Superbone

The Superbone is a hybrid trombone. It is a cross between the slide trombone and the valve trombone - it has both valves and a slide.

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The invention is often credited to Dizzy Gillespie, although similar instruments combining valves and a slide were mass produced in the early 20th century, including by C.G. Conn. Such an instrument was commonly called a "valide trombone". Multi-instrumentalist Brad Gowans was well known for playing one from the 1920s through 1940s. In the 1970's the horn became a staple for musicians like Maynard Ferguson and Don Ellis, playing models built by Holton (TR 395) in collaboration with Maynard Ferguson.

Related Topics:
Dizzy Gillespie - 20th century - C.G. Conn - Brad Gowans - 1920s - 1940s - 1970 - Maynard Ferguson - Don Ellis - Holton

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Maynard Ferguson recorded a song titled "Superbone Meets the Bad Man" on his "Chameleon" album which features him playing his superbone. As a trumpeter, it seems evident that in this recording, the use of the slide is minimal with heavy dependence on the valves.

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A very good example of play with a superbone which demonstrates the ability of traditional slide scoops and glissandos coupled with fast segments of fingered riffs is found on Ashley Alexander's recording titled "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" found on his "Secret Love" album.

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