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Are Plastic Trombones Any Good? Find out here

are plastic trombones good
Image source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/sniegowski/42754489751
Written by Corey Morgan

Trombones come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types is the plastic trombone. They make excellent first-year instruments for students of all ages, but especially for young kids. These trombones are made of lightweight materials, making them easy to transport and play.

They’re small, simple to use, and not too pricey, they also come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. But are plastic trombones good? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these instruments and discuss the pros and cons of owning one.

How well is the sound of plastic trombone

The first thing to consider when deciding if a plastic trombone is right for you is its sound. Plastic trombones do not produce the same quality of sound as metal trombones, so they may not be ideal for professional players. However, they are perfect for beginners or for people who want a portable instrument that is easy to transport.

Are Plastic Trombones Quieter?

Brass trombones tend to be louder, but plastic trombones aren’t any louder. Plastic trombones can actually produce a sound that is very similar to that of a conventional trombone. As a result, they are especially useful for aspiring trombonists. However, the sound they make can be a little flat at times.

Plastic trumpet’s sound tends to quit sooner and doesn’t carry as well in larger rooms like theaters because of the lack of rebounding bell sound that comes from brass instruments.

Price of plastic trombones

Another advantage of plastic trombones is their price. They are much cheaper than metal trombones, making them a more affordable option for people on a budget.

Parents who don’t want to pay over hundreds of dollars on an instrument that their child may or may not wish to play in the future will appreciate this option.

For plastic trombones, replacement parts are also readily available and reasonably priced! It’s not recommended to use plastic trombones in a professional band or orchestra. This is due to the fact that the sound they produce differs from that of a metal trombone.

How Plastic Trombones Stack Up Against brass trombones

Plastic trombones are adequate practice instruments that provide a sound that is almost similar but not entirely to that of a brass trombone. They are easy to use and lightweight for beginners.  Plastic trombones are less expensive but they also have some drawbacks. Most notably, plastic instruments can’t be repaired if they’re damaged. If you drop your trombone or it falls off your music stand, you’ll probably need to buy a new one.

So if you’re someone who tends to be rough on your instruments, a plastic trombone may not be the best choice for you.

Is a Plastic Trombone Worth the Money?

Plastic trombones are more commonly utilized as a practice tool by children or relatively inexperienced musicians.

This is a great way for beginners to learn how to play the trombone without having to invest a lot of money on a metal instrument. Lightweight, easy on the wrists, and don’t require much stamina to hold are some of the advantages of using these.

A plastic trombone is a common travel accessory for players of all levels. When you’re on the go but still want to keep your abilities sharp, this is a lightweight backup.

However, plastic trombones are not intended for professional use. They’re fantastic for practicing, but are they good enough for playing in a band or symphony? Honestly, I don’t think so.

Ultimately, whether or not a plastic trombone is worth buying depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Is it more difficult to play plastic Trombones than regular brass Trombones?

Plastic trombones are designed to be more user-friendly than traditional metal trombones.

Their lightweight form allows children and beginners to practice for longer periods of time without being tired or bogged down by a large instrument.

Plastic trombones have a similar shape to a regular trombone, so students can practice using the grip, slides, and sound they produce on these instruments.

Plastic trombones also allow students to practice embouchure and buzzing with their lips properly shaped and placed. This can assist them in determining whether or not the sound they are producing is the correct one.

Some plastic trombones can also be used with brass mouthpieces so that students can practice even more! A regular trombone produces a more robust sound that is easier for a beginner to get incorrectly. It is also more difficult to play a traditional trombone because it is heavier and more cumbersome to wield.

Plastic trombones are easier to play than regular trombones.

Does Schools Recommend Plastic Trombones for Beginners?

Plastic trombones are a great option for students in elementary or primary school who wish to begin playing as soon as possible.

The reason for this is that plastic trombones are long-lasting, simple to use, and affordable for parents.

