So I did a lot of research on this horn, from it's origins at Holton with Maynard Ferguson to this incarnation of the Superbone from Levante. I talked to some trombonists who have purchased this exact make/model, and the feedback I got is that it's the closest one is going to get to the Holton Superbone without actually finding and buying one.Levante makes some decent instruments, and while these are said to be designed in Europe, they're made in China. I have seen/played other instruments that are designed by reputable companies but manufactured elsewhere, and while it can be hard to avoid this in the modern era but it doesn't automatically make this a 'cheap' instrument, and this horn is not 'cheap'.I have played trombone semi-professionally, but took a hiatus for the last 10 years while I got into world of lap steal and resonator guitar. So acquiring this horn also meant starting the process of getting my chops back into shape. And while that is the prevalant challenge for me, I can make some observations about this particular horn in comparison to the professonal models I have previously played, and it fairs well in comparison. It is a unique beast, and there are peculiarities to playing it, but I was pleasantly surprised at its professional features: a large shank and a small shank lead pipe come with this horn, as well as two mouthpieces. The small shank imouthpiece is the 12C, which is a shallow cup that I usually don't play but sounds great with this horn. The large shank mouthpiece is quite similar to the 6 1/2 AL that I have typically played, just with the throat features of a large shank mouthpiece. While the horn is listed as a small bore and it does indeed measure as a small trombone (.480"), the valve portion of the horn is definitely medium bore (.495-.500"). It's not a symphonic horn and definitely made for Jazz, but the lower register booms easily with the large shank pipe/mouthpiece; with practice, one could use the large shank and the valves in conjuction with the slide to play in the bass trombone register.The metals are various nickel and light brass with a clear lacquer. It's a well made horn, with all the braces and 'welds' (solder joints actually) are very solid and clean. As sometimes happens with 'cheap horns' the lack of thorough construction and poor lacquer coat, separate from design, can impact the tone quality as well as the playability. This is not the case with this horn. The valve portion is stoutly made, and what is really a design issue is it's challenging to get the bell lock nut sufficiently tight, while the valve to slide lock nut does it's job well. Another minor issue is also a design issue: the solder from the first valve tuning slide to the valve case fractured; to be clear, this is the only solder point on the horn that doesn't use a brace and is what I can say is the weakest link. I had to give the horn a good bath when I received it, and as careful as I am and experienced in properly bathing a horn with tepid warm water, it can still can stress the weakest points as metals react to the temperature change differently, especially the solder compared to the nickel tuning slide and valve casing. I was able to repair this myself with a quick solder and then I reinforced the tuning slide to valve case contact with some wraps of a leather thong; when the tuning slides are all in place after cleaning, they support this joint quite well, it's just vulnerable when pulled apart for cleaning.In using a true slide/valve 'double bone' configuration, there are some changes that a slide trombone player such as myself has to get used to: the slide positions are almost a full position/half-step longer than a standard slide trombone (Eb is pratically in 4th position). This is disconcerting at first, but as any trombonist worth their salt knows, the 'positions' are ultimately found with the ear, not with the arm. The difference in positions is consistent though; alternate positions are just as usable compared to a regular slide. The valves have ample tuning and as I'm new to playing valved instruments, I find them rock solid in tone and pitch; my only tone issues are from my chops being out of shape. As they are new the valves could use a little lapping, and will naturally break in.The case is listed as soft, which to my mind means a gig bag, but it actually is a stiff case with a nylon codura type outer layer that has some nice strap options and storage components.So all things considered, for a true 'double trombone' this is a good horn and a great candidate for something not made in the '50's; although there are many great horns around from then. It's well made, sounds great, and is very unique. I think it is well worth the price as well.One issue, not related to the horn itself, is that is was listed as "new" which I would say it has significant shelf wear/display horn wear: a few nicks in the lacquer on the bell, some deep scratches on the nickel of one of the lead pipes, and some old tuning slide grease and slide lube. I let the company know, Music Instrument Closeouts, who were very friendly and easy to contact and talk to, and they've refunded me an appropriate amount due to the difference in quality from the listing.Also, there isn't a lot of specifics on the horn readily available but I found this listing on another site that has the most specs about the instrument:Bb Superbone, 3 pistons and trombone slide, S-BoreTune: BbS-Bore: 12,4 - 12,8mm or 0.488 - 0.504in.Body material: BrassBrass bell diameter: 21,5 cm or 8.464 in.3 piston valves in nickel silverChrome plated inner hand-slideBrass outer hand-slideBrass hand-slide bowWater keyincl. Mouthpiece 12C silver platedSoft case with backpack strapsInstrument complete workshop testedFinish: Clear lacquered

whatever you do don't buy this. I bought this product and within four days it started breaking. levante = bad