Best Tenor Trombones for Big Band 2025

Perfect tenor trombones for big-band - easy to play and learn on

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Classical For Big Band For Orchestra For Marching Band For Blues

BRANDS: Thomann Kühnl & Hoyer pBone music Yamaha Michael Rath

Michael Rath R10 Tenor YB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Michael Rath R10 Tenor YB

by Michael Rath

Orchestra Jazz Marching Band

Key Feature:

• Classic trombone sound and range

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Professional standard instrument

✗ CONS

• Slide maintenance essential
• Requires significant arm length reach

Michael Rath R10 TenorBb Tenor TromboneBore: Ø 0.5" (12.70 mm)Bell size: Ø 7- 1/2" (190.50 mm)Bell made of...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 349403

$4,014

Buy at Thomann View Details

Michael Rath R3 Tenor GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Michael Rath R3 Tenor GB

by Michael Rath

Orchestra Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Slide technique enables unique effects

✓ PROS

• Professional standard instrument
• Classic trombone sound and range

✗ CONS

• Requires significant arm length reach
• Slide maintenance essential

Michael Rath R3 TenorBb Tenor TromboneBrassBore diameter: 0.525" (13.34 mm)Bell is made from gold brassBell...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 280021

$4,102

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sierman STB-511 Tenor Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sierman STB-511 Tenor Trombone

by Sierman

Jazz Blues Marching Band

Key Feature:

• Professional standard instrument

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Great for all musical styles

✗ CONS

• Large case for transportation
• Requires significant arm length reach

Sierman STB-511 Tenor TromboneBb tenor tromboneBore: 12.70 mmBrass bell: 203 mmBrass outer slideNickel silver inner...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 393988

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Blacky Bb-Tenor Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann Blacky Bb-Tenor Trombone

by Thomann

Blues Orchestra Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for all musical styles

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Great for all musical styles

✗ CONS

• Requires significant arm length reach
• Can be difficult to play softly

Thomann Blacky Bb-Tenor TromboneBb- Tenor tromboneBrass bellBell diameter: 203 mmML- boreBore: 12.7 mmColour: Black...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 503048

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann proBONE 1 Bb-Tenor Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann proBONE 1 Bb-Tenor Trombone

by Thomann

Jazz Big Band Classical

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✓ PROS

• Great for all musical styles
• Classic trombone sound and range

✗ CONS

• Large case for transportation
• Can be difficult to play softly

Thomann proBONE 1 Bb-Tenor TromboneBb Tenor TromboneBore Ø: 12.7 mm/ 0500"Bell made of yellow brassCup Ø: 190.5...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 298897

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Michael Rath R3 Tenor YB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Michael Rath R3 Tenor YB

by Michael Rath

Marching Band Orchestra Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✓ PROS

• Professional standard instrument
• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✗ CONS

• Slide positions require precise intonation
• Can be difficult to play softly

Michael Rath R3 TenorBb Tenor TromboneBore: Ø 0.525" (13.34 mm)Bell size: Ø 8" (203.50 mm)Bell made of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 349404

$4,178

Buy at Thomann View Details

Michael Rath R1 Tenor M - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Michael Rath R1 Tenor M

by Michael Rath

Classical Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✓ PROS

• Great for all musical styles
• Slide technique enables unique effects

✗ CONS

• Slide positions require precise intonation
• Can be difficult to play softly

Michael Rath R1 Tenor MBb Tenor TromboneDual bore: Ø 0.5"/ 0.51" (12.70 mm/12.95 mm)Bell size: Ø 7-...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 349401

$4,014

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic Set

by Jupiter

Orchestra Blues Classical

Key Feature:

• Professional standard instrument

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both melody and harmony
• Classic trombone sound and range

✗ CONS

• Can be difficult to play softly
• Slide positions require precise intonation

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic model*Bb Tenor Trombone*Model...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 528300

$1,040

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kühnl & Hoyer Bart van Lier .480/88" MKII BZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Kühnl & Hoyer Bart van Lier .480/88" MKII BZ

by Kühnl & Hoyer

Marching Band Orchestra Big Band

Key Feature:

