MICHAEL RATH Bb/F TENOR TROMBONE - Selected Model 1- the most popular Tenor Trombone model
Consisting of this combination:
- Rath R6_547"_Bb/F Tenor Trombone
- R3/R4/R6_8 1/2" Red Brass Bell Flare_Trombone part
- R6_Y-Tuning Slide for Trombone
- R6_Rath Valve_Trombone Part
- R4_0.547"_Y_Hand Slide_Trombone Slide S/N R4 1508C C bow
- R4/R4F_41A_Brass_Trombone Mouthpipe
- Rath Case
MICHAEL RATH TROMBONES - CUSTOM CHOISES
Bb/F Tenor Trombone
The medium/large bore R3 trombone and the large bore R4 are available with an F valve section with the designation of R3F and R4F.
Michael Rath also offers the R4 and R4F models with in slide tuning,
Two valve choices are available, both Swiss designed: the René Hagmann valve or the Willson Rotax valve. The Hagmann is free flowing and well balanced between open and closed operation. The Rotax has a more traditional feel, offering a little more resistance, preferred by many players.
Because of the modular construction of Michael Rath custom trombones you can remove the valve section and replace it with a detachable gooseneck, available as an option, creating a straight tenor trombone. Similarly, if you already own a straight R3 or R4, you can purchase just the F valve section to fit your instrument.
R3/R4 Detachable Gooseneck
R4F St (slide tuning)
Model - Bore - Bell Flare
R3F - 0.525? - 8?
R4F - 0.547? - 8 1/2"
BELLS
Michael Rath Custom Trombone bell flares offer wide range of tonal characteristics, each material giving a variety and flexibility of sound. They are available in yellow brass (70% copper, 30% zinc), gold brass (85% copper, 15% zinc), red brass (90% copper, 10% zinc) and nickel silver.
The higher the copper content in the material, the darker and warmer is the sound. For example a yellow brass bell will sound more brilliant and brighter than gold and red brass bells with a consistency of tone. Nickel silver bells tend to produce an extremely clear sound, but without becoming excessively bright. When coupled with the right main slide, tuning slide and leadpipe, nickel bells can also sound dark, full and resonant, particularly on our bass trombones.
For most players our standard bell size and weight will be the best choice 7 1/2? for medium bore tenor trombones (R1, R2, R10 and R12); 8? for medium large bore trombones (R3); 8 1/2? for large bore tenor trombones (R4) and 9 1/2? for bass trombones (R9).
However a player may find that a different bell size better suits their needs hence other bell flares can be ordered. For example an 8? bell flare on an R2 medium bore tenor trombone, or a 10? bell flare for an R9 bass trombone. Bell flares can also be ordered not only in standard weight but also in light and heavy weights.
All Michael Rath bells are constructed in two pieces, a flare and a spout, allowing us to select the most appropriate gauge (or material thickness) for the bell flare and spout independently. They are produced entirely by hand in our workshop and are finished in clear lacquer as standard, although various other finishes are available.
Bell flares are stamped with the specification indicating the type and gauge of material used. For example, a bell stamped 750R is made from red brass (R); with a flare gauge of 0.7mm and a spout gauge of 0.5mm.
SLIDES
Michael Rath slides are available in three different materials for the outer slide yellow brass, bronze and nickel silver.
A nickel silver slide allows a more articulate, brighter sound than yellow brass or bronze and it can also feel more open on some component combinations. A bronze slide typically sounds darker and feels more centred. Bronze can be an excellent choice, for the R4 or R9 models, for a player searching for a dark, symphonic sound. Yellow brass slides sit in between nickel silver and bronze in terms of their tonal characteristics and feel.
Michael Rath slides feature dual radius nickel slide bows and an interchangeable leadpipe system. The connection, slide to bell section, has a locking system unique to our instruments.
The advantage of this system over a regular screw fitting is that the slide matches directly to the gooseneck, without any step in the bore.
In addition to the dual bore slide, standard on the R1, a dual bore slide is also available for the R3 (0.525?/0.547?) and R9 (0.562?/0.578?) models.
TUNING SLIDES
Michael Rath tuning slides are available in four different materials yellow, gold and red brass, and nickel silver. They all have a dual radius design which is better suited to our trombones.
Yellow brass and nickel silver tuning slides allow for clearer articulations than gold or red brass and can feel slightly more open. Gold and red brass tuning slides, on the other hand, are generally a better compliment to yellow brass bell flares.
