Should I buy a bass trombone?

Question

I've been playing tenor trombone since grade 9, so that's 4 years now, with a six month or so gap when I played bassoon last year. I just bought a professional model (Bach 42BO) about three months ago and I really do enjoy it.

However, I've been listening to a lot of bass trombone and really like the sound of it. I used to play a school owned bass trombone, so I know I can do it. I am going back to high school for one more year before university. I am looking for suggestions on what to do. Should I buy one and minor on it and major on tenor, or should I just stick to tenor and perhaps buy a bass for personal enjoyment later in my life? Does bass trombone have as many career opportunities as tenor trombone does? I'm looking into performing in an orchestra.

Sorry for the long question, everyone.

Answer 1

I just graduated with a degree in music education with an emphasis on trombone.  The majority of the time I played tenor bone, but for the last 2 years I played bass bone in jazz band.  

As much as I enjoy playing bass bone, it is a lot easier to be successful at tenor trombone since there is more oppurtunity to play tenor bone.  Example:  In concert band there is usually only 1 bass trombone player (if even!), and several tenor trombones.  In jazz band there is usually only 1 bass trombone and 3 to 4 tenor bones.  In orchestra there is usually only 1 bass trombone (again if even, depending on the pieces the conductor chooses) and 2 tenor trombones.  

That being said, I think you could do both and not hurt your playing either way.  From my own experience, I felt like playing bass trombone improved my tenor playing because it forced me to use more air, as well as use the air more effeciently.  

If you are looking at buying a bass trombone I think the Bach Strad (Bach 50) is a very good model.  If money is not an issue, I would get the one with double Thayer Valves.

Answer 2

Go for it.  I played trombone and went from high school to college, I went from great to average.  6th chair out of 13.  No great parts, too much competition.  Go for the bass.  Also, if you like the sound of it, you'll want to practice more and get better.

Answer 3

Sure if you want to be known as a "Low Tromboner" :/