Dependent or Independent?
First, this is clearly regarding bass trombones. That said, this topic can generate no little controversy too. I play dependent; so do Bill Reichenbach, John Rojak, Doug Yeo, Dave Taylor, Jeff Reynolds, Gerry Pagano, et al. – as did Phil Teele. I have spent 45 years or so learning one set of trombone valve tricks; this old dog is not interested in learning a new set. I have tried independent and new tricks – and always resorted to my old ways under the gun (there’s enough to think about without that). I suspect that may be a factor with many of us in the dependent camp.
Blair Bollinger makes a compelling case for independent valves here. Gerry Pagano does the same here for dependent. Doug Yeo discusses this topic at length here. Doug also addresses single-valve bass trombone, as does Gerry here. George Roberts revolutionized the bass trombone with only one valve and Phil Teele had blazing technique with dependent valves and old-school roller-bar thumb paddles. (Frankly, nearly all the symphonic repertoire is accessible with one valve, as Israel Philharmonic bass trombonist, Micha Davis, proves.) I am addicted to two dependent valves. YMMV
That said, I do perceive a timbral/response difference, but with modern valves, it is minimal – and there are some advantages technique-wise. Most players today choose independent, and many of them sound wonderful. I tell my students: “play independent – it's the wave of the future . . . uh. . . present.” But, whatever you practice the most will sound the best.
By the way, Doug's article on the Evolution of the Double-Valve Bass Trombone is excellent. Also, this YouTube video is a pretty good history.
Blair Bollinger makes a compelling case for independent valves here. Gerry Pagano does the same here for dependent. Doug Yeo discusses this topic at length here. Doug also addresses single-valve bass trombone, as does Gerry here. George Roberts revolutionized the bass trombone with only one valve and Phil Teele had blazing technique with dependent valves and old-school roller-bar thumb paddles. (Frankly, nearly all the symphonic repertoire is accessible with one valve, as Israel Philharmonic bass trombonist, Micha Davis, proves.) I am addicted to two dependent valves. YMMV
That said, I do perceive a timbral/response difference, but with modern valves, it is minimal – and there are some advantages technique-wise. Most players today choose independent, and many of them sound wonderful. I tell my students: “play independent – it's the wave of the future . . . uh. . . present.” But, whatever you practice the most will sound the best.
By the way, Doug's article on the Evolution of the Double-Valve Bass Trombone is excellent. Also, this YouTube video is a pretty good history.