The Instrument: The C.G. Conn 52H is an intermediate step-up tenor trombone with F-attachment, designed for advancing musicians who want professional tone, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable build quality. It features an 8.5" rose brass bell with vintage-style floral engraving, paired with a dual-bore (.525–.547) handslide that blends large-bore projection with medium-bore agility.
A defining feature of the 52H is the ergonomic index-finger support ring on the slide—an elegant and practical design choice that gives smaller-handed or younger players a more secure, balanced grip for extended rehearsals and performance.
Condition (Prior to Sale)
This trombone arrived in excellent pre-owned condition with no dents, dings, or structural issues. Lacquer wear was minimal, and the instrument benefited from a full in-house shop service, including:
Complete chemical bath and cleaning
Rotor removal, casing polish, and quiet mechanical refit
Handslide alignment and inner-tube inspection (no plating defects)
Proper lubrication and setup
The slide performed flawlessly and paired especially well with Yamaha Liquid Slide Lubricant, our preferred formula for fast, smooth action. A small-shank mouthpiece and hard-shell Conn case were included, both in excellent condition.
Who This Instrument Was For
The Conn 52H is well suited for:
Advancing students stepping beyond entry-level equipment
High-school musicians preparing for auditions and ensemble performance
Adult players seeking comfort, stability, and full-range response
Doublers and educators wanting a reliable, versatile F-attachment horn
Offering a rich, balanced tone with excellent projection and consistency, the 52H performs comfortably in concert band, wind ensemble, solo repertoire, and all-around playing.
With a current retail price of $3,239, this serviced pre-owned example represented outstanding value at less than half the cost of new.
About Conn
C.G. Conn Ltd., founded in 1876, remains one of the oldest and most influential brass instrument manufacturers in the United States. The 52H model reflects the brand’s commitment to blending heritage craftsmanship with modern performance—offering an ideal bridge between student and professional design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 52H similar to the professional 88H?
The 52H uses a slightly smaller bore and lighter slide, making it easier to handle while still providing the characteristic Conn warmth and breadth.
What is “dual bore”?
The handslide increases from .525 to .547, offering the easy response of a medium-bore with the breadth and power associated with a large-bore tenor.
Is the ergonomic grip removable?
It is soldered in place and not designed for quick removal. A technician can remove it if desired, but most players appreciate the added comfort.
What mouthpiece fits this instrument?
The 52H takes a small-shank mouthpiece. A Bach 6.5AL or similar size is an excellent match.
Is a case included?
Yes—a high-quality, hard-shell Conn case was included with this instrument.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This C.G. Conn 52H trombone has been sold and now resides in The Brass Exchange Historical Archive, preserved for players researching Conn’s intermediate-to-professional design lineage.
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