There are circumstances as a free lance player when the ensemble can dictate the instrument "type". A King 2B may be great for playing lead in a 20 piece big band, but not the best thing to play for a Brahms symphony. Likewise, a symphonic .547 bore horn is not the best choice to play lead bone in a trombone jazz quintet + rhythm with the other guys on small horns.

That said, over the years I have evolved in my instrument selection to the following. Keep in mind that these descriptions are generalities, and this is what has worked out best for me, how I play and how much time I am able to devote to practice and preparation.

1970 King 3B Silversonic (.508 bore) - This horn is bright, on the edgy side, but can be mellow on a nice high ballad. It is responsive in most registers but gets a bit stuffy if you go down low. I use this for Latin band, 5 horn band, church "praise" band and for lead or 2nd in a big band setting. Essentially, a great jazz/pop/rock horn.

Conn 88H-CL2000 (.547 dual bore) - This is my jewel. I love this horn. Nice, big sound w/ inter-changable lead pipes (I only use one). This is the horn I use when playing with the Georgia Philharmonic or any big orchestral setting. Also would use this in a quality community band setting such as the Atlanta Wind Symphony. When I practice at home, I use this one almost exclusively as it demands more of me in terms of air, control and precision. If I can do it on this one, the others will fall in place nicely.

pBone (.500 bore plastic trombone) - Yes, I do have and enjoy playing on my Jiggs pBone. Mine is red and it is just plain FUN to play. Before you get all in a twitter about plastic "toy" trombones being the start of the downfall of trombone society as we know it, I do NOT suggest this as a replacement for a metallic trombone, or anything that should show up in school band rooms. I see it as similar to a mute where it is the color of the sound (no pun intended) that is impacted for specific purposes. Would I use this horn on a gig? Absolutely! Especially for a small group jazz combo, or maybe on a jazz solo. Will it ever replace my other two horns? Nope! Not gonna happen. Nuff said...