What is the primary target audience for the Grassi STB850?

The STB850 is specifically designed for new learners and students. Its features are tailored to help beginners develop proper technique without the physical strain associated with professional-grade instruments.

What are the benefits of the small bore size?

The small bore size is advantageous for students because it requires less air to produce a sound. This helps learners focus on breathing techniques and tone production with significantly less effort.

What material is used for the slide?

The STB850 features a sturdy nickel slide. Nickel is preferred for student models because it moves smoothly and is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting mechanical action.

How is the exterior of the trombone protected?

The instrument features a lacquer exterior finish. This coating protects the brass from light scratches and helps prevent discolouration over time.

What accessories are included with the STB850?

The trombone comes as a complete kit including a mouthpiece, a cleaning cloth, and a foam carrying case. These items provide everything a student needs to start playing immediately.

Is the Grassi STB850 suitable for professional orchestral use?

The STB850 is an entry-level student instrument rather than a professional model. For orchestral work requiring extended range, a model with an F-attachment like the Conn 52H would be more appropriate.

How does the price of the STB850 compare to other trombones?

At approximately £249, the STB850 is positioned in the budget-friendly student bracket. It is significantly more affordable than intermediate or professional models like the Conn 34H Alto or 52H Tenor.

Does this model include an F-attachment?

No, the STB850 is a straight tenor trombone without an F-trigger or attachment. This simplified design is intentional to keep the instrument lightweight and easy for beginners to handle.

Can I use different mouthpieces with this instrument?

Yes, though it must be a small shank mouthpiece to fit the STB850's small bore receiver. Options like the Bach Megatone 5G Small Shank or Coppergate 11C are compatible types of upgrades.

How should the STB850 be stored?

The instrument should be stored in the included foam case when not in use. The case is designed to protect the lacquer and the slide from impact and environmental damage.

Is the foam case heavy?

The foam case is designed to be lightweight and portable. This makes it easier for younger students to carry their instrument to school or rehearsals compared to traditional heavy wood-shell cases.

What is the 'School Series' designation?

The School Series is a specific line by Grassi aimed at the educational market. These instruments prioritises durability, ease of play, and affordability for music departments and families.

Gear article

Grassi STB850 School Series Tenor Trombone

The Grassi STB850 School Series is an entry-level tenor trombone designed specifically for students and new learners. It features a small bore design and a nickel slide, prioritising ease of play and durability for those beginning their musical studies.

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Overview

The Grassi STB850 belongs to the brand's 'School Series', a range of instruments engineered to meet the requirements of education and initial training. As a tenor trombone, it serves as a foundational instrument for brass players. The design focuses on reliability and physical accessibility, ensuring that the mechanical aspects of the instrument do not hinder the student's progress during the early stages of learning.

Design and Construction

The instrument is constructed with a focus on longevity and ease of maintenance. A primary feature is the nickel slide, which is chosen for its smooth action and resistance to corrosion—a common issue in student brassware. The exterior of the trombone is finished in a clear lacquer, providing a protective layer against minor abrasions and environmental discolouration. Its small bore architecture is a deliberate choice intended to assist students in developing proper breathing techniques with reduced physical exertion.

Gear4Music Coppergate 11C Trombone Mouthpiece by Gear4music

Sound and Playability

The STB850 is characterised by a response that favours the novice player. Because the small bore requires less air volume to produce a consistent tone, it allows younger students or those with smaller lung capacities to achieve a stable sound more quickly than a large-bore alternative. The sound is balanced for a student instrument, providing the standard tenor trombone profile suitable for school bands and individual practice.

Accessories and Inclusion

To facilitate immediate use, the STB850 is supplied as a complete package. This includes:

A dedicated mouthpiece suited for the instrument's small shank.
A cleaning cloth for routine maintenance of the finish.
A lightweight foam case designed for safe transport to and from school or lessons.

Market Position

Within the wider market, the STB850 sits as a budget-friendly entry point at approximately £249. While more advanced models like the Conn 52H Bb/F Tenor Trombone offer dual-bore configurations and F-attachments for orchestral work, the STB850 remains a strictly student-focused straight trombone. It competes with other beginner models by offering a robust build quality at a price point that makes the instrument accessible to families and schools.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary target audience for the Grassi STB850?: The STB850 is specifically designed for new learners and students. Its features are tailored to help beginners develop proper technique without the physical strain associated with professional-grade instruments.
What are the benefits of the small bore size?: The small bore size is advantageous for students because it requires less air to produce a sound. This helps learners focus on breathing techniques and tone production with significantly less effort.
What material is used for the slide?: The STB850 features a sturdy nickel slide. Nickel is preferred for student models because it moves smoothly and is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting mechanical action.
How is the exterior of the trombone protected?: The instrument features a lacquer exterior finish. This coating protects the brass from light scratches and helps prevent discolouration over time.
What accessories are included with the STB850?: The trombone comes as a complete kit including a mouthpiece, a cleaning cloth, and a foam carrying case. These items provide everything a student needs to start playing immediately.
Is the Grassi STB850 suitable for professional orchestral use?: The STB850 is an entry-level student instrument rather than a professional model. For orchestral work requiring extended range, a model with an F-attachment like the Conn 52H would be more appropriate.
How does the price of the STB850 compare to other trombones?: At approximately £249, the STB850 is positioned in the budget-friendly student bracket. It is significantly more affordable than intermediate or professional models like the Conn 34H Alto or 52H Tenor.
Does this model include an F-attachment?: No, the STB850 is a straight tenor trombone without an F-trigger or attachment. This simplified design is intentional to keep the instrument lightweight and easy for beginners to handle.
Can I use different mouthpieces with this instrument?: Yes, though it must be a small shank mouthpiece to fit the STB850's small bore receiver. Options like the Bach Megatone 5G Small Shank or Coppergate 11C are compatible types of upgrades.
How should the STB850 be stored?: The instrument should be stored in the included foam case when not in use. The case is designed to protect the lacquer and the slide from impact and environmental damage.
Is the foam case heavy?: The foam case is designed to be lightweight and portable. This makes it easier for younger students to carry their instrument to school or rehearsals compared to traditional heavy wood-shell cases.
What is the 'School Series' designation?: The School Series is a specific line by Grassi aimed at the educational market. These instruments prioritises durability, ease of play, and affordability for music departments and families.