Overview
Single-owner Conn 88H from the Elkhart era dating to approximately 1969. Remarkable condition and likely one of the finest original examples we have encountered at The Brass Exchange over the years out of hundreds of Conn 88H trombones that have passed through our shop.
This instrument remains highly original throughout, retaining its original lacquer, original components, original mouthpiece, and original case. There is no evidence of any prior major damage, significant trauma, or extensive repair history. The lacquer remains in very good condition, and the rose brass 8½-inch unsoldered rim bell presents beautifully.
The traditional wrap rotor was professionally serviced and operated quickly, quietly, and reliably. The handslide was equally impressive, offering exceptional action and response while remaining free from inner slide tube plating wear or defects.
Included were the original Conn mouthpiece and original Conn case, both of which remained in excellent condition and further reinforced the originality of this outstanding instrument.
Condition Summary
Condition was exceptional overall and reflected careful ownership over many decades.
The original lacquer remained remarkably well preserved, particularly for an instrument approaching sixty years of age. The bell section was free from signs of significant prior damage, and the instrument presented exactly as serious collectors and players hope to find when searching for an original Elkhart-era example.
The rose brass unsoldered rim bell remains one of the defining visual and playing characteristics of the classic 88H design. Combined with the traditional wrap rotor section, it delivers the unmistakable appearance and performance qualities that made the model famous.
Mechanically, everything functioned as it should. The rotor was smooth, quiet, and dependable. All slides moved properly and the instrument had been thoroughly inspected and serviced prior to sale.
Player Perspective
Perhaps most impressive was the handslide.
Original Elkhart 88H slides in this condition have become increasingly difficult to find. This example remained free from inner slide tube plating wear and retained its original first-position cork barrel springs. The slide had been professionally aligned and optimized for maximum playability, delivering the smooth, responsive action that professional players expect.
The slide featured gold brass outer tubes, a nickel silver end crook, and the classic .547-inch bore design intended for large-shank mouthpieces. Together, these elements create the broad, resonant sound and stable response that have made the 88H one of the most influential orchestral trombones ever produced.
There has always been something special about the way a rose brass Elkhart 88H resonates. The response is immediate, the sound remains broad and colorful, and the instrument projects effortlessly while maintaining warmth and depth throughout the dynamic range.
Whether used in symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, church orchestra, studio work, or advanced academic settings, the classic 88H continues to be a benchmark for large-bore tenor trombone performance.
Historical Perspective
The Conn 88H was introduced in 1954 in collaboration with legendary Eastman School of Music professor Emory Remington. It quickly became one of the most influential trombone designs ever produced.
As the large-bore orchestral trombone became increasingly popular during the 1950s and 1960s, the Conn 88H emerged as the instrument of choice for many serious students and professionals. Generations of players studied on the model, won major auditions, and helped establish what would become the modern American orchestral trombone sound.
As the market evolved, competing manufacturers expanded their own offerings in response to growing demand for large-bore symphonic trombones. Together, the Conn 88H and Bach 42 helped establish the foundation of the modern symphonic tenor trombone and continue to influence instrument design today.
More than seventy years after its introduction, the 88H remains one of the most respected and recognizable orchestral trombones ever produced.
Value Perspective
Conn continues to manufacture the 88H today, and current production examples routinely sell in the $3,700 range and beyond depending upon configuration and case options.
Yet despite the availability of modern production instruments, many professional players continue to seek out the original Elkhart examples. There has always been something special about the way a rose brass Elkhart 88H responds, resonates, and projects sound into a hall. For many players, these instruments represent the benchmark against which all other large-bore orchestral trombones are measured.
This example offered something increasingly difficult to find in today's market: a remarkably original Elkhart-era 88H that remained with a single owner since new. The instrument retained its original lacquer, original components, original mouthpiece, and original case while remaining free from significant damage history.
For collectors, educators, serious students, and professional performers alike, opportunities to acquire an Elkhart 88H in this level of original condition have become increasingly uncommon.
Includes
• Conn 88H Elkhart Trombone
• Original Conn Mouthpiece
• Original Conn Case
Questions Players Often Ask
Is this an original Elkhart Conn 88H?
Yes. This was an original Elkhart-era Conn 88H dating to approximately 1969 and retained its original components, original lacquer, original mouthpiece, and original case.
Has the instrument been serviced?
Yes. The rotor had been professionally serviced, the slide aligned and optimized for playability, and the instrument thoroughly inspected prior to sale.
How is the slide condition?
Exceptional. The handslide remained free from inner slide tube plating wear or defects and retained its original cork barrel springs.
Why are Elkhart 88Hs so desirable?
Many professional players appreciate the response, resonance, craftsmanship, and playing characteristics associated with the original Elkhart-era instruments. Clean original examples have become increasingly difficult to locate.
Historical Reference
This Conn 88H Elkhart trombone has been sold and remains published as a historical reference for musicians researching vintage Conn trombones, orchestral tenor trombones, and classic American brass instruments.
Original Elkhart-era Conn 88H trombones continue to be among the most sought-after large-bore tenor trombones ever produced. Their combination of craftsmanship, resonance, responsiveness, and historical significance has helped establish the model as one of the defining orchestral trombones of the twentieth century.
Particularly desirable are examples that retain their original lacquer, original components, original case, and original mouthpiece while remaining free from significant damage history. Instruments of this quality have become increasingly difficult to locate and continue to attract interest from collectors, educators, serious students, and professional performers alike.
Looking for a Used Professional Conn Trombone?
Browse our current inventory of professional, vintage, and pre-owned trombones available for immediate purchase.
👉 View Current Trombone Inventory
🚚 Looking for Something Not Yet Listed?
Many instruments arrive before they are photographed, serviced, and published online.
👉 View Early Access Instruments In Process
What Is My Conn Trombone Worth?
Research historical trombone values or request an evaluation of your instrument.
👉 Submit a Sell, Trade, or Consign Request
🏛️Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional, vintage, and collectible trombones. Our archive of sold instruments helps players, collectors, educators, and prospective sellers research historical specifications, production eras, condition examples, and market trends for vintage brass instruments.