This 1966 Conn 88H, serial number H33535, represents everything that made the Elkhart-era 88H one of the most beloved large bore tenor trombones of all time. A single-owner instrument, played briefly for just 1–2 years and then closet-kept, it remained in immaculate condition until it arrived at The Brass Exchange for a full service.
Originally designed for Emory Remington, the influential trombone professor at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, the 88H became the standard-bearer for orchestral large bore tenor design. And while modern manufacturers still produce replicas of this model, nothing compares to owning and playing the real thing — with the original fabrication methods, materials, and acoustic profile from Conn’s legendary Elkhart factory.
We completed a full professional shop service, including chemical cleaning, rotor service (with disassembly and polish of the valve casing), restrung linkage, water key rebuild, and full slide adjustment. There are no dents, dings, or significant signs of use. The bell has never been damaged or repaired, and the slide shows no plating loss or red rot. This is one of the cleanest examples of an Elkhart 88H we've had since the founding of The Brass Exchange.
One unique feature of this horn is a factory-custom side-mounted valve saddle and extended thumb lever, designed to move hardware away from the player’s wrist for better ergonomics and fewer accidental misfires during technical passages. If you’ve ever played a traditional valve and had your wrist bump the lever at the wrong time, this improvement is worth its weight in gold.
Includes the original case in excellent condition and a genuine Remington-shank Conn mouthpiece — a pairing that delivers the true Conn sound with ideal taper compatibility.
Why is the Elkhart 88H so legendary?
The Elkhart Conn 88H set the benchmark for orchestral tenor trombones. It offers unmatched warmth, projection, and responsiveness. Designed in collaboration with Emory Remington, it became the model upon which countless others are based. Even today, players seek out original Elkhart horns for their unique tonal quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
This exceptional 88H has been sold and is now featured in our Archive of Sold Instruments as a reference for musicians, educators, and collectors researching vintage Conn trombones.
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