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From California to Mönchengladbach: The Story Behind Schmelzer Trombones
An American Legend

In the history of the modern trombone, few names carry the weight of Earl Williams. From his small workshop in Los Angeles, this legendary craftsman built, by hand and in limited numbers, some of the most acclaimed trombones of the 20th century. His approach was artisanal, almost obsessive. Every instrument that left his workbench reflected his relentless pursuit of excellence in response, balance, resonance, and playability.
His instruments, particularly the iconic Model 6, became the favorites of jazz trombonists during the golden era, including greats like Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and many others who defined the trombone sound in big bands. Williams trombones were known for their powerful projection, rich, round tone, and an immediate response that made it feel as if the instrument was thinking with the player.
One of the most iconic photographs of that period shows Jack Teagarden holding his Earl Williams Model 6 — a vivid testament to the connection between artist and instrument.
Sadly, after Earl Williams passed away and his small workshop closed, these trombones became highly sought-after collector’s items, nearly impossible to find. Their scarcity only added to the legend.

The Encounter with an Unforgettable Sound

Decades later, across the ocean, a young German trombonist named Manfred Schmelzer had the chance to play an original Earl Williams Model 6 in the late 1960s. The experience left a lasting mark: “It was the best trombone I had ever played,” he recalls.
That memory never left him. Years later, having become a respected brass repair technician, Manfred embarked on a relentless search to rediscover that sound. He even tried to buy one from his friend, the well-known trombonist Dan Barrett, who firmly refused: “Not for sale. Never.” That response only fueled Manfred’s conviction: if he couldn’t have one, he would build it himself.

Study, Obsession, and Reconstruction

Manfred eventually found three original Earl Williams trombones in Nevada, USA. He bought them and brought them back to his workshop in Mönchengladbach, in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. There, he began a meticulous process of dismantling, measuring, studying, and analyzing every last detail.
But he didn’t want to create an exact replica. That would be, in his eyes, a disservice to the original. Instead, he set out to preserve the essence — the proportions, geometry, and response — while enhancing them with modern materials, precise construction techniques, and a handcrafted approach. Thus, the first Schmelzer Trombone was born: a tribute to American tradition, built with the confidence and clarity of German engineering.

Evolution with Deep Roots

Each Schmelzer trombone is handcrafted, adjusted, and tested in Manfred’s workshop. The process is neither industrial nor standardized. Every instrument goes through detailed quality control, where Manfred’s musical ear plays a central role: testing for balance, response, register consistency, and articulation ease.
Thanks to this meticulous approach, Schmelzer Trombones have gained a growing reputation among jazz, classical, and commercial trombonists. They offer a powerful, full, and broad sound that remains controlled and versatile. These are instruments that respond effortlessly yet challenge the musician to explore their full expressive range.
Today, Schmelzer Trombones represents a bridge between past and present: connecting the golden age of American trombone making with the highest standards of German craftsmanship.
A living tribute. A reimagined tradition. A sound that was never forgotten—and now breathes again with its own voice.