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NEW Rath R3F tenor trombone

NEW Rath R3F tenor trombone

Sale priceCHF 4,500.00
Condition:
New
SKU: 1209

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Mouthpiece-only returns

This Michael Rath R3F is honestly one of the best-sounding and easiest-playing .525" bore trombones I’ve tested. It has a very immediate response and an open feel that makes it incredibly intuitive to play right out of the gate.

The sound

The combination of the 8" nickel silver bell and the nickel silver hand slide gives the horn a lot of "pop" and clarity. If you’re playing in a Big Band, Salsa, or Ska setting, it has the edge and projection to cut through a loud section without feeling like you're working too hard.

That said, it isn't just a "lead" horn. It’s civilized enough that I’d comfortably use it for first trombone in an orchestral or chamber setting. It has a refined core that blends well when you back off a little.

Flexibility & Customization

I wanted this trombone to be as flexible as possible. The .525 bore is the "best of both worlds" size and I added some special goodies for maximum flexibility: 

  • Straight Gooseneck: Comes with a straight gooseneck, so you can pull the valve section off entirely if you want the resonance and lighter weight of a straight horn.

  • Leadpipe Options: I’m including both the #31 small shank and the #31L large shank brass leadpipes. Being able to use a large-bore mouthpiece on a .525" bone really changes the resistance and lets you customize the blow to fit your needs. Plus you don't need to hunt down a small shank mouthpiece if you don't have one yet. 

Technical Specs

  • Model: Rath R3F (.525" Medium Bore)

  • Bell: 8" Nickel Silver Flare

  • Valve: Rotax

  • Main Tuning Slide: Yellow Brass with counterweight 

  • Hand Slide: .525" Nickel Silver

  • Leadpipes: #31 Brass (Small Shank) & #31L Brass (Large Shank)

  • Gooseneck: Added straight gooseneck

  • Case: None included

If you’re looking for a professional medium-bore that can bridge the gap between commercial work and legit playing, this is it. The Rotax valve is fast and the slide is exactly what you’d expect from a high-end Rath—smooth and quiet.

Dont' wait six months for Rath to build your trombone. Get it now! 

Note: This is the instrument only; no case is included. Feel free to reach out if you want to buy a case with it - we'll find out what case fits your needs best. 

About Michael Rath trombones

To me, Michael Rath sets a standard for high quality trombone building. Based in West Yorkshire, England, they’ve managed to do something very difficult: create a modular trombone system that feels like a solid, handmade instrument rather than a collection of parts.

What really separates Rath from some other brands is the impeccable build quality. When you pick up a Rath, you immediately notice the attention to detail in the soldering, the tight tolerances, and the consistency of the hand-lapped slides. These aren't mass-produced horns; they are precision tools built by a small team that understands exactly what a professional player needs in terms of response and reliability.

Why I Stock Rath

I choose to carry Rath because of the mechanical excellence they bring to every instrument. While the modularity is a great feature, it’s the quality of the craftsmanship that really stands out to me.

  • Superior Slide Action: Rath slides are consistently some of the best in the industry—light, quiet, and incredibly fast.
  • Consistency: You can tell these horns are built one at a time. The fit and finish on the bell flares and tuning slides are always spot on.
  • UK Craftsmanship: There is a level of pride in these UK-made instruments that translates directly to how they play.

Whether you're looking for an R10 for commercial work or a symphonic R4F, a Rath is an investment in quality that you can feel in your hands. Some of these trombones are hard to put down they play so well!

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