Adams TB1 Bb/F Symphonic Trombone

Item Details

The Adams TB1 is the newest piece of craftsmanship developed and fully handcrafted by the Adams Brass professionals. The instrument features an open short wrap with Open Flow rotary valve and a nickel silver single bore slide. The 1-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell is made with the same precision as all other Adams Brass instruments, combining true artisanal skills with modern improved techniques. The open feel, deepness, and richness in sound, in combination with a smooth and quick hand slide action, make the TB1 ideal for both symphonic and solo performance.

After its introduction, the Adams trombone has been divided into three distinct models.  This TB1 is the first, and includes the German Open Flow rotor by Meinlschmidt.  The others are the TB1-AF with a US axial flow rotor, same as the Bach infinity rotor, and the TB1-H with a Swiss Hagman rotor like Bach 42A.

Recently Adams introduced the Sonic model trombone.  I haven't seen one yet, but from the specs and images I think the Sonic has a traditional long open-wrap and braces, more brass and less nickel, and a more basic bell without the hand hammering.  The Sonic has no options available.  It's less expensive and looks to be a terrific horn for the price, about the same as a Conn 88H.

Back to the TB1 Open Flow.  This is a distinctive trombone, neither exactly like its peers above, nor like any other.  The TB1 has about as much bracing as a Glassl alto trombone, which is to say, not much.  The main brace at the rotor and the tuning slide brace are it.  The F-loop is connected to the main tubes by two small braces but the sides of the loop don't connect.  The swoosh shaped tube keeps things more compact for dent-free opera pit and choir loft work.  it should all be strong enough if you're careful.  The two braces are large diameter nickel as is the rotor casing.

The hand slide action is perfect: smooth and silent.  The shape mimics a Bach slide.  The construction is unusual: most slides are all nickel at the top with a brass outer slide.  This one is all brass at the top with a nickel outer slide with a brass end crook.  The opposite day brass/nickel two-tone look is captivating.

The rotor throw is fairly short and the wooden thumb paddle is adjustable for your comfort.  You can compare the Open-Flow rotor to the Greenhoe, Shires and Rotax designs.  Its larger diameter casing allows the full unconstrained bore through the rotor with a more gently curved airway.  Strategic venting prevents popping due to the ports being further away.  Several fine trombones can be found with the Open Flow rotor, including models from Bach and Kuhnl & Hoyer.

The Adams fiberglass case is similar in shape to a Bonna Light case.  It's not especially the lightest or tiniest, but it has lots of storage and straps and it's and useful for all sorts of travel.  This case is an asset for the player on the go.

I like the Adams trombone a lot.  Its Euro styling and comfortable grip are worthy.  Its response is slightly less crisp and projecting than a Bach 42BOF, this one is warmer instead.  I would expect this from the lighter bracing and the brass cork barrels of the slide upper works.  Reverse tuning slide should add to that feel.  I have to pick one up again to be more specific.

Compared to the Bach 42BOF, the Adams costs hundreds of dollars less and includes a much more useful case.  European workmanship and style: no extra charge.  This is the higher standard.

If you'd like any custom options for your Adams trombone, they can be had by special order, including any style of hand slide construction, several bell materials, and the other rotor choices as noted above.  Custom Adams trombones add 10-20% to the price depending upon options.

• Bell: 1-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell - 217.5 mm (8.56")
• Bore: Tenor 13.9 mm (0.547")
• Wrap: Open short wrap F attachment
• Rotor: Meinlschmidt Open Flow, nickel casing, bronze bushings
  
• Slide: Nickel silver single bore, brass upper works
  
• Main Tuning Slide: Reverse
• Finish: Lacquered
• Gauge: 0.60 mm (0.023")
• Case: Adams fiberglass case
• Options: Axial Flow or Hagman rotor