R.Schopper Tenor-Bass Trombone

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Product Details
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"Still an instrument, a century on."
1920s Robert Schopper Tenor-Bass Trombone

[Overview]
Robert Schopper tenor-bass trombone. 235mm gold brass bell. Bell garland (trim): nickel silver. Slide bore: 13.2mm. Nickel silver inner slide. Interchangeable F-attachment. Includes genuine tenor crook. Made in the 1920s. Accessories: semi-hard case, mouthpiece (W. Chr. Schmidt / R. Schopper).

[Condition]
Originally finished unlacquered, it now has a clear lacquer coating. No major scratches or dents currently visible, though some past dent-repair marks can be seen around the bell flare. The inner slide is playable, though as it's solid nickel silver, it does not have the light action of a modern trombone — please keep this in mind. One side of the outer slide's cross-brace is not fixed by design. No slide stop ring. The body joint uses a friction-fit rather than a lock-ring design. Rotary valve and interior have been cleaned and inspected.

[Features]
Born in 1859 in Adorf, Saxony, Robert Schopper trained under Penzel, Zettsche, Hilsbrunner, and F.A. Heckel before opening his own workshop in Leipzig in 1888. He went on to receive a royal court appointment, becoming one of the leading brass instrument makers of his era.

This tenor-bass trombone was made in the 1920s, during Schopper's mature period. It features a 235mm gold brass bell with a nickel silver garland, a distinctive F-attachment layout, and finely detailed snake ornamentation on the tuning crook and slide crook — period details throughout.

The F-attachment is a fully interchangeable unit, and with the included tenor crook, the instrument can also be played as a simple tenor trombone — a fascinating design choice that reflects period thinking.

Schopper's workshop was destroyed in WWII bombing, so few pre-war instruments from his hand survive today. That a trombone over a century old has come down to us in this complete a state, and remains playable, is itself remarkable.

Of course, the playing feel differs considerably from a modern instrument. The solid nickel silver inner slide has real heft, and doesn't offer the light action of a modern chrome-plated slide. Anyone prioritizing ease of handling would be better served by a newer instrument.

But when you put air into it, what comes back is a sound with a density and brilliance unique to this era — an organic, characterful voice quite unlike the more uniform sound of modern instruments. Being able to actually play that sound, rather than simply display it, is this instrument's great value.

This is not merely a historical artifact or a display piece.
A trombone built by a maker a century ago, played once again by a musician today.

A truly rare Robert Schopper, offered here along with all the history it carries.

*This item can only be returned or exchanged in the case of a defect. Thank you for your understanding.
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Please note that all items are for sale in our Tokyo store.
There is a chance they might be sold out. All items are shipped tracked and insured. All import duties or customs fees are the buyers responsibility - please be aware of the requirements for your country. If you have any questions please ask.