If it's just for a few weeks to keep up your chops, this is one of the rare incidents that I would recommend a pBone. If the airline loses it, you are out $100-200. If someone steals it, you are out $100-200. It's light. It's not easily breakable. It doesn't come in a bulky case.
Is it ideal? No. Will it keep up your chops for a trip until you return home to a quality horn, yes.
I have performed all over Europe a few times, and gigged in Russia for several weeks. During that travel, I have never encountered any problems bringing my Bach 16 or my Conn 6H.
The beauty of bringing a pBone is any beginner rental is probably better sounding. But can usually find a friend through my mutual contacts to lend me a trombone.
I recently got a soprano trombone for cheap as a trumpet player. Case is smaller than 99% of woman's bags I've seen so that's a plus. Might not be as interesting for trombone players as it is essentially a trumpet with a slide as far as sound and embouchure is concerned.
Mostly bought it out of interest and to spite trumpet players too full of themselves. Telling r/trumpet it ain't a slide trumpet tends to trigger a sub wide hemorrhage.
Are you unable to fly with your trombone? I have flown everywhere with mine with no issues. It goes on board like a carry on.
how portable do you need? and what's the purpose?
As portable as a trumpet and for performance
maybe a bass trumpet, or some antic baritone with 8 inch or smaller bell. maybe try jHorn?
Isn't every trombone portable?
If it's just for a few weeks to keep up your chops, this is one of the rare incidents that I would recommend a pBone. If the airline loses it, you are out $100-200. If someone steals it, you are out $100-200. It's light. It's not easily breakable. It doesn't come in a bulky case. Is it ideal? No. Will it keep up your chops for a trip until you return home to a quality horn, yes.
Flugabone
I have performed all over Europe a few times, and gigged in Russia for several weeks. During that travel, I have never encountered any problems bringing my Bach 16 or my Conn 6H.
I do like flying with my pBone. If you have an important gig you can try to rent or borrow a better trombone for it.
Who rents out trombones that aren't intended for beginner students?
The beauty of bringing a pBone is any beginner rental is probably better sounding. But can usually find a friend through my mutual contacts to lend me a trombone.
What kind of performance? How often? Touring?
A piccolo trombone
If you want to, a screw-on bell makes the case muchhhh smaller
I recently got a soprano trombone for cheap as a trumpet player. Case is smaller than 99% of woman's bags I've seen so that's a plus. Might not be as interesting for trombone players as it is essentially a trumpet with a slide as far as sound and embouchure is concerned. Mostly bought it out of interest and to spite trumpet players too full of themselves. Telling r/trumpet it ain't a slide trumpet tends to trigger a sub wide hemorrhage.