.📚 This instrument has been added to our Historical Archive. Its documentation remains online to assist players, collectors, and Conn historians studying this era.
Overview & Highlights
Conn 79H SN N10152, built in 1970 during the final years of Elkhart production before the move to Abilene, represents one of the rarest and most desirable medium-bore F-attachment tenors Conn made. This model sits on a .522 bore with small-shank receiver, an 8" yellow brass unsoldered bell, and a traditional wrap rotor — a configuration that gives the 79H its focused core, quick response, and excellent flexibility in musical theatre, chamber, commercial, and pit orchestra settings.
This example is exceptionally clean. The bell, slide, valve section, and tuning slide all retain their original parts and spec. The handslide includes gold brass outer tubes paired with a nickel-silver end crook, and the inner tubes are straight, smooth, and tension-free. Compared to the typical Conn 79H seen on the secondary market, this horn is in a completely different league — easily the finest 79H we’ve had here at TBE since opening in 2010.
Medium-bore tenors like the 79H can also be “scaled up” as needed. With a deeper-cup small-shank mouthpiece, players can push more breadth and warmth from the horn, making it a comfortable alternative for those who don’t need a full .547 orchestral horn but want a bit more weight and color than a straight small-bore. It’s an ideal crossover instrument for players who want the flexibility of a responsive medium bore paired with the utility of an F-attachment.
Includes original case in excellent condition, mouthpiece, paperwork.
From the Player’s Perspective
The first thing you notice about this 79H is how tight, efficient, and resonant it feels. Late-Elkhart Conn craftsmanship has a signature response — centered, quick to speak, and full of character — and this horn absolutely delivers. Articulation is clean, the tone stays compact but warm, and the F-attachment blends seamlessly without adding resistance.
The 79H shares the same bell and slide setup as the 78H, with the added flexibility of an F-attachment. For players already comfortable on vintage Elkhart Conn models — whether 6H, 78H, or 88H — this horn will feel immediately familiar. If you’re currently a vintage Conn player, you’ll take to this 79H right away and feel right at home.
For pit work, show work, studio playing, or doubling, this horn is a perfect match. It plays bigger than the bore size might suggest — especially with the right mouthpiece — yet retains that classic Conn agility that medium-bores are known for. There’s no sluggishness, no surprises, and no compromise in response.
This is a standout player in every category.
Questions Players Ask
Is the Conn 79H a medium-bore tenor?
Yes. The 79H is a .522 bore medium-bore tenor trombone with an 8" yellow brass bell and small-shank receiver. It occupies the same general size class as the Conn 78H and Bach 36B (.525).
How does a Conn 79H compare to a full large-bore .547 orchestral tenor?
A .547 large-bore horn offers a broader, more open orchestral sound and requires a large-shank mouthpiece. The 79H keeps the response quicker, more centered, and more flexible — ideal for musical theatre, commercial work, studio settings, and chamber playing where clarity and efficiency matter more than sheer size.
Is this 79H an Elkhart-made horn?
Yes — SN N10152 places it firmly in the final Elkhart production era. Conn’s “N-series” was the last set of serial numbers before the company relocated manufacturing to Abilene, Texas. The bell engraving also reads “Elkhart, Ind.,” confirming its origin.
What makes medium-bore Conn tenors so popular?
They balance projection, color, and efficiency better than small- or large-bore models. Medium bores require less air than a .547 but produce more depth than a .500–.508. They work especially well for players who need versatility across many styles without switching horns.
What modern alternatives compare to a Conn 79H?
Players often compare the 79H to the Bach 36B (.525), Conn 78H (straight medium-bore sibling), Shires .525 modular builds, and various medium-bore British-style tenors. However, the classic Conn bell and tuning slide geometry give the 79H a uniquely centered sound.
Condition Summary
This is truly one of the finest-condition Conn 79Hs we’ve seen in over 15 years.
Bell is clean and straight with original lacquer. No dents, no dings, and no signs of trauma. A minor ding around the bell’s diamond-shaped flange was removed here; it was not severe. The tuning slide is smooth with excellent fit. The rotor is clean, aligned, and quiet.
The handslide is outstanding — straight, responsive, and tension-free on both inner tubes, with no inner slide plating loss. Gold-brass outer tubes and nickel-silver end crook show minimal signs of use only. Handslide grip areas, cork barrel, and contact points are all in excellent shape. This is a true late-Elkhart survivor with remarkably light use.
Ready to play immediately.
Next Steps
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