"Still a 'musical instrument' after more than a century."
1920s Robert Schopper Tenor-Bass Trombone
[Overview]
Tenor bass trombone crafted by Robert Schopper. 235-millimeter gold brass bell. Bell trim: nickel silver. Slide bore: 13.2 millimeters. Nickel silver slide tube. Interchangeable F-tube attachment. Comes with original tenor bow. Manufactured in the 1920s. Accessories: Semi-hard case, mouthpiece (W.Chr. Schmidt/R. Shopper)
[Condition]
The instrument originally had an unlacquered finish, but it is now coated with clear lacquer. There are no noticeable scratches or dents at present, buttraces of past dent repairs are visible on the bell flare and other areas. The inner slide is in playable condition. However, due to its solid nickel silver finish, the action is not as light as that of modern trombones. Please be aware of this. One side of the outer slide’s crossbar is not secured. There is no stopper ring on the slide. The body joints are slip-fit rather than lock-ring type. Rotors, interior cleaning, and inspection have been performed.
[Features]
Robert Schopper was born in 1859 in Adolph, Saxony.
He honed his craft under Penzel, Zeche, Hilsbrunner, and F.A. Heckel, among others, and established his own workshop in Leipzig in 1888. He was one of the leading brass instrument makers of his time and later received the title of “Court Purveyor.”
This instrument is a tenor-bass trombone crafted in the 1920s, during Schopper’s mature period. It features a 235-millimeter gold brass bell with a nickel-silver bell crown. Distinctive design elements characteristic of the era are evident throughout, such as the unique F-tube layout and the intricate serpentine decorations on the tuning slide and slide end crook.
The F-tube attachment is designed to be completely swapped out, allowing the instrument to be played as a simple tenor trombone using the included tenor slide. This is an intriguing feature that faithfully preserves the design philosophy of the era.
Schopper’s workshop was destroyed during the air raids of World War II. Consequently, very few instruments made before the war still survive. It is particularly rare for a trombone, more than a century old, to remain in such good condition and still be playable today.
Of course, the playing feel differs significantly from that of modern instruments. The solid nickel-silver inner slide has a substantial weight to it and does not offer the light, nimble action of today’s chrome-plated slides. If you prioritize playability and ease of handling, a newer instrument would be the better choice.
However, when you blow into it, the sound that returns possesses a density and brilliance unique to that era. The true value of this instrument lies in the fact that it allows you to produce an organic, commanding sound—one that differs from the uniform, polished tones of modern instruments.
It is neither a mere historical artifact nor an instrument meant solely for display in a showcase.
A modern musician brings to life an instrument crafted by a master builder a century ago.
This is an extremely rare Robert Schopper—an instrument we hope you’ll inherit, along with the history it carries.
*Please note that we cannot accept returns or exchanges for this item except in cases where it is unplayable. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
