Clinician Status

Clinician Status

The Slide Dr. has been a clinician for Yamaha since the early 1970's. During the early years, he was quite active as a clinician and represented Yamaha at numerous state music conventions and for several International Trombone Association Workshops, when they were held in Nashville, Tennessee. For the past 20 years or so, he has been listed as a Yamaha clinician, but has not been actively involved with the company as consultant or clinician.

Recently, that all changed. John is the proud owner of a new YBL 613H. He describes this instrument as the finest bass trombone he has ever played. Tonally, it is wonderful. It had a lightning fast slide right from the factory and required only a little tweaking to make the slide as fast and smooth as any bass trombone slide he has worked on in 30 years of service. He believes that the rotors are as free blowing as Thayer Valves without all the additional weight, arm fatigue and balance issues. The horn "locks in" exceptionally well, making the low register quite easy to play and very rich and full sounding.

Another fine feature is the case. Many instruments come in cases where the slide is positioned at the back of the case. When the case sits with the handle up, the weight of the bell section presses downward on the slide, causing the slide to bow sideways. Much of the damage he sees in the shop is due to cases and gig bags that do not offer adequate protection for the slide. The Yamaha case is strong, but lightweight, with the slide positioned at the front, so that when carried, the bell is below the slide and cannot exert any pressure on the slide.

John will be a featured clinician in the new Yamaha Clinician web site due out soon.

Audiences at the ITF at Ithaca College in June of 2004 and Fall Festival O' Bones at Susquehanna University in October of 2005 entertained and informed with his insights on what players can do to get the most out of their instrument.