Here's a question for people who play 'trigger' trombones...?

Question

I recently got a brand new F-attachment tenor trombone, and its trigger is in perfect working order. But I was just wondering...seeing as the trigger is operated on a coil of wire, will it ever lose its spring?

Answer 1

Some triggers are strung like a french horn key and those will need to be restrung from time-to-time. The type that is an all mechanical linkage don't need replacement if you don't abuse the horn.

You will need to keep it oiled and valve oil is better for this than slide oil - valve oil is just a little thicker.

Answer 2

The bass trombone is in C, or concert pitch, which means that if there's a note written on the page, e.g. a Bb, that's the exact note you'll play. It isn't a transposing instrument. The others are right, you can play tenor trombone, tuba/sousaphone and bassoon parts. You could also take a look at bass clef euphonium parts - or sometimes there are parts for baritone instead, which up to a certain level are in much the same range. These last two might sound a little odd on a bass 'bone, as it's really made for those lovely pedal notes, but could still work. Ask your conductor/director which part they'd prefer you to cover, might make life simpler!