I picked up the pBone after not playing for about a decade, and I have to say that it’s pretty awesome! It’s not quite as responsive or bright as a brass horn, but it does pretty well for what it is– also plays a little on the airy side, especially with the included plastic mouthpiece but it can be played with a standard small shank mouthpiece.

There is a bit of break-in to using the fiberglass slide, but it works well once it’s done.

I found a post on the pbone site recommending a break-in procedure, but I’ve modified it a bit and think it works better.

Basically, you use an oil (the article suggested Holton Trombone Slide Oil, though Al Cass Valve Oil, 2.0 fluid Oz. seems to be the same thing with less of an odor) on the slide, and work it vigorously. After a while, it will ‘gum up’ and you wipe the inner stalks with a paper towel to clear off all the bits of shavings. Continue to work the slide for a bit, and re wipe. repeat.

take the outer slide off after wiping the inner stalks, and fill/agitate/drain with water in the shower until the water comes out clear.

Repeat this whole process a few times and it’ll really do wonders in getting your slide properly working– using a cleaning rod with a towel helps a lot too.

While it will still sound a little scratchy, I tend to play it without any lubricant once it was properly broken in.

Anyway– I was impressed with it for what it is, and it’s definitely nice to not have to worry about knocking it around a bit, too!

This was bought for my daughter who loves the light weight, its ability to take abuse, and for its overall portability. It also has a very good sound, especially since it’s plastic.

I am an amateur trombonist have been playing the trombone in concert bands and orchestra close to 30 years, and have always been looking for a convenient alternative that I can bring to parties. The sound is ‘real’ and clear, and the slide is well made. You might want to put some slide o’mix on the slide, as it is initially a bit cumbersome in the far positions, but it will eventually wear into a nice smooth condition even without it. Your small-bore mouthpiece will fit if you want a little more robust sound for recordings or semi-serious performances, but the attached plastic mouthpiece (same color as the trombone itself) is good enough for casual playing.