It should be noted, however, that once a student enters the middle school band, most schools expect them to purchase a brass instrument. This is due to the fact that school bands play at sporting events and in the school theater during symphony performances.

At this time, it is best to invest in a better trombone or instrument. You should bring up the concept of using a plastic trombone to your musically oriented student or youngster as early as possible in order to better prepare them for the band.

Are there any good brands of plastic trombones?

Parents and students alike appear to be embracing a number of plastic trombone brands. For good brands we’ve rounded up some of our top picks:

  1. Vincent Bach Plastic Trombone

Topping our list is the Vincent Bach plastic trombone, which has the closest sound resemblance to a brass trombone. It has a 500 bore and a clear plastic tiny shank mouthpiece, and is constructed similarly to a conventional trombone. If you want to improve the instrument’s tone, switch to a metal mouthpiece. Upgrade the mouthpiece even if you’re using a plastic instrument.

The trombone itself is made of a translucent green plastic material. Even though the slide isn’t made of brass, it’s composed of carbon fiber, which allows it to travel easily. You won’t need to use any lubricant to move the slide, which will boost your playing abilities.

Incorporated within the instrument’s design is an ergonomic grip. This enhances the player’s experience. In addition, it makes it simpler to memorize the note positions of the various instruments. When you’re not playing the instrument, there is a primary tuning slide and a hand slide lock.

As an added bonus, each Vincent Bach plastic trombone purchase include a canvas gig bag. As a result, taking the instrument on the road is a breeze.

  1. P Instruments Plastic Trombone

The P Instruments 500-bore plastic trombone is a Bb-pitched instrument. 6.5AL and 11C mouthpiece, as well as a glass fiber slide. It has a deep, full tone that resembles that of a brass trombone.

You’ll want to carry your plastic trombones with you because they’re so portable. To keep it safe in transit, the brand offers a cloth carrying case. Their trombone weights just 1.8 pounds, which is less than half the weight of a regular trombone.

This is the most eye-catching choice on the list. This trombone is different colours of plastic. The slide on all versions is black, therefore the colors only apply to the bell. A mold- and bacteria-resistant material is used throughout the instrument. This sort of plastic may be reused and recycled over and over again.

This instrument comes with several addons from p Instruments, one is six months of International Trombone Association membership. Learn how to play the trombone by taking advantage of free online training.

  1. Tromba Plastic Trombone

Tromba’s plastic trombone is quite standard: tuned to Bb with a 500 bore. The mouthpiece is a 12C small shank option, as opposed to the 6.5AL and 11C options offered by P Instrument. It’s also possible to use a regular mouthpiece.

The body is made of ABS plastic, which is resistant to dings and scratches. Scratches are less likely to occur because of the shiny finish. It’s worth the money because of the extras included. Music stands and gig bags are included in the price of your instrument. It also comes with a cleaning kit so that you can keep your trombone in top condition.

You also have the option of black, blue, white, red, or yellow as your color of choice, however these are the most common. Metallic blue and red versions are also available from the manufacturer. With this, you get the look and feel of a brass instrument with the convenience of a plastic body.

Are Plastic Trombones Cheaper than Metal Trombones?

Metal trombones for beginners often range in price from $400 to $1,200. The cost of a first-time trombone might vary greatly depending on the brand you purchase. Because of this, beginners do better with plastic trumpets.

The majority of plastic trombones are priced between $100 and $200. For parents who wish to introduce their children to music at a young age, this is a far more affordable choice.

Plastic trombone an excellent early investment for children because they are more likely to be misplaced or misused than metal trumpets.

Depending on the type of mouthpiece you choose (plastic or brass), the more common plastic models can cost as little as $100-$200, depending on the brand, color, accessories, and other factors.

Brass mouthpieces are available for most brands, so you’re not limited to plastic.

Conclusion

Plastic trombones come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. They are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for students or for people who want an instrument that they can take with them on the go. If you are looking for a budget-friendly trombone that is easy to transport and comes in a variety of colors, then a plastic trombone may be right for you. Thanks for reading!