Best Bass Trombones for Orchestra 2026

Perfect bass trombones for orchestra - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Antoine Courtois AC551BHRA Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Antoine Courtois AC551BHRA Bass Trombone

Low Brass Big Band Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
  • • Professional ensemble requirement
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Complex valve system to master

Antoine Courtois AC551BHRA Bass TromboneBb/F/Gb/Eb/D bass tromboneModel "New York"Dual bore: 14.3 / 14.7...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Signature - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra Signature

Big Band Jazz Low Brass
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
✗ CONS
  • • Complex valve system to master
  • • Very large and heavy instrument

Kühnl & Hoyer Orchestra SignatureB/ F/ Gb/ D Bass TromboneExchangeable brass bell Ø: 240 mmWith "open...

4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
S.E. Shires BII 7 GM 10" Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

S.E. Shires BII 7 GM 10" Bass Trombone

Big Band Jazz Low Brass
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
✗ CONS
  • • Requires significant air support
  • • More expensive than tenor trombone

S.E. Shires BII 7 GM 10" Bass Trombone10" Bass TromboneWith two tru-bore valvesArtist Custom SeriesIn-line...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Edwards B-454 Bass 9,5" 1147CF/B-STDN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Edwards B-454 Bass 9,5" 1147CF/B-STDN

Big Band Wind Ensemble Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Deep, powerful low brass voice
✓ PROS
  • • Professional ensemble requirement
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than tenor trombone
  • • Requires significant air support

Edwards B-454 Bass 95" 1147CF/B-STDNBass TromboneOpen wrap constructionThayer Axial valvesBore Ø 14.27 mm...

4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
C.G.Conn 112H Bb/F/Eb/D Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

C.G.Conn 112H Bb/F/Eb/D Bass Trombone

Low Brass Jazz Big Band
Key Feature:
• Great projection and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
✗ CONS
  • • Requires significant air support
  • • Very large and heavy instrument

C.G.Conn 112H Bb/F/Eb/D Bass TromboneBb/ F/ Gb/ D Bass TromboneWith 2 valvesIn-line valvesOpen wrap designBore:...

4.7/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha YBL-620 GE Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha YBL-620 GE Bass Trombone

Wind Ensemble Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• F and Gb attachments extend range
✓ PROS
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Very large and heavy instrument
  • • Requires significant air support

Yamaha YBL-620 GE Bass TromboneBb/ F/ Eb (D)- Bass TromboneOff-set valvesWith separate knobs (as with in-line)Bore Ø:...

4.5/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Michael Rath R900 Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Michael Rath R900 Bass Trombone

Big Band Wind Ensemble Orchestra
Key Feature:
• F and Gb attachments extend range
✓ PROS
  • • Great projection and presence
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
✗ CONS
  • • Requires significant air support
  • • Very large and heavy instrument

Michael Rath R900 Bass TromboneBass TromboneIn-line valvesBore Ø: 0.562" (14.27 mm)Bell: Yellow brassBell size...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann proBONE 3 GM Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Thomann proBONE 3 GM Bass Trombone

Jazz Classical Wind Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Deep, powerful low brass voice
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
  • • Professional ensemble requirement
✗ CONS
  • • Requires significant air support
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann proBONE 3 GM Bass TromboneBass TromboneIndependent valve arrangementBore: 14.27 mm (0.562")Bell of gold...

5.0/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha YBL-835G Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Yamaha YBL-835G Bass Trombone

Wind Ensemble Jazz Big Band
Key Feature:
• Deep, powerful low brass voice
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than tenor trombone
  • • Requires significant air support

Yamaha YBL-835G Bass TromboneBass TromboneTuning: Bb/F/Gb/DBrass bell: 241 mm (9 1/2")Bore: 14.3 mmOuter slide:...

4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Michael Rath R9 Bass Hagmann RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Michael Rath R9 Bass Hagmann RB

Orchestra Low Brass Wind Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Professional ensemble requirement
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
✗ CONS
  • • Very large and heavy instrument
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Michael Rath R9 Bass HagmannBb/ F/ Gb/ D Bass TromboneBore: 14.27 mm/ 0.562"Hagmann valve sectionBell size Ø:...

4.5/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Bach 50A3G Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Bach 50A3G Bass Trombone

Wind Ensemble Jazz Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Essential for orchestral bass lines
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
✗ CONS
  • • Complex valve system to master
  • • Requires significant air support

Bach 50A3G Bass TromboneBb / F / Gb / D Bass tromboneWith Hagmann "Free Flow" quart and quint valveInline...

4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Kühnl & Hoyer .563 Bb/F/Gb/D- Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Kühnl & Hoyer .563 Bb/F/Gb/D- Bass Trombone

Orchestra Low Brass Big Band
Key Feature:
• F and Gb attachments extend range
✓ PROS
  • • F and Gb attachments extend range
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
✗ CONS
  • • Complex valve system to master
  • • Requires significant air support

Kühnl & Hoyer .563 BbFGB/D- Bass TromboneBb/ F/ Gb/ D Bass TromboneOpen designIn-line system - independent 2nd...

4.7/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Antoine Courtois AC551BHA Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Antoine Courtois AC551BHA Bass Trombone

Orchestra Low Brass Wind Ensemble
Key Feature:
• F and Gb attachments extend range
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
✗ CONS
  • • Requires significant air support
  • • Very large and heavy instrument

Antoine Courtois AC551BHA Bass TromboneBb/F Bass TromboneModel "New York"Dual bore: 14.3 / 14.7...

4.4/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Sierman ST-81G Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sierman ST-81G Bass Trombone

Jazz Orchestra Classical
Key Feature:
• Essential for orchestral bass lines
✓ PROS
  • • Deep, powerful low brass voice
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than tenor trombone
  • • Complex valve system to master

Sierman ST-81G Bass TromboneBb/F/Gb/D Bass tromboneBore: 14.30 mmBell: 245 mm (9.5")Gold brass bellBody:...

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Thomann proBONE 3 M Bass Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Thomann proBONE 3 M Bass Trombone

Low Brass Classical Big Band
Key Feature:
• F and Gb attachments extend range
✓ PROS
  • • Essential for orchestral bass lines
  • • Great projection and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Complex valve system to master
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Thomann proBONE 3 M Bass TromboneBass TromboneIndependent valve arrangementBore Ø: 14.27 mm/ 0.562"Bell:...

4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best Bass 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 bass 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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more