Bass Trombone B454(E)

Versatility is the key to our bass trombone design. From orchestral to big band to brass band, the B454 can adapt to any performance situation.
9½", 10" or 10½" bell flares are available in a variety of wall thicknesses and tempers with soldered or unsoldered rims. In addition, you may choose from yellow, rose or red brass with a clear, lacquer finish.
Double Axial Flow valves are available in both dependant and independent configurations in an open wrap design with Bb, F, Gb and D tunings as standard. Edwards also offers G/Eb second valve tuning. Edge bracing is optional on either unit.
Single and dual bore slides in standard weight and lightweight configurations include three brass leadpipes with further custom lead pipe options available in silver and brass.
Changing tuning slide material and design has a profound effect on instruments. Edwards has many tuning slide options available on request.
The Edwards bass trombone fulfills all of your current needs in an instrument yet can grow and adapt as your playing develops or you move into new musical genres.
Standard Features
- Bore Size
- .562" or .562"/.578" bore
- Leadpipe
- Interchangeable leadpipe system with 3 leadpipes
- Bell Weights
-
- 20 Gauge - Heaviest (.031" thick)
- 21 Gauge (.028" thick)
- 22 Gauge (.025" thick)
- 23 Gauge - Lightest (.022" thick)
- Bell Materials
-
- Yellow Brass (70% Copper / 30% Zinc)
- Rose Brass (85% Copper / 15% Zinc)
- Red Brass (90% Copper / 10% Zinc)
- Bell Treatments
-
- Soldered
- A soldered bell tends to have a very centered sound with a lot of core (fundamental). The articulations are slightly dampened and softer with the solder, while the sound is more direct and compact.
- Unsoldered
- An unsoldered bell has a very wide sound with more overtones. Articulations are easier with an unsoldered rim. More near feel is apparent with these bells as the sound is wider, which helps give the player more feedback.
- Tempered
- Tempering occurs when a bell is spun twice on a mandrel which work hardens the bell. This adds brilliance and colour to the sound.
- Double Buffed
- Double buffing thins the bell slightly. It actually creates a thickness in between any two gauges.
- Heat Treated
- Heat treating is a baking of the entire bell. This softens the metal immensely and creates a very dark sound. This works best on heavier bells as it tends to free them up. Heat treating is not recommended on thinner bells as it makes them more prone to mute dents. The CF treatment has virtually replaced heat treating.
- CF Treated
- CF treating is a partial heat treating process. This treatment allows the bell to blow more freely and adds colour to the sound.
- Soldered
- Valves
-
- Independent Axial Flow Valves
- Pitched in F and Gb (combined to produce D)
- Slides
-
- B-STDN
- The B-STDN is the standard .562" bore bass trombone slide. This slide provides a player with greater flexibility in the upper register. It is most comparable to the Bach 50 slide. The B-STDN has an yellow brass outer slide with nickel sleeves and endcrook.
- B-STD-AN
- The B-STD-AN is the standard .562" bore all nickel bass trombone slide. The B-STD-AN has an all nickel outer slide without nickel sleeves. The all nickel slides are drawn to the same wall thicknesses as our yellow outer tube slides. This ensures forte volumes stay well in control by the player while giving a faster response and more core to the sound.
- B-DBN
- The B-DBN is a .562"/.578" dual bore slide. This slide adds width to the sound and blows freely in the low register. The B-DBN has a yellow brass outer slide with nickel sleeves and endcrook Three leadpipes aid the player in achieving the desired compression of the individual instrument.
- B-DB-AN
- The B-DB-AN is a .562"/.578" all nickel dual bore slide. This slide adds width to the sound and blows freely in the low register. Three leadpipes aid the player in achieving the desired compression of the individual instrument. The all nickel slides are drawn to the same wall thicknesses as our yellow outer tube slides. This ensures forte volumes stay well in control by the player while giving a faster response and more core to the sound.
- B-STDN
- Tuning Slides
-
- Single Radius
- Single Radius tuning slides are the most common. They have one continuous bend from small to large end. They are very free blowing and open in all registers.
- Dual Radius
- Dual Radius tuning slides have two bends. The shape is more square with the two bends making a flattened top. The dual radius provides a quicker response and ease in the upper register, however, the sound is more compact than the single radius tuning slide. All dual radius tuning slides are CF treated to offset the compact nature of this tuning slide.
- Both types available in yellow or red brass
- Single Radius
- Finishes
-
- RawBrass
- Lacquer
- Silver Plate
- Gold Plate
- Satin Finish
Photo Gallery
Click the images below to see detailed pictures of our instruments and components. Hover over the image to find out more information and navigate through the gallery.
