Bass Trombone B454-V
The B454-V is the ideal instrument for bass trombonists in need of options. The configurable second valve tuning allows players to change easily between Gb/D, G/Eb and Blair Bollinger's brand of tuning (designated "BB") without costly conversions.
Note: You will need to specify which second valve tuning setup you want when ordering your horn. Optional second valve tuning slides are available for $150 each.
The B454-V's positive characteristics go beyond second valve tuning options. The Axial Flow valve section is narrower than our standard B454 configuration, which allows for a unique "half Edge-braced" valve section. This slots the B454-V between our B454 and B454-E models.
Like our other bass models, the B454-V is available with 9½", 10" or 10½" bell flares 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.
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.
Like the name suggests, the B454-V is the most versatile bass trombone on the market.
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 G (combined to produce Eb)
- 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.
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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
"I've been blessed with this instrument for several years and I m still discovering new things about it everyday. With this horn, I'm limited only by my own imagination and technical shortcomings. I feel like anything is possible. It inspires me to take chances and go for whatever I m hearing, no matter how extreme. I couldn t ask for a better vessel through which to communicate.
"Thanks to Christan, Ron and Cathy and all of the other wonderful people at Edwards for helping me realize my dreams."
Brian Allen
Houston Freelance Trombonist