I started out playing trombone in middle school, then switched to euphonium as my main instrument. (I still play trombone for marching and jazz band, but I'm a little better at euphonium.) That being said, should I get rotary valve trombone or the one with axial flow? I only have a student trombone right now... And I have a professional Besson euphonium.
We had one that was hard to dial. Thought I broke the tip of my finger off! That was the day of the 5 digit phone number.
First, you should know that a valve trombone is different from what you're talking about. Valve trombones have three or four valves, much like a baritone or euphonium. What you're thinking of is called a symphonic tenor trombone, tenor-bass trombone (less common), or a tenor trombone with an f-attachment. The difference between the axial flow and traditional rotary valve on the trombone is one of feel. The axial valve is designed to provide less of a change in resistance between playing the horn with and and without the valve pressed down. Some people prefer that resistance. Either way, the quality of the entire horn is going to be a better indicator than the valve section by itself. Your best bet is to go to a local music store and ask to try out all the professional models - pick which one feels and sounds the best to your style of playing.
