trombone or saxophone?

[bejeezus]

Started a thread recently and got some really great advice about my dds wish to play saxophone, for which I am very grateful

Turns out she/i was confused and what she actually wants to play is the trombone....

Now we have listened to both instruments being played, she says she doesn't mind which I she learns

I have very strong pretence for one, then the other....then it changes again.....Trombone Shorty is doing it for me at the moment!

Any advice as to which is best/ easiest/most fun, from anyone with any musical leanings at all?

Sorry this is not an AIBU (not really, just being polite)

[WorraLiberty]

Oh God it's the sax every time for me

Think of all the jazz she can play

[bejeezus]

That's what I thought worra. But have you seen Trombone Shorty?!

[TheLaminator]

i`m gonna throw a wild card into the mix...TRUMPET. i love the trumpet. But if I had to choose from the above, trombone. Not a massive jazz fan, but love a good punchy horn section.

[TheLaminator]

...or Bass Saxaphone, they make an amazing noise :)

[CakeMeIAmYours]

Saxophone - because the embouchure required for the trombone (and trumpet/french horn and indeed most brass instruments) is very damaging to growing teeth.

[CakeMeIAmYours]

...although saxophones are not generally part of an orchestra, worth bearing in mind if she wanted to go down that path...

[bejeezus]

What is an 'emboucher'?

[mysteryfairy]

We have both instruments in our house and both of the DC who play them play in jazz and swing bands so I dont think desire to do this necessarily means you should choose sax. My DC are actually physically suited to what they play e.g. DS has thick lips. He plays trombone, tuba, baritone etc but would struggle to play a trumpet or cornet. I think it's worth actually trying the possible instruments and some others to see if your DD has any particular aptitude.

Also I would say the vast majority of trombone players we encounter are boys. My DD would be put off playing an instrument that meant she was always in a section with all boys. Some girls would see it as a challenge or opportunity. I'm sure you can judge how your DD would feel.

[fuzzysnout]

Trombone is much more versatile - she could play orchestral, jazz, wind band, brass band etc.

[whois]

She will be able to play in brass or wind bands much hiker if she learns the trombone. My preference is always for brass instruments tho.

[Anniepops]

Hi I would be more inclined to choose saxaphone. I learnt trombone for a bit (alongside son learning euphonium - a long story!) and I found it quite tricky because the slide positions for the notes are more vague than if you've got specific keys to press - you have to sort of learn to feel/ hear where the correct position is, plus it's a fiddly old thing to handle, pack away, get out of it's case!

[bejeezus]

If she gets her musical talent off me, she won't have to worry about being in an orchestra

[Bertrude]

I played both in my younger days.

If she gets a bus to school and will be taking her instrument with her, sax all the way. Trombones were just awkward on the school bus.

I would agree with a previous poster and get her to try both for a short while and see what her mouth is more suited to.

However the songs that she can learn on a saxomophone are so much cooler Han the majority of trombone solos.

[TheCrackFox]

Has she actually had a go with anheld the instruments she is interested in? She might find that she is more naturally suited to one?

[CakeMeIAmYours]

Its the shape you make with your mouth on the instrument.

For brass instruments, you have to basically push your lips over your teeth (which pushes them backwards)

I come from a family of classical musicians and wasn't allowed to take up a brass instrument until I was 15 for this reason. I played the sax instead which I loved, but always felt a bit left out that I couldn't join the orchestra...

[whackamole]

Which neighbour are you trying to force out?



Only joshing, I'd go for the sax myself.

[bejeezus]

I was thinking vague slide positions is a bonus?

Damage to growing teeth is pretty serious consideration.....

[kittyandthefontanelles]

Trombone.

[redexpat]

Trombones aren't as popular which means it may be easier for her to get into an orchestra or jazz or swing band.

[Condensedmilk]

I played trombone. DD plays saxophone.

My vote goes to:

Saxophone.

It's cooler and has much better music written for it. Plus it can be a 'solo' instrument.

[pyrowall]

I wouldnt normally reply but as this is close to my heart I will!

I played the trombone from 12 years old, fantastic instrument and so versatile (as others have said!), swing, jazz, wind and symphony orchestra which you would miss out on if your dd played the sax. I was one of two female trombonists in my wind band and one of 3 females from 6 players in my county wind orchestra, so don't always believe that there is a sexist nature to playing the trombone!

I never had a problem with my teeth!!

One thing I would say was that the exam pieces looked easy when compared with other wind instruments, I would say that was a bonus!! Also, there's not as much competition to join groups if you a trombone player! Why blend in when you can stand out a bit!

In the end though your dd has the choice! Could she do a term of one to see how she gets on and then give the other one a go?

[PineappleBed]

If she wants to play in orchestras or brass bands as well as just jazz bands then pick trombone. No instrument is easy so drop that as a consideration, both will take years of practice and dedication. Both have the bonus of sounding good when you're in the early stages unlike some instruments.

I'm a trombonist if your dd has any questions.

[PineappleBed]

Not sure that teeth thing is true. Years of playing in all manner of bands from year dot and never hears that. Anecdotaly, I haven't seen lots of people drop out in teenage years due to braces which they would if there was a lot of tooth damage.

[Acumens100]

I played trombone and found it really easy for exactly the vagueness. You just sort of move towards the notes/through the music. If you can dance it's a snap, much lower bar than fingered instruments.

[HiggsBoson]

Trombone.

Sax players are everywhere and a good trombonist will be a more sought after addition to a band or group.

Don't worry about your DD's teeth. Correct embochure does not involve the mouthpiece pressing the teeth inwards at all.