• Great for all musical styles

✓ PROS

• Classic trombone sound and range
• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✗ CONS

• Can be difficult to play softly
• Requires significant arm length reach

Kühnl & Hoyer Bart van Lier .480/88" MKII BZTenor TromboneMaterial: BrassBronze slideGold lacqueredDouble...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 405436

$3,354

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YSL-893DNL Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YSL-893DNL Trombone

by Yamaha

Orchestra Marching Band Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent for both melody and harmony

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Professional standard instrument

✗ CONS

• Slide positions require precise intonation
• Large case for transportation

Yamaha YSL-893DNL TromboneJazz TromboneNils Landgren Sigature modelDetachable yellow brass bell: 190.4 mm (7...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602049

$4,146

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YSL-897 Z Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha YSL-897 Z Trombone

by Yamaha

Marching Band Orchestra Big Band

Key Feature:

• Professional standard instrument

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Classic trombone sound and range

✗ CONS

• Can be difficult to play softly
• Large case for transportation

Yamaha YSL-897 ZJazz Trumpet"Reversed type" - Main tuning slideNewly developed BalancerDual bore: Ø 12.29 mm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 273665

$3,486

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TB500 GL Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Thomann Classic TB500 GL Trombone

by Thomann

Jazz Classical Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for all musical styles

✓ PROS

• Slide technique enables unique effects
• Professional standard instrument

✗ CONS

• Can be difficult to play softly
• Requires significant arm length reach

Thomann Classic TB500 GLBb Tenor TromboneMedium bore Ø: 1270 mm (.500")Brass bell Ø: 203 mm (8")Nickel...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 288868

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic model - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic model

by Jupiter

Marching Band Classical Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic trombone sound and range

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both melody and harmony
• Classic trombone sound and range

✗ CONS

• Slide positions require precise intonation
• Requires significant arm length reach

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic modelBb Tenor TromboneModel "Ergonomic"Tuning: BbBore: 12.7 mmBell Ø: 203 mmGold...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 400971

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TB525 S Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Thomann Classic TB525 S Trombone

by Thomann

Big Band Blues Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Great for all musical styles

✓ PROS

• Excellent for both melody and harmony
• Professional standard instrument

✗ CONS

• Slide maintenance essential
• Can be difficult to play softly

Thomann Classic TB525 SBb Tenor TromboneØ 13.34 mm (.525 ") Medium large boreØ 203.00 mm (8 ") brass...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 288560

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Thomann Classic TB500 L Trombone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Thomann Classic TB500 L Trombone

by Thomann

Jazz Blues Classical

Key Feature:

• Great for all musical styles

✓ PROS

• Professional standard instrument
• Great for all musical styles

✗ CONS

• Can be difficult to play softly
• Slide positions require precise intonation

Thomann Classic TB500 LBb Tenor TromboneMedium bore diameter: 12.70 mm (.500")Brass bell diameter: 203 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 288528

$328

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Tenor 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 tenor 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 Tenor Trombones for Big Band 2025

Michael Rath R10 Tenor YB

Michael Rath R3 Tenor GB

Sierman STB-511 Tenor Trombone

Thomann Blacky Bb-Tenor Trombone

Thomann proBONE 1 Bb-Tenor Trombone

Michael Rath R3 Tenor YB

Michael Rath R1 Tenor M

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic Set

Kühnl & Hoyer Bart van Lier .480/88" MKII BZ

Yamaha YSL-893DNL Trombone

Yamaha YSL-897 Z Trombone

Thomann Classic TB500 GL Trombone

Jupiter JTB710RQ Ergonomic model

Thomann Classic TB525 S Trombone

Thomann Classic TB500 L Trombone

How to Choose the Best Tenor Trombones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying tenor trombones?

How much should I spend on tenor trombones?

Are expensive tenor trombones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for tenor trombones?

Should I buy tenor trombones online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Diatonic Harmonicas

Best Bb Trumpets

Best Tenor Trombones with F-Attachment

Best Chromatic Harmonicas

Best Open Hole Flutes

Best Alto Saxophones

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies