ONE OF THE GREATS! Earl Williams Model 6 Small Bore Tenor Review

For many trombonists Earl Williams trombones are some of the most revered and respected instruments ever made; they were a staple of trombonists from the 1930's through the 1950's and beyond and their embodiment of hand-crafting, along with their relatively small production numbers, means that they a rarity in our world today.
This was the first Williams I have had in the shop in over 10 years and it was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to spend time with it; take a listen and let me what you think!

[@ChrisSayer-m3h]

The horn sounds amazing, but your fluidity playing is the really impressive part!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

You are very kind; thanks for watching!

[@chrismarbrey9678]

Very cool trombone, Keith! Very tasteful on autumn leaves.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@joethompson-tv1ss]

Great sound! Great playing!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@RaymondJamesMason]

Most model 6s have an 8 inch bell. This pre-Burbank LA horn is a bit older so 7.5 may have been preferred by the original owner during the time period it was built. By the Burbank era the .490 Model 4 was the only Williams trombone with a 7.5 inch bell. Thanks for this review and video Keith, sounds wonderful!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for the insights!

[@ronzgarage]

I played a model 6 that belongs to a friend I play with at Boneswest in California. All I can say it slots extremely well in all registers, effortless in the upper register.
It's other worldly to say the least.
I wish I could afford to buy one if I ever found one. I'll need about $5,000 in ready cash.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for sharing!

[@terryturner261]

Great video, loved your playing on the horn. You seemed a little more adventurous on that horn. When you were talking about the curved brace, I remember the Urbie Green Martin horns had that. I guess Mr. Williams came up with that first. Do you know if Urbie ever played a Williams horn or even an Olds before they came out with his signature horn ? Thanks for the video

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

That’s a great question! I unfortunately don’t have direct knowledge of what Urbie play on before the Martin but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if a Williams was in the mix; anyone else who may have a better information is welcome to add to the conversation… :-)

[@BriandeMSU]

Wow! Fantastic playing.

[@1320_ikimasho]

I don't think Urbie ever played on a Williams or an Olds. He was a long time player of the King 2B

[@VitoCakaroglu-d1r]

How much you listing it for?

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

It is unfortunately no longer for sale; sorry!