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)

As a trombonist myself I would have to say the trombone!

I think the teeth thing would only be a consideration if she is still growing her front teeth. I never had any problems in that respect nor do I know any other brass players who did.

As others have said it is a very versatile instrument so whatever style of music she ends up preferring she can probably join in just as easily with a trombone as a sax.

Saxaphones are also very, very popular these days so yes there will be more competition for places in a band with that instrument than a brass instrument.

"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. " Hmm - depends which size of sax you are thinking of. DH plays a tenor and his case is much bigger and heavier than my trombone. And the baritone saxaphones come in something not unlike a coffin.

OP with all due respect you shouldn't be asking a bunch of strangers on mumsnet to decide this!

As a couple of posters have wisely mentioned, there are physical aspects to the choice - for instance, trombone is one of the only instruments you can play that does not require digital dexterity.

I suggest you take her (call ahead and book a session) to a music store with a good brass selection and really let her have a go at both. DD needs to handle them, and play them. Listening to them is not enough. I think she will have a much clearer sense of which one she want to play after this.

And the nice thing... they are both fantastic instruments, so you will win either way. Good luck.

But I do think the trombone is more versatile ... oops! I'll shut up now!

Great! Thanks for all your replies..that is exactly why I asked for help bower...having no clue about music or instruments...off in to town to try them out tomorrow! I'm ridiculously excited...I really hope she has more ability than me!

Are your neighbours on MN? There will be a new thread very soon.

Let us know which one she goes for!

Trombones are much more expensive than alto saxes (if that's a consideration).

Mind you, we have a phone - a plastic trombone - which sounds fine if played by someone who can actually play a brass instrument.

She'll be able to play in a brass band with a trombone but not with a sax and, as other people have said, there are far more sax players than trombonists.

How old is she? Saxophones are very heavy (though I suspect trombones are too). I learnt clarinet as a child, but have taught myself sax more recently and don't think I could have coped with the weight of it when I was young.

My son started playing trumpet during the last school year...he loves it. He got to choose which brass instrument to play as did the other kids who decided they wanted to learn too. Some chose sax, 2 girls chose the trombone...its almost as big as them! The music teacher did mention that the saxaphone was easier (tho not saying its easy) to learn for those kids who'd played the recorder beforehand. Something to do with positioning of fingers etc. (I think!)

I'm a woodwind teacher and I say.....Trombone!!!
THere are oodles of sax players around and few trombonists- she'll be in demand and get all sorts of opportunities come her way.

Dd chose clarinet aged 10 and loves it, ds chose saxophone age 8 and loves it. Can you let her choose. Both play in orchestra/bands.

I have 2 DSs aged 9 and 14 who play trombones and a DD who plays alto and baritone sax. As the postor upthread said it is indeed like carrying a coffin to school!

They all have great fun. The Junior school accepted sax, but not the City Youth Orchestra (DD plays cello in that though).

DS1 has played a brass instruments since he was 8 and has no problem with his teeth. I worry more about DDs neck and back, she has a shoulder harness rather than just a neck strap.

BUT it is possible the right instrument for your DD is neither of these. You have to play and see.

Trombone.... DB started to learn this as soon as he went to secondary school, was ace (I'm a strings girl), he has perfect teeth after playing it throughout school and college! School orchestra was great, I loved playing in the same orchestra as my brother.

I am a bit confused

If you can't play either instrument, how can you really 'try them out' or 'play and see'??

Do you just mean, she should instantly prefer one or t'other? Or, spend some time on lessons with both?....

Can't afford 2 lots of lessons for sure!

I like the idea that trombone is less commonly played, and very versatile (and it would ne really great if she could ever play in an orchestra or wotnot)

You don't have to have lessons... Just a try in a decent music shop or at your local music school will tell you lots - how easy DD finds it to get a sound out, whether her mouth fits etc. You might also find something like DD cannot cope with the weight of a sax or does not have a big enough hand span. My DD who had her heart set on sax learnt clarinet for 2 years as she was too small initially to cope with a sax.

OP, as has been suggested, go to a music shop with both instruments. Call ahead, explain what you want to do. Or you might contact a local youth orchestra/band - again explaining that you want your DD to have a try on both instruments as she's not sure. Be upfront about your lack of knowledge and people will help.

BTW, where are you planning to do lessons? Is this through school? Or a local music education initiative? If so, then they should be able to help you. Or if you have private music teachers in mind, then arrange one brief introductory session (not a real lesson and should not be charged as such) about 15 minutes.

No you do not need to do two lots of lessons. DD needs to get a real feel for each instrument, decide and then go for it.

Whereabouts are you? Depending on where you are, I may be able to help.

We went to amusic shop. There are 2 I wanted to go to, but they are closed on Sundays, so we went to another.

They only had a sax and no trombone. She tried it; she made a noise! It's a really nice sound isn't it? She enjoyed it. The shop assistant was young and didn't have much to say, so I don't think we are any wiser yet. Will try another shop on Monday.

We are in bristol

Piano.

She was quite wowed by the pianos in the shop!

Well it's a good sign. She could always start with a keyboard (you can buy for next to nothing on EBay) and it is a much more useful instrument and she can play it be herself in the future. Trombone she is very likely to grow out of (probably a fad) Saxaphone less so.

Why do you think she would grow out of trombone or saxophone, but not piano? Why would they be a fad, but not piano?

Bloody musical instruments! It's very complicated!

Sorry Rich, but you are talking nonsense. First of all, the idea of picking up a keyboard for next to nothing on ebay is a bad idea. When a child is learning piano, they need to either have a proper piano or an electric piano/keyboard with properly weighted keys. There is no other way and any piano teacher worth their salt will tell you that. However, a piano or a decent keyboard is a big investment so if the parent is unsure they can always rent a good instrument from a reputable music shop from £30/month. often with professional moving costs thrown in.

Secondly, your idea that trombone is a fad... er, why? Perhaps you don't like trombone, or don't know much about it, but it's a great instrument with a long and noble history. It is both an orchestral and brass band instrument, equally comfortable in jazz or classical. BTW I am not a trombonist.

Definitely get her to try then out side by side. She may well feel an instant affinity with one or the other.

But also remember who will be carrying the instrument to lessons.

But don't let her try out really heavy instruments or you'll kill your back when she can't manage. Like an effing bassoon. Go for a flute.

What you need is some .

Trombonists are in great demand whereas sax players are ten a penny!