📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These photos were captured before our Nikon Z5 studio workflow and modern Image SEO Gold Protocol. They remain here as part of our historical documentation of instruments processed during earlier years at The Brass Exchange.
The Edwards T-396A is the flagship Alesi Model developed in collaboration with New York Philharmonic principal trombonist Joe Alessi. This one-owner professional example includes the classic yellow brass bell, gold brass tuning slide, and gold brass F-wrap tubes, paired with a sterling silver leadpipe for enhanced clarity and response. The combination offers a resonant orchestral voice with outstanding projection, flexibility, and articulation.
The handslide is smooth, quiet, and well aligned. No mechanical work or adjustment is needed. A small amount of lacquer wear appears on the grip section—now covered with a leather wrap—but the rest of the horn retains a clean, well-preserved appearance. Structurally, it is straight, dent-free, and fully shop-validated.
Players familiar with the T-396A know it is designed for maximum resonance and stability, particularly in symphonic environments. The modular axial valve system provides a broad, open feel in the low register while maintaining Edwards’ characteristic clarity in upper articulations. This model has become a benchmark for professional orchestral tenor trombones and is widely used by symphonic musicians, university faculty, and advanced students preparing for auditions.
As of 2025, new T-396A instruments typically retail near $5,000 and often require a multi-month build period with custom setup. This one-owner example represented an exceptional opportunity to acquire a proven professional horn without the wait.
❓ Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the Edwards T-396A different from other Edwards tenor models?
The T-396A incorporates Joe Alessi’s preferred acoustic characteristics, including a yellow brass bell, harmonic brace, and modular valve system that stabilizes resonance across the full dynamic range. It is known for exceptional projection and tonal complexity.
Is the T-396A suitable for college or pre-professional orchestral players?
Yes. Many conservatory students and advanced university players use the T-396A as their primary orchestral horn. Its stability, color, and clarity make it ideal for ensemble work and audition preparation.
How does the sterling silver leadpipe affect the response?
Sterling silver provides immediacy and brilliance with a slightly firmer resistance profile, giving players a centered core and improved clarity in soft dynamics. It pairs exceptionally well with the Alesi bell and tuning slide setup.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Every professional instrument we archive or sell is evaluated, serviced, and documented using standards developed over decades of orchestral, commercial, and university-level performance experience. Our goal is to maintain accurate historical reference pages that benefit musicians and collectors alike.
🛠️ This Edwards T-396A has been sold and now appears here as a historical reference for players researching the Alesi Model and its configurations.
Do you own an Edwards professional trombone and are considering an upgrade or possibly selling it? We’re here to help — feel free to contact us anytime.
👉 Browse available orchestral trombones at The Brass Exchange 🔎
