Morrison:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-6nZZrs9Xk

[RickF]

A little off topic but of James Morrison playing his super bone (and trumpet) along with some entertaining history. The microphone isn’t great for his hilarious dialog though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x95JmJjVaHU

[iMav]

I’ve never seen the rotary valve version. That’s pretty cool!

[daruby]

I owned a Holton Superbone TR-395 and used it fairly extensively for a number of years. It is a very small bore since it basically uses trumpet valves. Since the valve block is spliced into the trombone between the main slide and the bell section, it takes up some of the front to back space that normally would be dedicated to the slide. Ergo, the slide has just 6 positions. If you want to play 7th position, you use 6th and hit the 2nd valve. Also, the valves are played with the left hand. The balance is good since the valve block is very tightly wrapped, but the horn is HEAVY for a tenor trombone.

Doug

[iMav]

Yeah, they look heavy and a bit awkward to play. They are interesting to be sure.

Would be fun to see someone really pushing one to its limit technically.

[bpwilliams]

MF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rljh6cwl5yQ

[iMav]

Yeah, read that Maynard Ferguson (at least co-)created it!

Found this recording a few places...any video of him playing one?

[rgorscak]

I bought a Superbone and had it refurbished. It just needed to be re-lacquered. Now I decided I would just rather have a regular Valve Trombone, so I got a Bach V16 Stradivarius.

I do have a bunch of slide trombones in my collection, some Vintage.

I am going to have to start getting rid of some like a Conn 24i/25i Euphonium that I had re-lacquered, 1957 Conn 88H trombone, and other assorted horns. I just have been too lazy to start to advertise them. I also have about 20 mouthpieces that I will not use.

[rgorscak]

PS mine is a Horton also, but with valves.

[iMav]

Start listing your goods for sale!