Typically a used straight King 3B A thousands of $1,500 and the one Samuel has typically retails for between 2000 to 3,000. It's very rare silver Sonic.
In 1978, I bought a brand new King 3B Bb/F Trombone. I still have and play it now. It is still the greatest trombone for me. I tried many other horns over the years. But none of them come close to the 3B.
I got lucky and just found and bought a King 3BF Silversonic today. Been looking for that horn for YEARS and finally found one. Wife isn't too pleased but she'll get over it. :)
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Not sure if you'll see this comment, but I thought I would share a strange characteristic of my 3BFS. You mentioned how your D in the 4th partial was perfectly in tune as opposed to normally being naturally sharp. Well, in my case, the D is also in tune, but Bb in the 3rd partial is sharp and I have to pull out a bit to stay in tune. Every horn is different, but I've never had this particular..."trait" in any other trombone I've owned. :)
@@Old_Man_Flux I tell you what - I've had the same thing happen to me on another King trombone. Since posting this 3B video I've also picked up an old Tempo 1305 (basically a budget Jiggs Whigham 2B) and noticed the same oddity where the Bb just atop the bass staff rides oddly high compared to either of its neighboring partials. Who knows? It could be a "King oddity." There is a similar "Conn oddity," prevalent on SEVERAL Conn trombones of varying sizes that I've tried, is that the F in the staff is bizarrely sharp and any note on that partial has to be played a quarter position farther out than others in that harmonic series.
….Some great playing! I love how both models of the 3B can go from edgy and then so mellow and smooth with great control in both styles. I love my 3BF.
Just an FYI: Jimmy Pankow of Chicago used both the King 2B and 3B trombones for a long time. Recently, I saw an interview with him and he was playing his King 3B Silver Sonic. Each time I saw Chicago in the 1970s and 80s, Jimmy was playing a 3B Silver Sonic. He made the King 3B popularity sky rocket.
@@danielnewman134 Good to know! I wasn’t aware of Pankow’s role in popularizing the 3B. I have to say for a group like that, a 3BSS would be the absolute ultimate pick. Such a tight, focused, overtone-rich sound.
I very recently started playing trombone again after 10 years of cornet. There are definitely some challenges to overcome like breathing, phrasing, playing quick passages accurately and so on. I'm currently playing on a Yamaha YSL-356G and it's a really lovely instrument. If I stick with it I'd like a 3BF. It just seems so versatile.
@@musicalcubes Funny you should mention the 356G-I’ve got a backlogged review on that one coming up sometime in the next eon or two (although I’m pretty sure the one I tried was an older 356R, meaning red brass rather than gold brass). It’s built on unusual specs but is a great player. I really enjoyed the one I tried. It’s a bit like the Connstellation 48H I recently reviewed in that despite technically being classed as a “small bore” it’s a little bit stubborn about producing the classic jazz sound and likes to lean a little darker.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Yeah, it plays dark for sure. Great for small ensemble playing which is what I'm using it for. Mine is from the 90s so probably an early G model as it's stamped made in Japan. It came with a 45C2-12C mouthpiece but I'd prefer something a bit bigger!
Awesome video! I love the sound of a good King 3B (and even more if it has a silver bell), that's why a King 3BFSS is one of my dream trombones along with the Conn 88HSGXCL. Regarding my experience with silver bells, I feel that the color of the sound doesn't change much, but it makes it a bit more resonant. I've tried 3 Conn 88H trombones: a standard 88H open wrap, a Lindberg 88H with a silver bell (but without the gold plating), and a Lindberg 88H with a silver bell and gold plating (the same configuration that Christian Lindberg uses), and I felt that the ones with the silver bell vibrate more. But going back to the 3B, I'd dare say that it's the most used trombone in popular music and possibly the best-selling small bore pro level trombone in history. I may be wrong in what I say, but this is what I have seen, heard and experienced.
@@Juan_Bone09 Thanks Juan! I think you’re largely correct. I perceive a slight color change in the tone of a SS bell, but admittedly the resonance and projection are the biggest difference. I’d love to try a Lindberg-style 88H. Seems like a great horn.
