Overview
This Conn 78H, serial number 400214, was made in Elkhart, Indiana, circa 1952. It is an all-original professional tenor trombone with its original parts, original lacquer and matching serial number on the handslide.
The 78H combines a .522-inch bore with an 8-inch yellow brass bell featuring Conn’s traditional unsoldered rim. It accepts a small-shank mouthpiece and occupies a useful middle ground between a smaller jazz trombone such as the Conn 6H and a full-size .547-bore symphonic tenor such as the Conn 88H.
This instrument has received full shop service at The Brass Exchange, including a chemical bath, complete inspection and careful handslide preparation. It is an excellent-playing vintage Conn with a smooth, tension-free slide and is fully ready for professional use.
Condition
This Conn 78H remains in excellent structural and mechanical condition. The bell has no history of trauma or creasing, and there are no significant dents or dings.
The original lacquer has darkened considerably in many areas and shows natural finish loss from age and use. Some sections of lacquer are no longer present, but this is not a purposely delacquered instrument. The remaining original finish and naturally aged brass give it an honest vintage appearance.
The handslide is excellent. It retains its original inner slide tubes with no plating wear, and the slide operates without tension or drag. The matching number 13 found on the tuning slide and nickel tuning-slide receiver identifies those fitted components as an original matched assembly.
Specifications & What’s Included
- Manufacturer: C.G. Conn
- Model: 78H
- Serial number: 400214
- Production: Elkhart, Indiana, circa 1952
- Bore: .522 inch
- Bell: 8-inch yellow brass
- Bell rim: Unsoldered
- Mouthpiece receiver: Small shank
- Parts: All original
- Finish: Original lacquer with natural darkening and finish wear
- Inner slide tubes: Original with no plating wear
- Handslide: Excellent, with no tension or drag
- Service: Chemical bath and full professional shop service completed
- Case: Older-style Protec slim case in good condition
- Mouthpiece: Not included
Player Perspective
Before the Conn 8H and 88H helped move orchestral trombone design toward the modern .547-bore standard, medium-bore instruments such as the 78H were commonly used in professional orchestras. That history remains part of what makes the 78H such a useful and interesting design.
Today, it sits comfortably between a smaller jazz horn such as the Conn 6H and a full-size .547-bore tenor such as the Conn 88H. It retains the familiar Conn character and immediate response while adding a wider handslide and enough breadth for players who want a fuller sound.
Many players continue to use the 78H for jazz, small-group playing and commercial work. It can also be an excellent choice for an orchestral player who prefers something slightly smaller and more responsive than a conventional large-bore tenor.
If a young player approached me looking for one versatile, medium-size trombone, the Conn 78H would still be one of my top choices. This example is especially appealing because the handslide is excellent, the instrument remains structurally sound, and it is completely serviced and ready to play.
Interested in This Instrument?
This Conn 78H is available for immediate purchase. Add it to the cart to complete your order securely.
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.
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