A trigger trombone is a trombone that has additional tubing that can be accessed via a “trigger.” Most trigger trombones are tenor trombones with extra tubing to play in the key of F and reach lower notes. The extra tubing can be wrapped in a “open” or “closed” wrap, and it can be activated mechanical or string linkage. On a trigger trombone, players can switch between notes more easily. Christian Friedrich Sattler, a German instrument maker, was the first to invent the trigger attachment in the 19th century.
The main difference between a regular trombone and a trigger trombone is the additional tubing activated a trigger. The extra tubing lowers the note produced the instrument, allowing a tenor trombone to play down to C below the bass clef. The instrument can only reach the E below the bass clef without the tubing attachment. The extra tubing is activated or deactivated using a trigger mechanism. This trigger changes the note without moving the slide on the instrument.
On a trigger trombone, there are two types of tubing wraps: open and closed. The additional tubing is contained to the bell section of the instrument in a closed wrap. This maintains the instrument’s size while also protecting the extra tubing from damage during transportation. The bell section of the instrument is not confined an open wrap, which increases the instrument’s size slightly. Closed wraps, according to players who prefer open wraps, restrict the flow of air through the instrument.
The trigger trombone’s trigger attachment can be activated mechanically or via a string linkage. To open the valve to the extra tubing, the mechanical linkage uses a ball and socket joint and a metallic arm. When activated, it makes an audible click and requires less maintenance than a string mechanism. When the player activates the trigger, the string mechanism is attached to the valve and pulled. This is inaudible, but it frequently necessitates adjustment or replacement.
In order to create a two-in-one instrument, Christian Friedrich Sattler invented the trigger trombone in 1839. Previously, trombone players who wanted to play lower notes had to look for a F bass trombone. Sattler realized that lowering the pitch of the instrument could be accomplished adding extra tubing to the bell section. On modern trigger trombones, his original design with the thumb-activated trigger is still used.