Overview
This mid-1970s Conn 5H is a classic American .500 bore jazz trombone in very good condition with excellent playability. It features an 8-inch yellow brass bell with an unsoldered rim, a lightweight brass handslide, original lacquer, and the lively response associated with vintage Conn small-bore trombones.
The Conn 5H shares much of its design philosophy with the better-known Conn 6H while offering a slightly different playing experience. Its lightweight brass handslide contributes to a quick, agile response and a warm, immediate sound that works especially well for jazz, lead playing, commercial work, and expressive solo performance.
This instrument has received substantial professional preparation at The Brass Exchange in St. Louis. The handslide was rebuilt using factory-new .500 inner slide tubes supplied by Greenhoe. Slide alignment and action are excellent, giving the instrument the dependable mechanical condition needed for regular performance.
Condition & Shop Preparation
The original lacquer shows normal cosmetic evidence of age and use, as shown clearly in the photographs. The instrument remains in very good overall condition and is mechanically sound, professionally prepared, and fully player ready.
- Handslide professionally rebuilt at The Brass Exchange
- Factory-new .500 inner slide tubes supplied by Greenhoe
- Excellent handslide alignment and action
- Removable custom Kanstul .500 bore leadpipe
- Original lacquer finish with normal cosmetic wear
- Professionally inspected and play-tested
- New Gator trombone case included
Features & Specifications
- Manufacturer: C.G. Conn
- Model: Conn 5H
- Production Period: Mid-1970s
- Bell: 8-inch yellow brass with unsoldered rim
- Bore: .500
- Handslide: Lightweight brass construction
- Inner Slide Tubes: Factory-new .500 tubes supplied by Greenhoe
- Leadpipe: Removable custom Kanstul .500 bore leadpipe
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Case: New Gator trombone case
Player Perspective
The Conn 5H occupies an interesting place in the lineage of classic American jazz trombones. Although the Conn 6H often receives more attention, the 5H follows many of the same successful design principles while offering its own distinctive feel.
Both models use an 8-inch yellow brass bell with an unsoldered rim, allowing the bell to vibrate freely and helping produce the lively, ringing resonance associated with classic Conn jazz trombones. The 5H differs through its lightweight brass handslide, compared with the nickel silver handslide commonly found on the 6H. This gives the 5H an especially quick response and a slightly warmer tonal character under the ear.
The professionally rebuilt handslide is an important part of this instrument. Its factory-new Greenhoe inner tubes provide excellent alignment and smooth, dependable action, while the removable custom Kanstul leadpipe adds flexibility beyond the fixed leadpipe arrangement found on many vintage small-bore trombones.
This would be an excellent choice for an advancing player ready to move beyond a typical student trombone. It provides professional-level response and classic Conn tonal character without requiring the player to begin with an oversized or demanding instrument. It is well suited to school jazz ensemble, big band, commercial playing, lead work, solo performance, and general small-bore tenor use.
A new Gator trombone case is included, providing modern protection for storage and transportation.
Trade-Ins
Trade-ins are considered. To apply another instrument toward this Conn 5H, submit its information and photographs through our Sell, Trade, or Consign Form.
Fulfillment & Ordering
📦 Ships via Federal Express the same business day whenever possible.
🛡️ Professionally packed, fully insured, and carefully prepared for safe arrival.
✅ Every instrument receives a final inspection before shipment.
📧 Tracking information is provided immediately after your order ships.
Why Buy from The Brass Exchange?
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional and vintage brass instruments, with extensive experience handling Conn trombones from nearly every production period. Each instrument is personally evaluated, accurately represented, professionally inspected, and carefully prepared for its next player.