"A used alto? And an 'early Thein F-valve' model? Come on, it's a mirage~!! "
──Thein Early Period F-Alto Trombone (with C-Valve)
[Overview]
Thein F-Alto Trombone. Includes C-valve rotary attachment. 145mm yellow brass bell. Mouthpiece receiver: narrow shank (standard American shank).12.5-12.8 dual bore slide. Outer slide: Nickel. End crook: Yellow brass. Lacquer finish. Believed to be manufactured around 1980. Accessories: Genuine hard case (one dent on the rivet near the bell).
[Condition]
Scattered repair marks from dents on bell rim, bell base, and outer circumference of main tuning slide (history of removal of support rod connecting C rotary bypass tube to bell). Repair marks from dent on slide end crook. Nickel plating peeling on inner slide tip (stocking section), but does not interfere with normal playing. Bell body and slide joint is push-fit only (no locking ring).The outer slide stopper ring was never installed at the factory, so handling requires caution.
[Features]
An F-tube alto trombone, likely crafted around 1980 by the renowned German workshop Tain in Bremen, shortly after its founding.Alto trombones themselves are rare due to low production numbers, making them seldom appear on the used market. A Tain model is even rarer, potentially making it an ideal "option" for players who think, "The situations where I need it are limited, but that's precisely why I hesitate to invest in an expensive New."Its compact 145mm yellow brass bell combines the bright, focused projection characteristic of German tradition with a soft, expansive harmonic texture. Furthermore, its rare configuration as an F-tube alto with a C-tube rotary valve provides essential functionality for the classical repertoire. Particularly in works like Beethoven's "Fate" and "Pastoral" symphonies, it naturally reproduces the authentic sound of the period, something modern E♭ altos cannot achieve.The addition of the C rotary valve also safely covers the mid-range around the 6th and 7th positions, ensuring pitch reliability. While it shows signs of age, such as minor dents and some plating wear, there are no structural issues, and it remains in good playing condition. The combination of an F-tube with a C rotary valve is extremely rare on the used market for alto trombones, making this a highly valuable piece, both as a collector's item and as a reliable backup instrument.
*Please note: Returns or exchanges for this item are not accepted except for defective products.
