Trivia
A trombone that would scare even a snake!

Take a look at the bell on the instrument in the photo. It's made to resemble the head of a snake opening its mouth. This is a kind of instrument called a "buccin" from the 19th century, which was reconstructed at the Yamaha custom shop. It was created by referring only to a museum photograph. Craftspeople had to determine the dimensions and shape, then built it by hand. It produces a gentle sound that somewhat resembles someone speaking with a stuffy nose. Trombones have a long history of being used at loud volumes by military bands. The snakelike buccin was likely played by armored soldiers in order to intimidate the enemy and increase the morale of their comrades. A snake design adorns the bumper, making it a very attractive trombone indeed.