The 3BF is by far the most overpowered trombone ever made. I even have a 2166 3B valve section I can also throw on it to make it even more versatile and knick some Oktoberfest gigs
@@PosauneundPapier Yes!! I used my 3BFSS for Oktoberfest as well this year and it did an incredible job! Much better than trying to get a really bright tone out of my Conn 88H.
Dang. Really going to have keep and eye out for these. A selling point, for the 3bf, is the f attachment/trigger and it being a small bore trombone. I’m a lead trombone and I play a straight tenor, YSL 354, and I’m pretty short, 5’3, so trying to get to the dreaded “7th” position is a pain, even though I might not be playing lower notes a lot, I’m in a small ‘pep’ band and I also just like to be able to play lower notes(and they’re fun to play). In combination of it being a small bore trombone with an f attachment, it’ll still have that small bore trombone sound for jazz/pep band. I wasn’t really looking at trombones this in depth but watching more videos, along with this video, I’ve kinda of narrowed down my choices and know what to look for my person use.
@@fearful6202 By the sound of things the 3BF would indeed be a great fit for you! The utility of a small bore F attachment should not be underestimated. You might also consider the King 605F or Yamaha 356R if cost is a significant concern as those might pop up for a little cheaper. They’re not the same specs as the 3B, but still are small bores with F.
Sam, was hoping we would have another installation of scholastic brass months. You've been kind of quiet this summer and I've missed seeing your videos regularly.
Any interest in doing a shootout for those old, classic jazz bones? Olds Recording, Conn 6h, King 3b, the relavant Holton, Martin, Reynolds. Etc. Or maybe even a "budget" shootout with the old step-up horns? Conn 77H, King tempo, olds special, etc. there are too many ways to riff on this one. Vintage horns are just a rabbithole and a half.
@@agogobell28 It’s been done before, but I don’t particularly like doing so. Just like how there’s something clearly “missing” if I try to play jazz on a Bach 42, there is something similarly lacking if I try to use my Silversonic for classical.
The only thing I'd change about your channel is your shirts. I would literally never wear a NIKE shirt on film and probably no Apple shirt. You've established yourself as both expert and buying adviser. Your image should be no clothing brands. Solid colors or dress shirts.
Interesting point. I don’t know that I have enough plain shirts to always ensure that I can wear one on a day of filming, and moreover with the amount of backlogged footage we’ve got it’ll be ages until we never see a brand logo again, but duly noted.
Idc as long as there are no politics. I visited one of my favorite Etsy shops recently, and the shop banner was plastered with MAGA even though that really isn’t relevant and very polarizing. I don’t know if I’ll buy from there again, which is disappointing. I messaged the owner and said I wish I didn’t know their political preferences but they forced it on me.
@@domepiece11 ohhh that’s so hard to deal with , let just shut to freedom of speech and expression because you don’t like it , I hope you find a safe space so you don’t go insane .
Hope you enjoyed this video! Keep an eye out for King 3Bs online… sometimes they show up for pretty dang cheap!
Not anymore. You might be surprised how much one or two online reviews jams up the short term costs of brass instruments.
Typically a used straight King 3B A thousands of $1,500 and the one Samuel has typically retails for between 2000 to 3,000. It's very rare silver Sonic.
Can you recommend any resources for used trombones? There are so many fake sites out there.
In 1978, I bought a brand new King 3B Bb/F Trombone. I still have and play it now. It is still the greatest trombone for me. I tried many other horns over the years. But none of them come close to the 3B.
@@danielnewman134 Exactly.
The sterling silver bell brought out the dynamics more. Your sound is incredible on both horns. Yellow brass bell seems to spread the sound more.
Thank you Tom! I agree with your assessments and personally prefer the greater color options of the sterling.
Very excellent points.....I will share your vid with a private student that want to be a music performance major. Keep up the good work.!
@@ericrichmond8730 Thank you for the kind words, Eric! All the best to you and said student.
