Feature on Friday: Holton TR395 MF Superbone

JANUARY 3, 2016 UPDATE

The Superbone has sold.

DECEMBER 16, 2014 UPDATE

This Superbone is still for sale!
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For today’s post, we would like to feature a very unique trombone/baritone–The Holton TR395 MF Superbone! Currently, we do have this horn in our possession and are looking to sell it for a friend.

From first glance, it looks like a valve trombone but don’t be fooled…the slide moves as well. What is unique about this horn is the way you are able to use both the slide and valves at the same time. For instance, if you push the 2nd valve down with the slide in first position, your resulting tone is an “A.” If you were to hold that valve down, all of your slide positions would then be lowered a first step. If you were to push the first and third valve for low “F”, you have created the F-attachment found on a symphony tenor trombone.

While it takes a lot of practice to coordinate both configurations, the end result is quite awesome! In some ways, I see its benefits by having a smoother articulation with the valves while also being able to use the slide for glissandos. This horn probably would not have received the recognition it deserves without the help and endorsement of the legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson (hence the ‘MF’). Simply known as Maynard, he was able to completely master this instrument. Listen to this recording of his song, “Superbone meets the Badman.”
http://youtu.be/Rljh6cwl5yQ

For a video of the Superbone in action, check out this video of Antti Rissanen demonstrating the horn.

You may have heard that the Austrian brass company Schagerl, has produced a version of this horn also dubbed, the “Superbone.” Information about that fascinating trombone can be seen here with James Morrison.