What material is the pBone made from?

The pBone is constructed primarily from high-quality ABS plastic. The slide components are made from glass fibre, which provides a smooth action and durability against impacts.

Is the pBone suitable for professional use?

Yes, the pBone has become a favourite among professional players globally. Its unique sound character and extreme durability make it ideal for street performances and touring.

What comes in the box with a new pBone?

Every pBone includes the instrument itself, a matching plastic mouthpiece, and a convenient smart carry bag. This allows the player to start practising immediately without additional purchases.

Can I use a metal mouthpiece with the pBone?

Yes, the pBone is designed to accept any standard small-shank trombone mouthpiece. Players often upgrade to models like the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C for a different feel.

How does the weight compare to a brass trombone?

The pBone is significantly lighter than a traditional brass trombone. This lightweight design is intended to make the instrument easier to hold for younger players and reduce fatigue during long sessions.

Is the pBone water-resistant?

The plastic body of the pBone is naturally resistant to moisture and weather. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor performances where rain or humidity might damage a brass instrument.

What type of trombone is the pBone?

The pBone is a standard Bb tenor trombone. It features the same pitch and slide positions as a traditional tenor trombone, making the skills transferable to metal instruments.

How should I clean my pBone?

The pBone can be cleaned easily with warm soapy water. Because it is made of plastic, it does not require the same specialised polishing or lacquer care as a brass instrument.

Is the slide action smooth?

The pBone uses a glass fibre slide which is designed to be smooth and responsive. It improves with use and is highly resistant to the dents that typically cause metal slides to stick.

Can children use the pBone?

Absolutely; the pBone was specifically designed with ergonomics in mind for younger players. Its light weight and robust construction allow children to handle it easily without fear of damage.

What is the typical price for a pBone?

The pBone typically retails for approximately £145. This makes it a very affordable option compared to even entry-level traditional brass trombones.

Are there different colours available?

Yes, while the white model is popular for its clean look, the pBone is available in a range of exciting colours to suit different personalities and ensemble requirements.

Gear article

pBone Plastic Trombone (White)

The pBone is the world's first plastic trombone, designed to be a lightweight and robust alternative to traditional brass instruments. It features a durable ABS plastic body and glass fibre slide, making it particularly suitable for students, educators, and travelling musicians.

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Background and Design

The pBone music pBone represents a significant shift in brass instrument design. Traditionally, trombones are manufactured from brass, which is susceptible to denting and corrosion. By using high-quality ABS plastic, pBone music created an instrument that is virtually indestructible under normal playing conditions. The white finish provides a clean, modern aesthetic that stands out in both classroom and professional environments.

Its design focuses on accessibility. Because the instrument is significantly lighter than a standard brass tenor trombone, it reduces physical strain on the player, allowing for longer practice sessions and easier handling by younger musicians with smaller frames.

Features and Mechanics

The pBone utilises a glass fibre slide, which offers a smooth action that is resistant to the common dings and scratches that often seize metal slides. The ergonomic design ensures that the instrument is balanced and comfortable to hold, regardless of the player's hand size.

Key features include: * Robust Construction: The plastic body can handle knocks and bumps that would require expensive repairs on a brass instrument. * Lightweight Profile: Reduces fatigue and makes it easy to transport. * Complete Package: Each unit is supplied with a matched plastic mouthpiece and a smart carry bag for immediate use.

Sound and Performance

While constructed from plastic, the pBone is designed to mimic the acoustic properties of a traditional tenor trombone. It produces a bright, resonant sound that has gained popularity among professional players for its unique character. The instrument is capable of a wide dynamic range and accurate intonation, making it a viable choice for jazz, street bands, and educational ensembles.

The instrument is compatible with standard small-shank trombone mouthpieces, allowing players to customise their sound using accessories such as the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C mouthpiece or various Denis Wick models.

Target Audience

The pBone is primarily marketed toward beginners and students who may find a metal trombone too heavy or fragile. However, its durability and weather-resistant properties have made it a favourite for professional musicians performing in outdoor settings or marching bands where instrument damage is a risk.

Educators often favour the pBone because its affordability and range of colours make it an engaging tool for introducing children to brass playing. The white model, specifically, offers a professional appearance suitable for more formal educational settings.

Market Comparison

Compared to student-level brass instruments like the Grassi STB850 School Series Tenor Trombone, the pBone is significantly more impact-resistant and lighter. While professional brass models like the Conn 52H Bb/F Tenor Trombone offer more complex tonal characteristics and features like F-attachments, the pBone serves a different niche focused on portability and durability.

For those moving into specific orchestral roles, instruments like the Conn 34H Alto Trombone offer different ranges, but the pBone remains the standard for entry-level tenors. It is priced competitively, typically retailing around £145, making it an accessible entry point into the world of brass music.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the pBone made from?: The pBone is constructed primarily from high-quality ABS plastic. The slide components are made from glass fibre, which provides a smooth action and durability against impacts.
Is the pBone suitable for professional use?: Yes, the pBone has become a favourite among professional players globally. Its unique sound character and extreme durability make it ideal for street performances and touring.
What comes in the box with a new pBone?: Every pBone includes the instrument itself, a matching plastic mouthpiece, and a convenient smart carry bag. This allows the player to start practising immediately without additional purchases.
Can I use a metal mouthpiece with the pBone?: Yes, the pBone is designed to accept any standard small-shank trombone mouthpiece. Players often upgrade to models like the Gear4Music Coppergate 11C for a different feel.
How does the weight compare to a brass trombone?: The pBone is significantly lighter than a traditional brass trombone. This lightweight design is intended to make the instrument easier to hold for younger players and reduce fatigue during long sessions.
Is the pBone water-resistant?: The plastic body of the pBone is naturally resistant to moisture and weather. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor performances where rain or humidity might damage a brass instrument.
What type of trombone is the pBone?: The pBone is a standard Bb tenor trombone. It features the same pitch and slide positions as a traditional tenor trombone, making the skills transferable to metal instruments.
How should I clean my pBone?: The pBone can be cleaned easily with warm soapy water. Because it is made of plastic, it does not require the same specialised polishing or lacquer care as a brass instrument.
Is the slide action smooth?: The pBone uses a glass fibre slide which is designed to be smooth and responsive. It improves with use and is highly resistant to the dents that typically cause metal slides to stick.
Can children use the pBone?: Absolutely; the pBone was specifically designed with ergonomics in mind for younger players. Its light weight and robust construction allow children to handle it easily without fear of damage.
What is the typical price for a pBone?: The pBone typically retails for approximately £145. This makes it a very affordable option compared to even entry-level traditional brass trombones.
Are there different colours available?: Yes, while the white model is popular for its clean look, the pBone is available in a range of exciting colours to suit different personalities and ensemble requirements.