[Dixielandjazz] First position on the trombone

[Dave Hanson]

The first position on most trombones is "closed" or all the way in the cork
barrel. Some mfg's do make models with a shortened or "clipped" tuning slide
that will allow the player to use 1st. position slightly south of the "cork
barrel".
The Bach LT16M is one example and the Jiggs Wigham 2B is another. Without
the shortened tuning slide, the horn will be out of tune in relationship to
the other 6 positions. I understand that Tommy Dorsey had his tuning slide
shortened so he could play "Getting Sentimental Over You" in the key of "D"
so he could use a slide vibrato in second, instead of 1st. where the high
"D" is located.

Dave Hanson
Trombonist (for 55 years)
Atlanta
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stan Brager" <sbrager at socal.rr.com>
To: "James Kashishian" <kash at ran.es>; <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 10:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] First position on the trombone


> Jim;
>
> I'm answering off-line as I don't believe that this discussion would be of
> interest to the DJML list members.
>
> Thanks for your views, Jim, as a young player (68) just starting out, I'm
> interested in what advice you old-timers can offer.
>
> Seriously, my teacher does play trombone but his main horn is the trumpet.
> However, he does teach many trombonists and is in demand for studio work.
> His advice on moving first position stems from his conversations with
> trombonists with whom he plays. I myself have spoken with many locals who
> have also moved the first position. Several of these have said that it
gives
> them the flexibility they need when playing to keep in tune with other
> players without having to move the tuning slide all the time.
>
> Yes, it's true that by moving first position means adjusting where the
other
> 6 positions are located. Yet, learning to do this is not a big deal.
> Especially, when one's ears (read mine) aren't well trained in the first
> place.
>
> Also, the clang was an annoying problem for me when I first started to lea
rn
> the trombone. Often when moving quickly from 7th to 1st position, I
thought
> that my teeth were going to be damaged by the slide.
>
> Based on this conversation, I'll post a survey on the trombone mailing
list
> to determine what others say. If you're interested, I'll let you know the
> results.
>
> Stan
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "James Kashishian" <kash at ran.es>
> To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 3:02 PM
> Subject: RE: [Dixielandjazz] First position on the trombone
>
>
> > Stan wrote:
> > When I was taking my first trombone lessons, my teacher told me that
many
> > players adjust their tuning slides to have first position out from the
> > closed position for 3 reasons. One was for slide vibrato, another was to
> > keep the trombone in tune as the temperature changes, and the third was
to
> > avoid a clang when the slide is brought quickly to the first position.
> >
> > And, I comment:
> >
> > Oops, Stan.  Did your trombone teacher actually play the trombone?  :>
> >
> > Seriously, I don't wish to get anyone's backs up, and I'm not the last
> word
> > in this sort of thing....but, I'll have to think about it (maybe pay
> > attention while playing?) to see if I use slide vibrato in 1st.
position.
> I
> > kind of doubt it, though.  There are always false positions if one feels
> he
> > must use the slide vibrato on a note normally played in first position.
> >
> > Tuning as the temperature changes....one normally uses the tuning slide
> for
> > those adjustments, in spite of "rusty" Bob.  :>
> >
> > For tuning to other member's problems, that's what thems chops are for.
> >
> > Clanging in first position?  First of all, there should be a cork at the
> top
> > of your slide.  If there isn't, go to the repair shop.  It's a little
> piece
> > of cork in the shape of a ring (like the one on your finger).  Secondly,
> if
> > you hit the top, then you haven't got much control on your slide.
> >
> > If 1st is lowered, than all your other positions must be lower.  I know
> > we're only talking a tiny bit, but a tiny bit flat is flat/or a bit
sharp
> is
> > sharp!
> >
> > What do I know about it?  Dunno, only been doing it steadily for 52 yrs
> now,
> > 25 as a studio session musician.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
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