Superbone!!

I just learned about an instrument called a Superbone.  A Superbone is a hybrid valve and slide trombone.  It has the traditional slide mechanism of normal trombones, plus the valve mechanism like a trumpet.  I've heard of valve trombones, but those trombones are more like big, low trumpets.

The TR 395 Superbone was developed in the 1970s by the Holton company in collaboration with jazz monster-trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, and other companies made similar instruments.  It wasn't the first of its kind though.  A "Valide" trombone (valve + slide) was invented by jazz trombonist Brad Gowans, who played one with from the 1920s through the 1950s, even while with the Jimmy Dorsey band.  Duke Ellington's trombonist, Juan Tizol, used a valve/slide hybrid bone after joining Ellington's band in 1929.

What makes the Superbone unique from the previous designs is its fully functional, 7-position slide, the three-valve mechanism positioned alongside, and a slide lock.  The valves are gripped with the left hand, supporting the instrument and leaving the right hand free to operate the slide.

On a related note, there is also something called a Firebird, also developed by Ferguson.  The Firebird the trumpet counterpart to the Superbone.  It is a trumpet (valves and all) with up to a 4-position slide mechanism.  The valves can be gripped by either the right or the left hand, leaving the other hand free to operate the slide.  On some models, the bell is bent upward at a 20 degree angle to allow room to move the slide.

The brass world is even weirder than we thought.   ;-)