Conn 78H Trombone – 1952 Vintage Medium Bore, Half-Moon Engraving

Overview

This vintage Conn 78H was made in 1952 and features the distinctive half-moon bell engraving associated with this period of Conn production. With its .522-inch bore, 8-inch yellow brass bell, and small-shank mouthpiece receiver, the 78H occupies a useful position between a traditional small-bore jazz trombone and a full large-bore symphonic tenor.

This horn was designed with versatility in mind. It can be played big or small and would work equally well in concert band, jazz ensemble, solo playing, or acoustic chamber settings.

Playing Characteristics

The Conn 78H has a big, full sound and projects much more strongly than many smaller jazz trombones. At the same time, it is not so large that the player’s sound disappears between bright saxophone and trumpet sections.

That balance makes the 78H an especially good medium-bore jazz horn. It has enough breadth for lyrical solo playing and acoustic music, but it can still produce the clarity and definition needed in an ensemble.

The .522-inch bore gives the player more room than a conventional .500- or .508-bore trombone without requiring the air or physical approach of a full .547-bore tenor. It can produce a warm, substantial sound while retaining an easy response and clear articulation.

Half-Moon Engraving and Vintage Conn Design

The bell carries Conn’s half-moon engraving, an attractive visual detail found on instruments from this period. Combined with the classic 8-inch yellow brass bell and original proportions, it gives the trombone a distinctive early-1950s Conn appearance.

The 78H represents an era when medium-bore professional trombones were built for players who needed one instrument to cover several musical settings. Its dimensions remain practical today for musicians who want more sound than a small-bore horn without moving to a full symphonic tenor.

Condition

This trombone was in good vintage condition and required no service to improve its playability. The handslide worked very well despite a few small chrome defects on the inner tubes.

The bell section had areas of lacquer loss consistent with age and professional use, but the instrument still presented very well. There was nothing about the cosmetic wear that prevented it from being a strong and reliable player.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: C.G. Conn
• Model: 78H
• Year: 1952
• Instrument type: Professional medium-bore tenor trombone
• Bore: .522 inch
• Bell: 8-inch yellow brass
• Bell engraving: Half-moon design
• Mouthpiece receiver: Standard small shank
• Suggested mouthpiece size: Approximately 6½AL or similar
• Handslide condition: Very good, with minor chrome defects on the inner tubes
• Bell finish: Original lacquer with areas of lacquer loss
• Service required when offered: None
• Included case: Original burgundy leather case in excellent condition

A Versatile Vintage Conn Trombone

The Conn 78H is a practical choice for a player who wants vintage Conn character in a less common medium-bore format. It can support a full concert-band sound, work comfortably in a jazz section, and provide enough color and projection for solo playing.

This 1952 example combined strong playability, attractive half-moon engraving, honest vintage cosmetics, and an unusually well-preserved original burgundy leather case.