The new Rath R400 Bb/F trombones are selling fast at John Packer Ltd.

Both the new Rath R400 & R100 series trombones have been creating an amazing amount of interest at our shop in Taunton and at the recent SWBBA event in Torquay.

Great to see

Brass Department Manager Steve Herbert told 4BR: "It’s been great to see so many players trying out these new instruments. The first R400 sold within hours of being delivered to the shop to a player in the Somerset area."

Customer comment

One customer commented to Steve: "I spent a great time in John Packer today trying out the new Rath R100 and R400. All I can say is wow!!!”

Another customer added: "The R400 was such a joy to play — open throughout the range-pedal F to super F and the response at all dynamics was exceptional.

The slide and trigger action felt as if it had been played in for a few weeks but it was brand new!

I was seriously comparing it to my Gen II 88H and I found it difficult to come to terms with the end results. The slide was much better than my Conn slide and it was better than the prototype Yamaha one I use on the 88H; the valve action was slicker and smoother than the Conn and I feel that it played better all round!"

Rarely found

They added: "The R100 was similarly interesting with a clarity of sound I have rarely found before. The way the notes just seemed to be there without the effort and stress normally accompanying the upper range from high Bb upwards. I was the first to try that trombone and once again, the slide was beautifully smooth.

It is the perfect lead trombone. It was interesting to compare it to good used R10 which had just come into stock and is in the same price range. I could not decide which I would buy.

Now I can't wait to try the R900 when it arrives."

Bridging the gap

For a long time Rath Trombones have wanted to make a trombone to bridge the gap between their student and custom made modular hand crafted trombones.

The results are the new non-modular R400 based on the most successful modular R4F combination and the new non-modular R100 based on the R10 medium bore combination. Early in the New Year the R900 bass trombone will be launched.

Steve Herbert told 4BR: "For students looking to move from a beginner’s instrument to their first professional level trombone, these are excellent instruments to develop their style and technique before progressing to a fully modular trombone."

For students looking to move from a beginner’s instrument to their first professional level trombone, these are excellent instrumentsSteve Herbert

Spec and Prices

R400 Bb/F: Bore 0.547”: 8 ½” yellow bell: rotary valve: £1,495 inc vat.
R100 Bb: Bore 0.500”: 7 ½” yellow bell: £1,125 inc vat.

Book a trial

This new trombone compliments our stocks of Mick’s own handmade Rath trombones.

To book a trial or to place an order, please contact Steve Herbert Brass Department Manager on: 01823 282386.