"CRASH!"
At the very moment you were playing comfortably, a dull sound like plastic accompanied by a shock through your hand. Fearfully looking at the slide, the tip is slightly distorted…
For a trombone player, there is no accident more terrifying than “hitting the slide against the wall.” Repair costs are tens of thousands of yen, and if it’s severe, a full slide replacement. Most of all, the fear of “hitting it again” prevents you from focusing on practice.
To prevent that, the most important thing in choosing a soundproof room is not the “number of mats,” but the “effective length for the slide to extend.” Today, we’ll explain how to choose the size to create an accident-free environment.
Why I Don’t Recommend 1.2 Mats for Trombone Players#
The Required Length is “2 Meters”#
Trombones have one point that is decisively different from other wind instruments: “The length of the instrument is variable.”
Depending on your height, when you hold the instrument and extend the slide to the 7th position (the furthest), you need a space of nearly 2 meters from your back to the tip of the slide.
You Can’t “Stand Straight” in 1.2 Mats#
The interior dimensions of a typical 1.2-mat soundproof room are only about 1.7 meters on the long side. In other words, it is physically impossible to stand straight and play forward. You will always have to tilt your body diagonally or play with the slide tucked in.
This will prevent you from developing correct posture or breath control. In trombone terms, “1.2 mats” is just a “storage room” or an “emergency shelter,” and it’s unsuitable as a practice space.
“1.5 Mats vs. 2.0 Mats” Showdown. The Correct Placement by Budget#
So, which size should you choose?
The Correct Answer for 1.5 Mats: “Diagonal Placement”#
If you can only place 1.5 mats due to budget or space constraints. The correct answer is “to use the diagonal.”
Even in a 1.5-mat rectangular room (interior approx. 1.2m x 1.7m), you can secure over 2 meters for the diagonal length.
- Pros: The only position where you can fully extend the slide.
- Cons: Since you are blowing toward the corner of the room, the position for the music stand is limited. It feels visually oppressive.
While you can reduce the “accident risk,” it’s not exactly comfortable. This is the limit of 1.5 mats.
You Can Fight from the “Front” in 2.0 Mats#
If your installation space allows, choose 2.0 mats without hesitation.
In 2.0 mats, many models can secure 1.7 to 1.8 meters or more for the long side in interior dimensions, and you can play with plenty of room even without using the diagonal.
- Pros: You can place the music stand in front and play while swaying freely. There’s also space for a chair.
- Peace of Mind: The feeling of “I will absolutely never hit it” expands the dynamics of your playing.
Securing Sound Clarity: “Bell Orientation” and Absorption#
Once the placement is decided, next is the sound resonance.
The bell of a trombone is long and projects sound sharply forward. If the wall is close, the reflected sound comes directly back to your face.
Countermeasure: “Thick Absorption Panel” at the end of the bell
In diagonal placement, you’ll be playing toward the “corner” of the room. Sound tends to accumulate in corners (muffling the low-end), and reflections also tend to be harsh.
At the corner where the bell is facing, install thick sound-absorbing material (rock wool board or acoustic foam). This will mellow out the intense “bounce back” from the wall and simulate the “sound projection” of playing in a large hall.
Summary: Points for Choosing a Trombone Soundproof Room#
Choosing a soundproof room for a trombone is an investment that should be weighed against the repair costs of the instrument.
- 1.2 Mats: Do not use under any circumstances. You’ll break the slide.
- 1.5 Mats: You can manage with diagonal placement, but be prepared for the cramped feeling.
- 2.0 Mats: Recommended. You can immerse yourself in practice stress-free.
Considering the risk of paying “30,000 yen for repairs” multiple times, it’s well worth the value to buy a larger room even if it costs hundreds of thousands of yen extra initially. Please don’t compromise on space for the sake of your slide and your progress.
Related Articles#
- [Size Selection]: Size and How to Choose a Unit Soundproof Room
- [Placement]: Where is the Correct Placement for Acoustic Panels?