How Much Does A Trombone Cost?

Last Updated on June 28, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For musicians and students looking to purchase a trombone, cost plays a major role in deciding which instrument best fits their budget and needs. While not an inexpensive investment, a quality new or used trombone well-suited to your current abilities and future progress can deliver tremendous musical enjoyment and value for years to come.

This guide examines trombone pricing considerations across the spectrum, including detailed cost breakdowns for beginner, intermediate, professional, and custom instruments. It also explores new versus used pricing, leading instrument brands, essential accessories, where to find deals, and creative financing options to make purchasing more affordable.

How Much Does A Trombone Cost?

The cost of a trombone can range widely from just $300 for basic beginner models up to $7,000+ for professional custom trombones depending on the type, quality, materials, brand, accessories, and condition.

New trombones range dramatically based on intended playing and skill level:

Beginner Trombones

• Cost range: $300 – $1,000
• Best for: New players, grades 5-8, casual hobbyists
• Good brands: Yamaha, Bach, Conn, King, Jupiter

Intermediate Trombones

• Cost range: $1,000 – $2,500
• Best for: Middle school through college players, intermediate skill
• Good brands: Getzen, Bach, Yamaha, King, Conn

Professional Trombones

• Cost range: $2,500 – $7,000+
• Best for: Elite high school, college, amateur and pro players
• Good brands: Shires, Edwards, Getzen, Bach, Conn, Yamaha

Custom Trombones

• Cost range: $3,500 – $10,000+
• Best for: Professional symphony musicians, highly advanced players
• Good brands: Shires, Edwards, Getzen, Bach

When budgeting, carefully weigh current skill level against future goals and growth plans to select the right instrument tier. Don’t over or underestimate needs.

Music & Arts offers a wide range of trombones, with prices ranging from around $500 for a student model to over $3,000 for a professional-grade instrument. For example, they sell the Yamaha YSL-354 Intermediate Trombone for $1,099 and the Bach 42BO Stradivarius Series Trombone for $3,499. Music & Arts also provides rental options starting at $29 per month.

Woodwind & Brasswind lists trombones starting at $499 for a beginner model and going up to $3,999 for a top-of-the-line professional instrument. Some notable options include the Conn 88H Symphony Series Trombone for $2,799 and the Yamaha YSL-882OR Xeno Series Trombone for $3,599. They also offer rental programs with the option to apply rental fees towards the purchase of the instrument.

Musician’s Friend provides a wide selection of trombones, with prices ranging from around $400 for a student model to over $4,000 for a professional-grade instrument. For example, they sell the Yamaha YSL-354 Intermediate Trombone for $1,099 and the Bach 42BO Stradivarius Series Trombone for $3,499. Musician’s Friend also offers rental options starting at $25 per month.

J.W. Pepper lists trombones starting at $499 for a beginner model and going up to $3,999 for a professional-grade instrument. Notable options include the Conn 88H Symphony Series Trombone for $2,799 and the Yamaha YSL-882OR Xeno Series Trombone for $3,599. They also provide rental programs with the option to apply rental fees towards the purchase of the instrument.

Getzen offers a range of trombones, with prices starting at around $1,000 for their student models and going up to $3,000 for their professional-grade instruments. For example, they sell the Getzen 590 Eterna Series Trombone for $1,499 and the Getzen 3047AF Eterna Affinity Series Trombone for $2,499.

Getzen also provides a limited lifetime warranty on their instruments.

Buying a New vs Used Trombone

Purchasing a used trombone provides significant savings over new instruments:

New Beginner Trombones

• Average Price: $300 – $1,000

Used Beginner Trombones

• Average Price: $150 – $600
• Typical Savings vs New: 40% – 50%+

New Intermediate Trombones

• Average Price: $1,000 – $2,500

Used Intermediate Trombones

• Average Price: $500 – $1,500
• Typical Savings vs New: 50%+

New Professional Trombones

• Average Price: $2,500 – $7,000

Used Professional Trombones

• Average Price: $1,000 – $4,000
• Typical Savings vs New: 30% – 50%

When buying used, carefully inspect instruments and buy from reputable sellers. Prior professional servicing and reconditioning justifies higher used pricing.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Trombone

Several technical specifications and options impact how much any trombone will cost:

• Bore size – Wider bores for louder projection cost more.
• Bell composition – Solid one-piece brass or yellow brass bells offer superior resonance.
• Bell size – Larger 9”-10” bells provide fuller sound than smaller student sizes around 7”-8”.
• Leadpipe – Seamless premium brass leadpipes improve response.
• Slide – Hand-spun brass slides with gold lining provide smoother action.
• Decorative engravings/filigree – Intricate detailing commands premium artisanal pricing.
• Plating – Nickel, silver, or gold plating carries higher cost over brass.
• Accessories – Quality case, mouthpiece, and cleaning supplies add $50-$500+ to startup costs.
• Brand reputation – Leading manufacturers like Shires, Edwards, Bach, Yamaha command slight pricing premiums.

