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Holton Trombone
- TR160
"The Holton TR 160 is one of the best large bore tenor trombones I've ever played! I was not very familiar
with the Holton trombones and had been playing a Bach 42B open wrap and then a 42T with a Thayer
valve. They are fine trombones, but the Holton 160 is much more flexible with a great focused tone
and intonation. It really projects! The range is very easy and even from pedals to the high range
(some reviews comment on the high range, but I find it easier than on other horns). The F
attachment is fast and matches the straight horn better than ANY trigger I've played, Thayer
included. The slide is extremely smooth and fast, and is a little narrower than on the Bach, which
I like. I find this helpful when switching between the Holton and the smaller bore Martin. The
nickel silver slide is lighter than a standard Bach slide, but not as light as their light-weight
slide. I wasn't sure if I would like the 9 inch bell, but it responds very well. The tone is full
and rich without being too heavy. The Holton falls between a Conn 88H and a Bach 42B in sound and
feel for me, which is perfect. It is a really wonderful trombone to play!"
This instrument review was with a Monette TT 4 L LT mouthpiece .
What is an F attachment or "trigger" on a trombone?
The F attachment or "trigger" is a rotary valve added to the trombone, mostly found on larger bore
models. This valve is operated with the thumb, and works like the fourth valve on a euphonium or
tuba. When added to the slide, it drops the pitch to a lower harmonic series. For example, play a
first position middle F, add the trigger, and you can now play a C below the F in first position.
This increases the low range of the trombone and also offers additional alternate positions. There
are many types of valve available for the F attachment, many with the goal of more closely matching
the feel and sound of the "straight" trombone (one without a trigger). The rotary valve is the most
common, with the Thayer, Hagmann, Greenhoe, Christian Lindberg, and Bach K valve available as well.
The "open wrap" style of tubing is also a popular option, although some players still prefer the
traditional (closed) wrap. The open wrap has fewer bends in the tubing, "opening" up the feel and
sound of the trigger. Most major trombone brands offer both styles of wrap, and some offer a choice
of valves.
Specifications
Key: Bb/F
Bore: 13.89 mm (.547")
Bell: 9.0" diameter hand-hammered red brass with wire-reinforced rim
Rotor mechanism: F attachment with nylon ball-and-socket linkage
Attachment: Open wrap
Piston: One-piece precision-machined tapered rotor and bearings for a smooth, airtight fit
Tuning slide: Nickel silver outside slide and brass inside slide with brass bow
Braces: Tubular nickel silver
Hand slide: Chrome-plated nickel silver with seamless inner slide and integral chamfered
stocking. Nickel silver outside slide
Hand grip: Chrome-plated
Waterkey: Nickel silver
Finish: Clear baked epoxy lacquer
Mouthpiece: 6 1/2 AL
Case: Deluxe wood shell
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