Conn 48H SN 655516, made in 1957, is one of the earliest examples of this model we’ve seen in over 14 years. Introduced in 1956, the Conn 48H Connstellation was designed as a professional model, and it remains a top-tier choice by modern standards.
Closely related to the Conn 6H Rosolino model, the 48H shares many of the same dimensions but offers its own unique tonal personality. This horn features:
8" nickel-plated bell over brass with copper base layer
Unsoldered bell rim for enhanced resonance
.500 bore gold brass handslide with nickel silver end crook
All original parts and lacquer
The condition is super mint — one of the nicest examples we’ve ever offered. The horn shows no signs of damage or trauma, and the handslide is truly exceptional, with:
No plating wear on the inner tubes
Perfectly straight alignment
Fast, quiet, responsive feel
This trombone would be an ideal choice for any serious jazz improviser, lead player, or vintage horn collector. It plays with ease, character, and focus — exactly as Conn intended.
Includes the original Conn case and mouthpiece.
What’s the difference between the Conn 48H and 6H models?
The Conn 48H and 6H are both iconic .500 bore jazz trombones from the Elkhart era, but they differ significantly in bell construction and tonal color. The 6H, made with a yellow brass bell, offers a brighter, more brilliant tone with stronger high-frequency overtones — great for cutting through in lead work or big band settings.
The 48H, in contrast, features a nickel-plated bell over copper and brass, which slightly dampens the upper overtone spectrum. The result is a more mellow, focused, and centered sound — smoother at loud dynamics and ideal for players who want warmth without sacrificing projection. Many players describe it as more refined or complex tonally, especially for small group playing.
This page is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments.
Looking for something similar? Browse our current inventory of Vintage Trombones in stock.
