Best Alto Trombones 2025

Top-rated alto trombones 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional

GENRES & STYLES: For Chamber Music For Solo Performance For High Register Parts For Classical Performance For Professional Doubling

Yamaha YSL-871 Alto Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YSL-871 Alto Trombone

by Yamaha

Solo Performance Classical Performance Professional Doubling

Key Feature:

• Professional doubling instrument

✓ PROS

• Unique alto voice in ensemble
• Professional doubling instrument

✗ CONS

• Expensive specialty instrument
• Very limited repertoire

Yamaha YSL-871Alto TromboneCustom seriesTuning: EbBore: 11.95 - 12.45 mm (0.470 - 0.490 inch)Bell: Brass 181.8 mm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 254492

$3,188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Alto Eb-Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Alto Eb-Trombone

by Kühnl & Hoyer

Orchestra Classical Performance Professional Doubling

Key Feature:

• Extended high register capability

✓ PROS

• Essential for specific orchestral parts
• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✗ CONS

• Requires advanced technique
• Small slide positions

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Alto Eb-TromboneEb Alto TromboneModel: Orchestra AltoBell made of gold brassØ 180...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 293359

$3,188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kühnl & Hoyer Slokar Eb- Alto Trombone 175 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Kühnl & Hoyer Slokar Eb- Alto Trombone 175

by Kühnl & Hoyer

High Register Parts Orchestra Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Extended high register capability

✓ PROS

• Extended high register capability
• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✗ CONS

• Limited educational applications
• Very limited repertoire

Kühnl & Hoyer Slokar Eb- Alto Trombone 175Eb Alto TromboneModel: Slokar AltoGold-brass bell Ø 180 mmNickel-silver...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 225870

$3,848

Buy at Thomann View Details

S.E. Shires TBQAlessi Eb- Alto Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

S.E. Shires TBQAlessi Eb- Alto Trombone

by S.E. Shires

Professional Doubling Orchestra Classical Performance

Key Feature:

• Classical repertoire requirements

✓ PROS

• Unique alto voice in ensemble
• Classical repertoire requirements

✗ CONS

• Requires advanced technique
• Expensive specialty instrument

S.E. Shires TBQAlessi Eb- Alto TromboneEb Alto TromboneJoseph Alessi Q SeriesTwo-piecehand-hammered brass cup (16.5 cm)...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 565749

$2,858

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TEB480 GL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann Classic TEB480 GL

by Thomann

Chamber Music Classical Performance Professional Doubling

Key Feature:

• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✓ PROS

• Unique alto voice in ensemble
• Essential for specific orchestral parts

✗ CONS

• Very limited repertoire
• Small slide positions

Thomann Classic TEB480 GLEb- Alto TromboneØ: 12.20 mm (.480")Small boreØ: 180 mm (7")Brass bellNickel...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 288865

$328

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YSL-872 Alto Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha YSL-872 Alto Trombone

by Yamaha

Classical Performance Chamber Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✓ PROS

• Essential for specific orchestral parts
• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✗ CONS

• Limited educational applications
• Small slide positions

Yamaha YSL-872, Alto Trombone, Bore: 11.95 - 12.45 mm, One-piece yellow brass bell, Trill rotor, Incl. case

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 226985

$4,398

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kühnl & Hoyer 122 Es NZ Eb- Alto Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Kühnl & Hoyer 122 Es NZ Eb- Alto Trombone

by Kühnl & Hoyer

Chamber Music Professional Doubling Classical Performance

Key Feature:

• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✓ PROS

• Classical repertoire requirements
• Essential for specific orchestral parts

✗ CONS

• Limited educational applications
• Requires advanced technique

Kühnl & Hoyer 122 Es NZ Es-Alto Trombone, E Flat Alto Trombone Model 122The curved support on the body allows for...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 155507

$2,584

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TEB480 L Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Thomann Classic TEB480 L Trombone

by Thomann

Classical Performance Solo Performance Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✓ PROS

• Classical repertoire requirements
• Essential for specific orchestral parts

✗ CONS

• Requires advanced technique
• Small slide positions

Thomann Classic TEB480 LEb- Alto TromboneØ: 12.20 mm (.480")Small boreØ: 180 mm (7")Brass bellNickel silver...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 288863

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

pBone music pBone Mini Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

pBone music pBone Mini Red

by pBone music

Orchestra Professional Doubling Classical Performance

Key Feature:

• Professional doubling instrument

✓ PROS

• Professional doubling instrument
• Essential for specific orchestral parts

✗ CONS

• Expensive specialty instrument
• Requires advanced technique

pBone music pBone Mini RedEb Alto TromboneDual bore Ø: 12.32 mm / Ø: 12.70 mm (0.0485 / 0.500)Bell: 177 mmBell built...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 309456

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TEB480 S Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann Classic TEB480 S Trombone

by Thomann

High Register Parts Classical Performance Professional Doubling

Key Feature:

• Unique alto voice in ensemble

✓ PROS

• Classical repertoire requirements
• Professional doubling instrument

✗ CONS

• Limited educational applications
• Requires advanced technique

Thomann Classic TEB480 SEb- Alto TromboneBore: SmallØ 12.20 mm (.480")Brass bellBell Ø: 180 mm (7")Outer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 288864

$328

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann SL-35 Alto Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann SL-35 Alto Trombone

by Thomann

Professional Doubling Orchestra Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Essential for specific orchestral parts

✓ PROS

• Essential for specific orchestral parts
• Professional doubling instrument

✗ CONS

• Very limited repertoire
• Requires advanced technique

Thomann SL-35 Alto TromboneEb Alto TromboneBell diameter: 7.13" (181 mm)made of brassBore diameter: 12.4...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 255316

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

pBone music pBone Mini Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

pBone music pBone Mini Blue

by pBone music

Chamber Music Professional Doubling Classical Performance

Key Feature:

• Extended high register capability

✓ PROS

• Classical repertoire requirements
• Professional doubling instrument

✗ CONS

• Requires advanced technique
• Expensive specialty instrument

pBone music pBone Mini BlueEb Alto TromboneDual boreØ: 12.32 mm / Ø: 12.70 mm (0.0485 / 0.500)Bell: 177 mmBell built...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 309457

$118

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alto Trombones

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced alto trombones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Alto Trombones 2025

Yamaha YSL-871 Alto Trombone

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Alto Eb-Trombone

Kühnl & Hoyer Slokar Eb- Alto Trombone 175

S.E. Shires TBQAlessi Eb- Alto Trombone

Thomann Classic TEB480 GL

Yamaha YSL-872 Alto Trombone

Kühnl & Hoyer 122 Es NZ Eb- Alto Trombone

Thomann Classic TEB480 L Trombone

pBone music pBone Mini Red

Thomann Classic TEB480 S Trombone

Thomann SL-35 Alto Trombone

pBone music pBone Mini Blue

How to Choose the Best Alto Trombones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying alto trombones?

How much should I spend on alto trombones?

Are expensive alto trombones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for alto trombones?

Should I buy alto trombones online or in-store?

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