I got lucky and just found and bought a King 3BF Silversonic today. Been looking for that horn for YEARS and finally found one. Wife isn't too pleased but she'll get over it. :)
@@Old_Man_Flux Wow, congratulations!! Hope you got a decent deal and hope she comes around soon :)
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Well, I certainly didn't get your deal. Mine was about $2550 more, but it's in great condition for a '75 -'80 era horn. :)
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Not sure if you'll see this comment, but I thought I would share a strange characteristic of my 3BFS. You mentioned how your D in the 4th partial was perfectly in tune as opposed to normally being naturally sharp. Well, in my case, the D is also in tune, but Bb in the 3rd partial is sharp and I have to pull out a bit to stay in tune. Every horn is different, but I've never had this particular..."trait" in any other trombone I've owned. :)
@@Old_Man_Flux I tell you what - I've had the same thing happen to me on another King trombone. Since posting this 3B video I've also picked up an old Tempo 1305 (basically a budget Jiggs Whigham 2B) and noticed the same oddity where the Bb just atop the bass staff rides oddly high compared to either of its neighboring partials. Who knows? It could be a "King oddity." There is a similar "Conn oddity," prevalent on SEVERAL Conn trombones of varying sizes that I've tried, is that the F in the staff is bizarrely sharp and any note on that partial has to be played a quarter position farther out than others in that harmonic series.
Great overview and nice playing demonstrations.
….Some great playing! I love how both models of the 3B can go from edgy and then so mellow and smooth with great control in both styles. I love my 3BF.
So true! Thank you for the kind words. Glad you like yours too!
Just an FYI: Jimmy Pankow of Chicago used both the King 2B and 3B trombones for a long time. Recently, I saw an interview with him and he was playing his King 3B Silver Sonic. Each time I saw Chicago in the 1970s and 80s, Jimmy was playing a 3B Silver Sonic. He made the King 3B popularity sky rocket.
@@danielnewman134 Good to know! I wasn’t aware of Pankow’s role in popularizing the 3B. I have to say for a group like that, a 3BSS would be the absolute ultimate pick. Such a tight, focused, overtone-rich sound.
Great video
I am a 3B Silversonic player myself and will definitely play it till the casket drops...😂
@@sidneylutara9786 always glad to meet another fellow 3BSS enjoyer!
I very recently started playing trombone again after 10 years of cornet. There are definitely some challenges to overcome like breathing, phrasing, playing quick passages accurately and so on. I'm currently playing on a Yamaha YSL-356G and it's a really lovely instrument.
If I stick with it I'd like a 3BF. It just seems so versatile.
@@musicalcubes Funny you should mention the 356G-I’ve got a backlogged review on that one coming up sometime in the next eon or two (although I’m pretty sure the one I tried was an older 356R, meaning red brass rather than gold brass). It’s built on unusual specs but is a great player. I really enjoyed the one I tried. It’s a bit like the Connstellation 48H I recently reviewed in that despite technically being classed as a “small bore” it’s a little bit stubborn about producing the classic jazz sound and likes to lean a little darker.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass Yeah, it plays dark for sure. Great for small ensemble playing which is what I'm using it for. Mine is from the 90s so probably an early G model as it's stamped made in Japan. It came with a 45C2-12C mouthpiece but I'd prefer something a bit bigger!
Awesome video!
I love the sound of a good King 3B (and even more if it has a silver bell), that's why a King 3BFSS is one of my dream trombones along with the Conn 88HSGXCL. Regarding my experience with silver bells, I feel that the color of the sound doesn't change much, but it makes it a bit more resonant. I've tried 3 Conn 88H trombones: a standard 88H open wrap, a Lindberg 88H with a silver bell (but without the gold plating), and a Lindberg 88H with a silver bell and gold plating (the same configuration that Christian Lindberg uses), and I felt that the ones with the silver bell vibrate more. But going back to the 3B, I'd dare say that it's the most used trombone in popular music and possibly the best-selling small bore pro level trombone in history.
I may be wrong in what I say, but this is what I have seen, heard and experienced.