All images are property of the Edwards Instrument Co. If you wish to use them on your site, please contact us.
Bass Trombone Artists
Edwards Bass Trombone Artists range from soloists to commercial players to orchestral players. Use the following list to compare and contrast the different setups these trombonists use.
| Artist | Body | Bell | Tuning Slide | Slide | Leadpipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aharoni, Eliezer | B427 | 1179CF | Rose | B-DB | B2 Silver |
| Beghtol, Jason | B454-E | 1214CF | Yellow Dual Radius | B-DBN | B1 Brass |
| Bermann, Jim | B454-CR-D | 1023CF, 987CF, 1311CF, 1223CF | Rose, Yellow Dual Radius | B-DB, B-DBN | B3 Silver |
| Brink, Philip | B454 | 1243CF | Rose | B-DB | B1 Brass |
| Brown, Joshua | B454-DE | 987CF | Rose Single Radius | B-DBN | B3 Silver |
| Carr, Alan | B454 | 1340CF | Rose | B-STD | B2 Silver |
| Chinchilla, Iván | B454 | 1047CF | Rose | B-DBN | Unknown |
| Cravens, Terry | B454 | 1311CF | Rose | B-DBN | Unknown |
| Engelkes, John | B454 | 999 | Yellow | B-DBN | B2 Silver |
| Froelich, John | B454-DE | 999CF | Yellow Dual Radius | B-STD | B3 Custom |
| Gulino, Frank | B454-DE | 1119CF | Rose Single Radius | B-STDN | B3 Brass |
| Harper, Gregory | B454-D | 1023CF | Rose Dual Radius | B-DBN | B1 Brass |
| Hecht, Brian | B454-E | 1149CF | Rose Single Radius | B-STD | B2 Brass |
| Hoelscher, Mark | B502-D | ||||
| Lantzy, Jared | B454-E | 927CF & 1023CF | Rose Dual Radius | B-DB | B2 Custom |
| Markey, James | B454 | 1213CF | Rose | B-STD | B2 Brass |
| McGinness, John | B454-E | 1059CF | Rose Dual Radius | B-STDN | B2 Brass |
| McHenry, Darren | B454 | 1143CF | Yellow Dual Radius | B-DB | B2 Brass |
| McKinney, Russell | B454-E | 1023CF | Rose | B-DBN | B3 Silver |
| Milling, Darrin C. | B454 | 987CF | Yellow Dual Radius | B-DB-AN | None |
| Norton, Peter | B454 | 1317CF | Rose | B-DBN | B3 Silver |
| Pagano, Gerry | B502-D | ||||
| Rayment, Don | B454-V | 1143CF | Yellow | B-DB | B2 Brass |
| Spears, Maurice | B454 | 927CF | Rose | B-DB-AN | B1 |
| Stern, David | B454 | 1141CF | Yellow | B-DBN | B2 Silver |
| Taylor, David | B454 | 1215CF | B-DBN | Rose | B2 Taylor |
| Thevenet, John | B454 | 987CF | Rose | B-DBN | B2 Brass |
| Triplett, Anthony | B454-E | 1239CF | Rose Single Radius | B-STDN | B2 Brass |
| Wilborn, David | B454 | 1149CF | Rose | B-DB | Unknown |
| Woltering, Clint | B454-E | 1117CF | Rose Single Radius | B-STD | B2 Brass |
- Base Price:
- Call (800) 562-6838 for price
- Availability:
- Ships in 8-12 weeks
Read warranty and return policy information
Feel like a Test Drive?
Visit the Edwards Pro Stop and work one-one-one with Christan or Michael.
Contact us to set up an appointment.
Latest Blog Post
An Interview with Craig Mulcahy
Chances are, if you’ve been to see a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in the last eight years, you’ve had the pleasure of hearing Craig Mulcahy lead the trombone section. Mulcahy has been a member of the NSO since 2005 and its principal trombonist since 2010. He has brought his very own richness, color, [...] more ››









In Their Own Words
"For several years I was happy with my Bach bass trombone — until a friend invited me to visit the Edwards factory. I decided on Edwards immediately. My B454 has kept me happy for the last 10+ years and I see no reason not to continue indefinitely.
"Between Edwards' incredible selection of bells, slides and valve arrangements, as well as their drive to constantly improve and their dedication to each player, there has been no other possibility for me. If you want the best, get an Edwards!"
Philip Brink
Bass Trombonist, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra