✦ Historical Perspective
The Rath R9 Custom Artist bass trombone is part of the highly respected line of hand-built professional instruments produced by Michael Rath in the United Kingdom. Rath instruments have become known worldwide for their careful craftsmanship, innovative design philosophy, and tonal flexibility across multiple musical styles.
This example features a 9.5" rose brass bell (850R) paired with independent Hagmann valves, a configuration favored by many bass trombonists for its open airflow and smooth valve transitions. The instrument also incorporates a .562 straight bore bronze alloy handslide, along with a bronze main tuning slide and yellow brass F/D valve wrap.
The use of bronze and rose brass materials contributes to the instrument’s rich tonal complexity. These materials often provide a darker tonal core with strong projection and clarity, particularly in the low register where bass trombones are expected to deliver power and depth.
This Rath R9 delivered a broad orchestral sound with impressive low register presence, producing powerful pedal tones while maintaining clarity and brilliance when pushed. Instruments of this type are often selected by professional players seeking a bass trombone capable of covering both symphonic repertoire and demanding modern literature.
Condition on this example was excellent. The instrument had received full shop service including a chemical bath and complete inspection. The handslide was exceptionally smooth and responsive, and the valve section performed flawlessly. All original parts and lacquer were present, with only minimal cosmetic lacquer wear consistent with careful professional use.
This instrument included the original Rath factory case and one removable leadpipe.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
Some photographs on this page come from the earlier years of The Brass Exchange. While our photography techniques have evolved significantly over time, these images remain an important part of our historical archive.
Today we use a more refined lighting and background system to produce fine-art photography of brass instruments, but these earlier photos still document many exceptional instruments that passed through our shop.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What is a Rath R9 bass trombone?
The Rath R9 is a professional bass trombone designed for orchestral and advanced performance settings. It typically features a .562 bore slide with independent valves and a 9.5" bell, allowing players to produce a powerful low register while maintaining clarity and projection throughout the instrument.
Why do some bass trombones use Hagmann valves?
Hagmann valves are known for their open airflow and smooth response. Many players prefer them because they maintain a more consistent feel between open and valve registers, which can make low register passages and technical playing easier.
How do rose brass and bronze affect bass trombone sound?
Rose brass and bronze alloys contain a higher copper content than standard yellow brass. This often results in a darker tonal core, increased warmth, and greater depth in the low register, which many bass trombonists find ideal for orchestral playing.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Rath R9 Custom Artist bass trombone has been sold and now appears in The Brass Exchange archive as a reference for musicians researching Rath bass trombones and professional custom bass models.
👉 Explore our current trombone inventory 🔎
📌 Interested in learning more about Rath instruments? Browse additional Rath models in our archive.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in carefully curated professional and vintage brass instruments for musicians around the world. Thousands of players — from advancing students to major orchestra professionals — rely on our shop for instruments that are properly evaluated, serviced, and accurately described.
Every instrument we sell is personally inspected and prepared in our shop, ensuring that it arrives ready to play.
