Conn 72H SN 796829, made in 1959 during the Elkhart golden era, is a true vintage single-valve bass trombone. While not cosmetically perfect, this horn is mechanically excellent and retains all original parts and lacquer.
It features a 9.5" yellow brass bell with unsoldered rim, a .562 bore slide, and a nickel silver end crook. The valve works perfectly, and the handslide is smooth and aligned, with no plating wear on the inner tubes — extremely rare for a horn of this age. The bell is straight, though it has seen prior dent removal and significant lacquer wear throughout. Despite its appearance, this horn plays exceptionally well.
The 72H is known for its big sound with classic Conn warmth, making it a great choice for big band, commercial show work, or symphonic playing where a second valve is not required. It’s also a smart option for tenor players transitioning into bass without jumping straight into the $5K+ tier of modern double-valve instruments.
Comes with a non-original Conn case in very good condition.
This 72H was purchased by a professional top-tier symphony bass trombonist who needed a more compact single-valve option for specific repertoire requiring a lighter feel and vintage sound, in contrast to his full-size in-line double valve bass.
Is the Conn 72H a good bass trombone for jazz or crossover players?
Yes — the 72H is favored by many jazz and commercial players for its lighter feel and focused tone. Its single valve setup and .562 bore make it more nimble than modern double-valve basses, making it ideal for big band sections or pit work. While it lacks a second valve, many players find it more versatile than expected when used with thoughtful slide technique and alternate positions.
This page is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments.
Looking for something similar? Browse our current inventory of Vintage Trombones in stock.
