The Incredible Kai Winding--His Official
Website
J.J. and Kai playing
their King® tromboniums!
The album from which this photo was taken (and
from which you can hear tromboniums played) is pictured in the
discography section of this site.
A trombonium is built like a baritone
horn (complete with three valves), except that it retains the same
bore size and tube length dimensions as a standard tenor trombone.
The exact same mouthpiece is used on a trombonium that would be used
on a tenor trombone. People who have played these instruments say
that they are a bit more mellow in sound than a standard tenor
trombone. King® manufactured tromboniums from the 1950s through
the 1970s. Other manufacturers such as Olds® also made
tromboniums. Except for their work in jazz, these were used primarily
for marching band ensembles, pep bands sitting in bleachers, and
other organizations like drum & bugle corps. A good example of
modern day use of tromboniums is the fact that these instruments are
featured within the precision music group "Blast"
(which was a 2001 Tony® Award Winner). A trombonium is a good
choice where the sound of a trombone is needed but there isn't space
to accommodate the use of a slide.
Note: Links to other sites that feature additional photos and information on the trombonium as well as many other variations on the trombone are located at the end of this site.