The sackbut was a musical instrument of the brass family, developed during the 14th century, like a bass long trumpet, so contrived that it can be lengthened or shortened according to the tone required. The trombone developed from the sackbut. The sackbut of the Scriptures was a stringed instrument, the translators of the King James bible having been mistaken in their translation, which should not read sackbut but rather sambuca. Research Sackbut
The trombone is a powerful brass musical instrument of the trumpet kind, thought by some to be the ancient sackbut, consisting of a tube in three parts, bent twice upon itself and ending in a bell. The middle part, bent double, slips into the outer parts, as in a telescope, so that by change of the vibrating length any tone within the compass of the instrument (which may be bass or tenor or alto or even, in rare instances, soprano) is commanded. It is the only member of the family of wind instruments whose scale, both diatonic and chromatic, is complete without the aid of keys or pistons, and which can slide from note to note as smoothly as the human voice or a violin. Softly blown, it has a rich and mellow sound, which becomes harsh and blatant when the tones are forced; used with discretion, its effect is often solemn and majestic. Research Trombone
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Sackbut
