Overview
This King 2B Liberty was a late H.N. White-era professional tenor trombone produced approximately 1965–1966. Serial number 422215, it retained its original components and bore the classic King Liberty bell engraving with “Made by The H.N. White Co., Cleveland, Ohio.”
The 2B Liberty remains one of the established standards for jazz, lead, commercial and small-ensemble playing. Its lightweight construction, compact bell and dual-bore handslide provide the quick response and focused sound associated with the classic King 2B design.
This instrument has been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments.
Condition Summary
This was an experienced vintage instrument with an honest appearance. Most of the original lacquer had been removed from the bell, leaving a predominantly raw-brass finish with natural patina and color variation. The handslide retained its original lacquer.
The instrument was professionally cleaned and serviced. The handslide provided good, dependable playing action and was fully playable as offered. Players seeking exceptionally light vintage King slide action could have considered additional precision setup in the future.
Both inner-slide tubes retained their plating without wear or loss. The instrument was structurally sound, properly prepared and ready for continued use.
Specifications
- Model: King 2B Liberty
- Instrument type: Professional tenor trombone
- Serial number: 422215
- Estimated production: 1965–1966
- Era: Late H.N. White Cleveland production
- Bore: .481/.491-inch dual bore
- Bell: 7⅜-inch yellow brass bell
- Bell finish: Predominantly raw brass with remnants of original lacquer
- Handslide finish: Original lacquer
- Components: Original
- Case: New Gator tenor trombone case with factory tags
Player Perspective
The King 2B is known for its immediate response, efficient upper register and focused tonal center. Its dual-bore slide provides a compact feel while allowing enough breadth for section, solo and commercial playing.
This example was best understood as a genuine player’s instrument rather than a collector-grade cosmetic example. The largely raw-brass bell showed its age honestly, while the original construction, clean inner-slide tubes and dependable playing condition preserved the qualities players seek in an H.N. White-era 2B.
It was well suited to a jazz, lead, commercial, combo or experienced recreational player seeking a vintage King 2B with authentic Cleveland-era character.
Late H.N. White Cleveland Production
Serial number 422215 places this trombone near the end of the H.N. White period. The original bell engraving identified it as a King Liberty made by The H.N. White Company in Cleveland, Ohio.
Instruments from this period retain the traditional 2B design and construction associated with historic Cleveland-made King trombones. This example offered that established design in a fully playable instrument intended to be used rather than preserved as a display piece.
Value Perspective
H.N. White-era King 2B trombones vary considerably in originality, structural condition and slide performance. This example combined original components, intact inner-slide plating, professional cleaning and service, and a new protective Gator case.
Its cosmetic wear was clearly reflected in its presentation and price, making it an attractive option for a player who valued authentic 2B response and vintage character over a pristine lacquer finish.
From Our Shop
The Brass Exchange has handled and documented King 2B trombones from nearly every major production era. What matters most with an experienced example is not a subjective numerical slide rating, but whether the instrument is structurally sound, properly serviced, accurately represented and ready to play.
This 2B met those standards. The slide provided good, usable action, the inner tubes retained their plating, and the instrument had been cleaned and prepared for its next player.