This Conn 6H from 1965 is an outstanding example of one of the most beloved small bore jazz trombones ever made. Built during Conn’s legendary Elkhart, Indiana era, this horn retains all original parts and lacquer, and has never sustained any damage or undergone major repair work. The handslide received a full professional setup, and the inner slide tubes remain flawless with no chrome wear — extremely rare for a horn of this age.
The 6H pairs a .500 bore gold brass handslide with an 8" yellow brass bell flare featuring an unsoldered rim bead, a hallmark of Conn’s craftsmanship during this era. This combination gives the 6H its signature centered, colorful tone with quick response and clean articulation, making it a favorite among lead and commercial players for generations. Despite its light weight and agility, it offers remarkable tonal depth and warmth when pushed.
This example had been played but clearly lightly used and carefully handled, showing only minor lacquer wear at typical contact points like the hand grip. It came with the original Conn case and mouthpiece, both in excellent condition.
The Conn 6H is often held as the benchmark of small bore jazz trombones. While modern boutique makers produce .500 bore horns that can cost $3,000–$4,000 or more, they rarely match the alloy composition, solder work, tubing quality, or hand craftsmanship of the original Elkhart builds. Even if Conn reintroduced the 6H today, it would not replicate this level of detail. Simply put, great 6Hs have become hard to find, and this one was a particularly fine example.
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Why are vintage Conn 6H trombones so sought after?
They were built during Conn’s peak Elkhart era with superior materials and hand craftsmanship, producing a tone and response that many modern horns can’t fully replicate.
Would this suit a modern jazz or commercial player?
Absolutely. The 6H is light, responsive, and colorful — perfect for lead, combo, pit, or commercial playing where agility and projection are essential.
📌 This Conn 6H has been sold and is now shown here as a historical reference for collectors and enthusiasts.
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