Schmelzer Model IV-XT Tenor Trombone with Axial Rotor and Traditional German Bell

Item Details

This Model IV is a custom large bore symphonic tenor trombone made by Manfred Schmelzer in Germany.  Manfred is retiring in 2024, so this is the last one.  A lightweight instrument with an axial rotor like this is captivating, and the bell kranz keeps the tone in check.  It's especially resonant and fast. 

Besides the nickel garland on the bell (kranz), this has a reverse F slide to add more mass to the slide and its connection to the horn.  The minimal bracing allows the bell to fully vibrate.  The grip for the hand is not overly large and the trigger throw is normal for for this design.  The bell is ornately engraved, suiting its German heritage.  The hand slide end crook is slightly straighter through the middle than US designs.  The tuning slide and F slide have the same very round radius.  This shape puts a little more length of the instrument within the tuning slide rather than in the neckpipe, so it plays more open, a little larger, faster.

There's always a story when you get a Schmelzer.  I contend that no two are the same.  I'm sure there aren't many Model IV like this, if any.  Schmelzer is retiring so I decided to buy a group of trombones from his last production run.  I was fairly sure some of these are from his trade show display, and this model IV is part of that.  I could see if from the FB posts.  Upon arrival it didn't play at all, so if you had tried it at a trade show and wondered, yes the rotor was misaligned.  The hand slide was also rubbish so it went with other slides to the master Bruce Belo for a tune and clean.  Now it'll work well.  The bell went to Charles Hargett at Brass Mavens for an alignment and cleaning, removal of some dents and marks from use.  Where are these components from?  Manfred fabricates many parts including bells and leadpipes, but the F-attachments and slides of his larger trombones bear a strong resemblance to Arnold Stoelzel and Rath R-Hundred trombones.  I suspect the parts kits are the same.  Some European, some Asian, it works.  Now it plays and I can represent it. 

This is a light and very open horn.  Down low you can blow it like a bass trombone, but beware it'll zap your air.  Compared to an Adams Sonic today, the Schmelzer is more open, has a broader tone, but is softer, more malleable, less stable.  So I experimented...and a Kanstul BB leadpipe (Byron's Bach) fits well and gives back the resistance I like to control things.  That's the setup for me, and the Schmelzer will include this leadpipe along with the original.

Now the Schmelzer axial feels nearly as efficient and centered as a rotary trombone, but big the way axial players like it.  It makes this a terrific playing horn, one I want to keep.

Features

• .547" wide brass hand slide with nickel trim and 2 removable leadpipes
• Thayer style axial rotor
• Lightweight 220mm brass bell with German-style nickel garland
• Edge-style lightweight bracing
• Removable bell
• Lacquer finish
• Includes case, no mouthpiece