Overview
This Blessing Artist B88 is an Elkhart-made large-bore tenor trombone with a .547-inch bore, 8.5-inch red-brass bell, gold-brass outer handslide tubes, and traditional rotary F attachment.
The B88 was Blessing’s more affordable entry into the same general large-bore F-attachment category as the Conn 88H. Although the two models share several specifications and construction similarities, the B88 was not simply an 88H clone. It was a distinct Blessing model designed for players who wanted an American-made large-bore trombone at a more accessible price.
Condition Summary
This example was preserved in exceptional original condition. It retained its original parts and lacquer, with no dents, dings, previous damage, or significant cosmetic concerns.
Before being offered by The Brass Exchange, the instrument received a complete professional shop service, including a chemical bath, cleaning, adjustment, and full mechanical inspection. The handslide alignment and rotor action were excellent.
Specifications
- Blessing Artist B88 tenor trombone
- Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA
- .547-inch large bore
- 8.5-inch red-brass bell
- Gold-brass outer handslide tubes
- Traditional rotary F attachment
- Original parts and lacquer
Player Perspective
The Blessing B88 was commonly positioned between the intermediate and professional categories. It provided advancing players with an American-made large-bore trombone, an F attachment, and specifications similar to more expensive orchestral models.
It was especially well suited to a student advancing from a small-bore beginner trombone into concert band, orchestra, community ensemble, or other large-bore tenor playing. The B88 also appealed to experienced players looking for a dependable Elkhart-made instrument without the higher cost generally associated with a Conn 88H.
Historical Perspective
The E.K. Blessing Company was founded in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1906 by Emil Karl Blessing. Blessing began by producing brass-instrument parts and eventually developed into a full-line American band-instrument manufacturer.
Elkhart supported a closely connected network of instrument makers, craftsmen, and independent parts suppliers. Blessing and Conn used some of the same regional sources during this period, which helps explain certain similarities in components and construction between the B88 and Conn 88H.
Blessing developed its own identity within this manufacturing community. The B88 reflected the company’s longstanding approach of producing durable and accessible American-made instruments for schools, advancing musicians, and working players.
Domestic Blessing production continued in Elkhart until 2015, when the factory closed and the Blessing brand was acquired by St. Louis Music.
Value Perspective
The Blessing B88 historically offered many of the practical specifications players expected from a large-bore F-attachment trombone at a lower price than the leading professional models of its era.
Today, clean Elkhart-made examples remain an attractive option for players who value American construction, straightforward serviceability, and vintage large-bore trombone design.
What Was Included
- Original Blessing B88 bell section
- Original .547-bore handslide
- Original case in good condition
A mouthpiece was not included with this instrument.
Research & Historical Reference
This Blessing B88 has been sold and is no longer available. This page remains online as part of The Brass Exchange historical reference collection for players, collectors, educators, and researchers studying Elkhart-made Blessing trombones.
Specifications and construction details can vary among surviving B88 examples. The information on this page documents the individual instrument inspected and sold by The Brass Exchange.
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Experience You Can Rely On
The Brass Exchange specializes in professional, vintage, and historically significant trombones. Every instrument is personally evaluated and accurately represented based on its individual construction, condition, and playing characteristics.