Michael Rath Custom Trombone bell flares offer wide range of tonal characteristics, each material giving a variety and flexibility of sound. They are available in yellow brass (70% copper, 30% zinc), gold brass (85% copper, 15% zinc), red brass (90% copper, 10% zinc) and nickel silver.

The higher the copper content in the material, the darker and warmer is the sound. For example a yellow brass bell will sound more brilliant and brighter than gold and red brass bells with a consistency of tone. Nickel silver bells tend to produce an extremely clear sound, but without becoming excessively bright. When coupled with the right main slide, tuning slide and leadpipe, nickel bells can also sound dark, full and resonant, particularly on our bass trombones.

For most players our standard bell size and weight will be the best choice – 7 1/2″ for medium bore tenor trombones (R1, R2, R10 and R12); 8″ for medium large bore trombones (R3); 8 1/2″ for large bore tenor trombones (R4) and 9 1/2″ for bass trombones (R9).

However a player may find that a different bell size better suits their needs hence other bell flares can be ordered. For example an 8″ bell flare on an R2 medium bore tenor trombone, or a 10″ bell flare for an R9 bass trombone. Bell flares can also be ordered not only in standard weight but also in light and heavy weights.

All Michael Rath bells are constructed in two pieces, a flare and a spout, allowing us to select the most appropriate gauge (or material thickness) for the bell flare and spout independently. They are produced entirely by hand in our workshop and are finished in clear lacquer as standard, although various other finishes are available.

Bell flares are stamped with the specification indicating the type and gauge of material used. For example, a bell stamped “750R” is made from red brass (R); with a flare gauge of 0.7mm and a spout gauge of 0.5mm.

Michael Rath slides are available in three different materials for the outer slide – yellow brass, bronze and nickel silver.

A nickel silver slide allows a more articulate, brighter sound than yellow brass or bronze and it can also feel more open on some component combinations. A bronze slide typically sounds darker and feels more centred. Bronze can be an excellent choice, for the R4 or R9 models, for a player searching for a dark, symphonic sound. Yellow brass slides sit in between nickel silver and bronze in terms of their tonal characteristics and feel.

Michael Rath slides feature dual radius nickel slide bows and an interchangeable leadpipe system. The connection, slide to bell section, has a locking system unique to our instruments.

The advantage of this system over a regular screw fitting is that the slide matches directly to the gooseneck, without any step in the bore.

In addition to the dual bore slide, standard on the R1, a dual bore slide is also available for the R3 (0.525″/0.547″) and R9 (0.562″/0.578″) models.

Michael Rath tuning slides are available in four different materials – yellow, gold and red brass, and nickel silver. They all have a dual radius design which is better suited to our trombones.

Yellow brass and nickel silver tuning slides allow for clearer articulations than gold or red brass and can feel slightly more open. Gold and red brass tuning slides, on the other hand, are generally a better compliment to yellow brass bell flares.

Bb tenor trombones have a balance weight fitted as standard, whilst the tuning slides of Bb/F tenor trombones and bass trombones are usually supplied without counterweights. However all tuning slides can be ordered with fixed balance weights.

Michael Rath weights are fitted with nuts with a screw thread allowing a player to adjust to a preferred balance. Alternatively a detachable weight system is also available.

Many existing players have found that adding weight improves the focus, centre and projection.

There are two valve options available for Michael Rath Custom trombones, both Swiss designed: the René Hagmann valve and the Willson Rotax valve.

Both valves have their own distinct playing characteristics. The Hagmann is designed to cause as little disruption to the airflow as possible and feels very open in the valve register, even through the pedal register.

The Rotax valve is the best option if you prefer slightly more playing resistance, which can help with projection and focus.

However the Rotax valve is nowhere near as “stuffy” as a traditional rotary valve and the response on the valve is remarkably consistent when going from the open to the valve side of the trombone.

The majority of our Michael Rath instruments are supplied highly polished with a thin clear lacquer coating. We found that applying thicker coats of lacquer “deadens” the instrument, leading it being unresponsive and dull. However, despite only having a thin coat of lacquer, proper care and maintenance will keep the instrument always looking at its best.

Other finishes are available, such as brushed lacquer, coloured lacquer or without a lacquer coating at all. These can be applied to individual parts or to a complete instrument, giving you the opportunity to create an instrument uniquely yours.