@@Juan_Bone09 Thanks Juan! I think you’re largely correct. I perceive a slight color change in the tone of a SS bell, but admittedly the resonance and projection are the biggest difference. I’d love to try a Lindberg-style 88H. Seems like a great horn.
The 3BF is by far the most overpowered trombone ever made. I even have a 2166 3B valve section I can also throw on it to make it even more versatile and knick some Oktoberfest gigs
@@PosauneundPapier Yes!! I used my 3BFSS for Oktoberfest as well this year and it did an incredible job! Much better than trying to get a really bright tone out of my Conn 88H.
Dang. Really going to have keep and eye out for these. A selling point, for the 3bf, is the f attachment/trigger and it being a small bore trombone. I’m a lead trombone and I play a straight tenor, YSL 354, and I’m pretty short, 5’3, so trying to get to the dreaded “7th” position is a pain, even though I might not be playing lower notes a lot, I’m in a small ‘pep’ band and I also just like to be able to play lower notes(and they’re fun to play). In combination of it being a small bore trombone with an f attachment, it’ll still have that small bore trombone sound for jazz/pep band. I wasn’t really looking at trombones this in depth but watching more videos, along with this video, I’ve kinda of narrowed down my choices and know what to look for my person use.
@@fearful6202 By the sound of things the 3BF would indeed be a great fit for you! The utility of a small bore F attachment should not be underestimated. You might also consider the King 605F or Yamaha 356R if cost is a significant concern as those might pop up for a little cheaper. They’re not the same specs as the 3B, but still are small bores with F.
@@SamuelPlaysBrass thanks for the recommendations! I’ll take a look into them as well.
Awesome! That's a great honk on the low range!
@@MrSwinginjoe Yessir!
@SamuelPlaysBrass I'm going to be getting an King 7B or King 3B + next year hopefully
Sam, was hoping we would have another installation of scholastic brass months. You've been kind of quiet this summer and I've missed seeing your videos regularly.
Any interest in doing a shootout for those old, classic jazz bones?
Olds Recording, Conn 6h, King 3b, the relavant Holton, Martin, Reynolds. Etc.
Or maybe even a "budget" shootout with the old step-up horns? Conn 77H, King tempo, olds special, etc. there are too many ways to riff on this one. Vintage horns are just a rabbithole and a half.
Interest? Yes. Ability? No. I don’t have access to the majority of those instruments unfortunately.
I'm probably going to add a standard King 3B Tenor, especially now that I've found a brand my chops prefer.
I got a lead on a vintage King 4B.
Would you ever consider using the 3B or another small bore horn in orchestral playing?
@@agogobell28 It’s been done before, but I don’t particularly like doing so. Just like how there’s something clearly “missing” if I try to play jazz on a Bach 42, there is something similarly lacking if I try to use my Silversonic for classical.
I think TD used the 2B
I think he played a liberty model (basically the same minus the inner slide). It was that or a 2B but he may have played a 3B at some point.
@@psychedelicpucho Shoot, you’re right. I got mixed up.
The only thing I'd change about your channel is your shirts. I would literally never wear a NIKE shirt on film and probably no Apple shirt. You've established yourself as both expert and buying adviser. Your image should be no clothing brands. Solid colors or dress shirts.
Interesting point. I don’t know that I have enough plain shirts to always ensure that I can wear one on a day of filming, and moreover with the amount of backlogged footage we’ve got it’ll be ages until we never see a brand logo again, but duly noted.
@@directcurrent5751 He’s not reviewing shirts, what your saying is totally irrelevant
Idc as long as there are no politics. I visited one of my favorite Etsy shops recently, and the shop banner was plastered with MAGA even though that really isn’t relevant and very polarizing. I don’t know if I’ll buy from there again, which is disappointing. I messaged the owner and said I wish I didn’t know their political preferences but they forced it on me.
@@domepiece11 ohhh that’s so hard to deal with , let just shut to freedom of speech and expression because you don’t like it , I hope you find a safe space so you don’t go insane .
@@domepiece11 feel ya. Sorrow