Bb tenor trombones have a balance weight fitted as standard, whilst the tuning slides of Bb/F tenor trombones and bass trombones are usually supplied without counterweights. However all tuning slides can be ordered with fixed balance weights.
Michael Rath weights are fitted with nuts with a screw thread allowing a player to adjust to a preferred balance. Alternatively a detachable weight system is also available.
Many existing players have found that adding weight improves the focus, centre and projection.
LEADPIPES
Choice of a leadpipe is an important factor in determining the sound, and particularly the response, of an instrument. Leadpipes are available for Michael Rath Custom trombones in three materials, brass, nickel silver and silver, and three sizes.
The standard leadpipe for each trombone model is in brass, whilst nickel silver gives a more brilliant sound and silver a darker, denser sound quality.
Extensive research has shown that, for most players, the standard taper leadpipe in brass is the best solution.
However in addition to our standard leadpipe, we also have leadpipe options based on the standard taper that are more focused , A, or more open ,B.
It is important to bear in mind that a leadpipe should also be a suitable match not only for your trombone but also for your mouthpiece.
For a large cup mouthpiece you may find that a leadpipe with a more open taper and feel is preferable. A shallow cup may be better with a tighter more focused leadpipe. And if you are changing your mouthpiece, a change of leadpipe may also be appropriate.
Below are the leadpipes currently available for our trombones. Each can be ordered in brass, nickel silver or silver.
Rath R11Z
Z Standard leadpipe for the R11Z
ZA More focused than the standard Z leadpipe
ZB More open than the standard Z leadpipe
Rath R11K
K Standard leadpipe for the R11K
KA More focused than the standard K leadpipe
KB More open than the standard K leadpipe
Rath R12
12 Standard Leadpipe for the R12
12A More Focused than the Standard leadpipe
12B More open than the standard leadpipe
Rath R10
10 Standard leadpipe for the R10
10A More focused than the standard 10 leadpipe
10B More open than the standard 10 leadpipe
Rath R1
1 Standard leadpipe for the R1
1A More focused than the standard 1 leadpipe
1B More open than the standard 1 leadpipe
Rath R2
2 Standard leadpipe for the R2
2A More focused than the standard 2 leadpipe
2B More open than the standard 2 leadpipe
Rath R3/R3F
31 Standard leadpipe for the R3. Small shank mouthpiece fitting. Also available in large shank fitting as 31L.
31A More focused than the standard 31 leadpipe. Small shank mouthpiece fitting. Also available in large shank fitting as 31AL.
31B More open than the standard 31 leadpipe. Small shank mouthpiece fitting. Also available in large shank fitting as 31BL.
Rath R8/R9
9 Standard leadpipe for the R8 and R9.
9A More focused than the standard 9 leadpipe.
9B More open than the standard 9 leadpipe.
9L More open than the 9B. Particularly suitable for use with dual bore slides and /or large bass trombone mouthpieces.
Rath R4/R4F
41 Medium
41A Standard leadpipe for the R4
41B More open than the 41A.
5 Alternative to the 41A and 41B. Produces a more focused sound, but with open response.
5A More focused than the 5 leadpipe
5B More open than the 5 leadpipe
Rath R90
90 Standard leadpipe for the R90 contrabass trombone.
90A More focused than the standard 90 leadpipe.
90B More open than the standard 90 leadpipe.
VALVES
There are two valve options available for Michael Rath Custom trombones, both Swiss designed: the René Hagmann valve and the Willson Rotax valve.
Both valves have their own distinct playing characteristics. The Hagmann is designed to cause as little disruption to the airflow as possible and feels very open in the valve register, even through the pedal register.
The Rotax valve is the best option if you prefer slightly more playing resistance, which can help with projection and focus.
However the Rotax valve is nowhere near as stuffy as a traditional rotary valve and the response on the valve is remarkably consistent when going from the open to the valve side of the trombone.
FINISHES
The majority of our Michael Rath instruments are supplied highly polished with a thin clear lacquer coating. We found that applying thicker coats of lacquer deadens the instrument, leading it being unresponsive and dull. However, despite only having a thin coat of lacquer, proper care and maintenance will keep the instrument always looking at its best.
Other finishes are available, such as brushed lacquer, coloured lacquer or without a lacquer coating at all. These can be applied to individual parts or to a complete instrument, giving you the opportunity to create an instrument uniquely yours.
