This Conn 88HO large bore tenor trombone, built in the 1990s, is a superb example of one of the most popular symphonic tenor trombones of the modern era. The 88HO is the open wrap version of the legendary Conn 88H design, offering freer airflow and smoother response in the valve register while retaining the rich, resonant tone that has made the 88H line famous since the 1950s.
This instrument is a single-owner horn in outstanding condition. It has never been damaged, shows no dents or dings, and does not appear to have been played heavily. We performed a professional play test and inspection in our shop, confirming that the handslide is about as good as they come—straight, aligned, and exceptionally smooth. The rotor is fast, quiet, and properly sealed. The lacquer shows only light cosmetic wear in normal contact areas, with minor touch-up on the valve casing, slide grip, and neckpipe. All parts remain original.
Key specifications include the 8.5" rose brass bell with unsoldered rim, .547 bore slide for large shank mouthpieces, and the open wrap F-attachment that distinguishes the 88HO from the traditional closed-wrap 88H. A distinctive detail of this 1990s horn is the large “Conn” engraving inside the bell throat, a feature discontinued after the early 2000s.
The legacy of the Conn 88H dates back to the 1950s, when it was first developed for Emory Remington—widely regarded as the most legendary trombone professor, who served on the faculty at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. His collaboration with Conn helped establish the .547 bore with 8.5" bell as the modern orchestral standard. The open wrap 88HO, introduced decades later, continues that tradition while offering improved airflow and flexibility for today’s players.
As of 2025, a new Conn 88HO retails for approximately $3,459, making this well-preserved 1990s example an outstanding value for players seeking professional performance at a lower price point.
This horn plays as beautifully as it looks—open, centered, and colorful in tone. For those seeking a professional large bore tenor with symphonic pedigree, this 1990s Conn 88HO is an exceptional find that will not disappoint.
🛠️ Sold and preserved in our archive as a resource for players and collectors. See our active trombone inventory for models ready to ship.
Q&A
📌 What makes the 88HO different from the standard 88H?
The 88HO features an open wrap F-attachment, which reduces resistance and creates a freer response compared to the tighter bends of the closed wrap 88H. This results in smoother transitions and improved valve register clarity.
👉 Who was Emory Remington and how is he connected to the Conn 88H?
Emory Remington (1892–1971) was one of the most influential trombone teachers of the 20th century, serving on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Conn designed the original 88H in collaboration with him in the 1950s, and his influence helped set the standard for modern orchestral tenor trombones. While the open wrap 88HO was introduced later in the 1990s, it carries forward the design legacy that Remington helped shape.
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