Carefully evaluate which features matter most given current skill level and budget tradeoffs. Prioritize sound quality and playability over cosmetics.

Where to Buy Trombones for Less

Finding deals on both new and used trombones takes some good shopping:

Local Music Stores

• Develop a relationship and negotiate prices
• Ask about student, renter, loyalty discounts
• Try specific instruments instore before purchase

Online Retailers

• Price compare across popular instrument websites
• Watch for sales around holidays and inventory events
• Factor in extra shipping costs

Classified Listings

• CheckCraigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp for deals
• Search enthusiast forums and clubs like TromboneChat

School Classifieds

• Alumni often resell quality instruments
• Students likely took great care of their instrument

Buying at certain predictable annual sales timing also yields the best savings on both new and pre-owned trombones.

Trombone Accessories

Owning a trombone requires several vital accessories for maintenance, protection and performance:

Cases – $50 for basic gig bags up to $500+ for molded hard cases

Mouthpieces – $30 to $200+ depending on material and design

Lubricants – $5 to $15 for slide and valve oils

Cleaning Kits – $10 to $40 for snake brushes, cleaning rods, lubricants

Mutes – $20 to $100+ for practice mutes and specialty performance mutes

Humidifiers – $10 to $40 for protecting instrument in dry climates

Invest in quality accessories that safeguard your investment and enable ideal tone production.

Financing Options

You might also like our articles about the cost of a saxophone, tuba, or a set of violin strings.

Breaking up payments over time makes trombone purchase more accessible:

Credit Cards

• Special financing offers like 0% interest for 6-24 months
• Ideal for smaller purchases under $2000
• Avoid high retroactive interest by paying timely

Personal Installment Loans

• Fixed monthly payments and interest around 5-20%
• Unsecured loans up to $40,000
• Easy preapproval and fast funding

Rent-to-Own Payment Plans

• Rent an instrument, apply a portion of rental fees to eventual purchase
• Allows trying before buying with flexible upgrades

Student Loans

• Some educational loans help cover equipment purchases
• Interest rates comparable to instruments loans

Only finance within your budget. Compare all repayment terms and interest rates first.

Tips for Buying Trombones

With some savvy moves, trombone purchases can fit many budgets:

• Play the specific trombone model in person before purchase when possible
• Consider affordable quality student models from reputable brands
• Buy bundled packages that include cases, lubricants, and supplies
• Be patient watching for seasonal sales, coupons, and inventory clearance deals
• Consider carefully vetted, mint condition used instruments to save
• Start with renting to confirm commitment before buying new
• Prioritize sound, playability, and long-term ownership value over brand hype

The right informed choices make quality trombones accessible at every skill level.

5 Year Cost of Trombone Ownership

Trombones require proper care and maintenance for lasting performance. Estimate 5-year costs:

Purchase Price

• New beginner trombone: $500 – $1,000
• Used intermediate trombone: $800 – $1,500
• New professional trombone: $3,000 – $5,000

Supplies and Replacement Parts

• Mouthpieces, lubricants, cleaning kits: $150 – $300
• Dents, slide repairs, re-lacquering: $200 – $800

Lessons and Training

• Weekly lessons with trombone specialist: $3,000 – $5,000
• Music camps, training programs: $500 – $2,000

Total 5 Year Cost

• $5,000 – $10,000+

Properly maintaining a quality trombone yields years of musical enjoyment and improved skills.

Final Words

Purchasing a trombone represents a major financial investment. Take time to evaluate the tradeoffs between cost, quality, and long-term musical enjoyment. With the right trombone, you’ll appreciate the purchase every time you play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do trombones cost so much?

High-end trombones from reputable brands cost more due to premium materials like nickel and gold plating, custom craftsmanship, and specialized parts that enable unparalleled tone, projection and ease of play. These features justify costs for pro musicians.

Does trombone brand matter?

Established brands produce consistently high-quality instruments, especially at higher price tiers. But less expensive models from lesser-known brands can still deliver decent tone and playability for beginners on a tight budget, making brand less important. Try before buying when possible.

What to look for when buying a trombone?

When trying a potential new trombone, focus on sound projection, clarity and tone across registers, slide action smoothness, comfortable mouthpiece placement, quality craftsmanship, responsive valves if applicable, and visual inspection for damage. Choose an instrument that feels right physically and acoustically.