Trombone FAQs and Not-So-FAQs This section contains answers to some commonly-asked (and other not-so-commonly asked) questions about trombones. 1. What is a "German" trombone? 2. What is a "Stencil-Line" trombone? What is a "German" trombone? The traditional "German-style" trombone is characterised as possessing a dual bore slide and large bell flare (typically 9-10 inches), resulting in a very warm, dark sound. In the past, German trombonists have often used small-ish mouthpieces to compensate (this adds some brightness). Older instruments of German manufacture were constructed of relatively soft, less work-hardened metal compared to their British or American counterparts. What is a "Stencil Line" trombone? Some manufacturers or instrument retailers want to sell an "own-brand" trombone, but don't have the facilities and/or know-how to design and make their own. Instead, they contract with an established trombone manufacturer to produce instruments on their behalf. In some cases, the stencil-line instruments are produced with no markings. More commonly, however, the manufacturer custom-engraves the instrument with markings specified by the customer.