A valve trombone is a brass instrument of the trombone family. This type of trombone, rather than having a slide like a “regular” trombone, has valves, though the overall shape of the trombone is preserved. Because of the valves, this trombone is played similarly to trumpets, tubas, baritones, and euphoniums. They are less common than slide trombones, but they are still used in orchestras, bands, and other ensembles on occasion.
Pitch is controlled on regular trombones using a combination of slide and embouchure or mouth positions. The valves in a valve trombone, like those in other valved instruments, affect the air column inside the instrument and, in conjunction with the embouchure, allow for note change. Trombones with three or four valves are known as valve trombones. Those with four valves are more likely to have intonation issues.
According to valve style, there are three different types of valve trombones. The valves could be rotary, piston, or disc valves. Because each type of valve has a slightly different action and has a different impact on repair, some players prefer one valve style over another.
Valve trombones are available in nearly every trombone size. The tenor is the most common size, as it is the size most frequently requested in band and other ensemble scores. Bass trombones with valves are also widely used. The trombone loop on any valve trombone can be either standard or short in length.
Valve trombones have the advantage of allowing players to perform extremely fast passages due to the valve action. Instead of having to move a slide a long distance to change notes, the musician only needs to use his fingers to press down or release the valves. Valve trombones are useful whenever a musical passage requires more clarity and facility, which is why jazz musicians frequently use them. The inability to produce a truly sensitive legato is a trade-off, as is the need to rely more heavily on changes to the embouchure to correct any intonation issues.
Valve trombones were first manufactured in Vienna, Austria, around 1820. This type of trombone was widely used in German and Italian orchestras the turn of the century, though orchestras primarily used bass valve trombones. Valve trombones were popular until the mid-twentieth century. They were used in orchestras in European, Asian, and Latin countries, in addition to bands and theater ensembles. Despite the fact that valve trombones aren’t as popular as they once were, manufacturers continue to produce them on a regular basis.