Euphoniums and baritone horns are popular in marching and brass bands but not often used in other genres. Although they are different instruments with different intended purposes, many composers and band leaders treat baritone horns and euphoniums as interchangeable. Given that they look very similar and have the same range (on paper, at least), it […]
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The bass clarinet is a fine instrument, but sometimes you want to go just a little bit deeper. The contra alto clarinet gives you an extra fifth on the bottom, with an even smoother and more velvety lower register. But where do you find the best contra alto clarinet? I’m a longtime music fan and
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It’s easy to think a mellophone is just a big trumpet. But appearances can be deceiving. Though you might not be able to tell the difference with a casual glance at a marching band, closer observation of both instruments will reveal several key differences. But before we take that look, let’s list the main differences
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Since the 1870s C.G. Conn has been making highly-regarded musical instruments, and Conn trombones are loved by amateur and professional trombonists alike. But Conn offers such a large variety of trombones that figuring out which one is right for you can be confusing. I’m a longtime music aficionado who plays several instruments badly. But those
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Few instruments are as emblematic of jazz as the saxophone. David Sanborn on soprano, Charlie Parker on alto, John Coltrane on tenor, Woody Herman on baritone — saxophones can cover the whole jazz musical spectrum from top to bottom! But before you can become a great jazz saxophonist, you need a jazz saxophone. I’m a
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Many people are confused when they first hear the word “mellophone.” Is it a percussion instrument like the xylophone? Is it a woodwind instrument like the saxophone? Do you make calls on it like a telephone? The mellophone is a brass instrument that, at first glance, looks like a big trumpet but which is used
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While they are most famous for their Bach Stradivarius trumpets, Bach also makes some pretty impressive trombones! Whether you’re just starting your trombone career or looking for a new conservatory instrument, Bach has a trombone that will meet your needs. But with all those choices, it can be hard to figure out what is the
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Whether you’re shopping for a new horn or simply thinking about taking up the trumpet, it’s good to do your research first. Advertisements presume that you know the difference between a spit valve and a piston valve. And the better you understand how a trumpet works, the better you will appreciate just what an amazing
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There’s nothing like the sound of a good marching band, and you can’t have a marching band without somebody playing the low end. Marching tubas are impressive sonically and visually. But marching tubas are expensive, so you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Whether you’re buying your marching tuba for a young
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Trombones are amazing instruments, but they don’t come cheap. When you are shopping for a new trombone, you want to make sure you are getting the best instrument you can afford. And when you want reliability and quality in a musical instrument, few manufacturers top the best Yamaha trombone options. Yamaha has branched out since
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