This is a small collection of photographs of 19th century German bass trombones taken while BTS Webmaster Edward Solomon was in Germany in 1989. Given the current controversy about the true nature of the bass trombone in the 19th century, it is interesting to note that there are three instruments depicted here, pitched in Bb, Bb/F and F. If all three of these are technically classed as "bass trombones", how do we, the players, know which one a composer really intended?

Bass trombone in Bb (Musikinstrumentensammlung, Goslar)

This instrument is clearly labelled as a bass trombone, and the large size of the bell flare and throat would appear to support this. There is a small loop in the tubing (slightly obscured by the mouthpiece), but that is deceptive. It is a straight Bb instrument. Here is a close-up of the sign:

It is clearly marked Baß-Posaune.

Bass trombone in F (Musikinstrumentensammlung, Berlin)

Here too is a 19th century German orchestral bass trombone in F. Did the long-slided bass trombones really die out?

Bass trombone in Bb/F (Musikinstrumentensammlung, Berlin)

This is the common type of Bb/F instrument produced in Germany from the 19th century until the present day, with the leather thong and metal chain instead of the customary thumb-operated trigger.

BBC Symphony Orchestra trombones in 1939 (Sidney Langston - principal trombone.)

BBC Symphony Orchestra trombones (1994)
(Christopher Mowat - 1st trombone, Henry Hardy - 2nd trombone, Dick Tyack - bass trombone)

BBC Symphony Orchestra trombones (1994)
(Christopher Mowat - 1st trombone, Henry Hardy - 2nd trombone, Steven Saunders - bass trombone)