Classic King 2B Liberty, serial number 377173, built circa 1960–61 during the late H.N. White Cleveland era. This is the yellow brass version with clear lacquer finish—lively, resonant, and unmistakably King.
The horn has been well cared for with no structural damage and only minimal lacquer touch-up. The handslide is outstanding—free of plating loss or inner tube wear, with smooth, responsive action that feels effortless in motion. All parts remain original, and the instrument has been fully serviced and play-tested here at The Brass Exchange.
This would be an ideal lead or jazz horn for a serious player looking to capture that signature King brilliance and agility that defined post-war big band sound.
The 2B Liberty became the gold standard for jazz trombonists from the 1940s through the 1960s, thanks to artists such as Tommy Dorsey and Kai Winding. While compact in size—the smallest bore of the King professional line—it projects easily and blends beautifully in both section and solo work. Its lightweight feel and crisp articulation made it a fixture in commercial, theater, and recording sessions for decades.
Includes a King coffin-style case in black and silver finish. While not likely original to this specific horn, it matches the era and may have been a special-order or dealer swap at the time of purchase. No mouthpiece included.
Conn-Selmer continues to produce this same design today as the King Legend Series 2B, priced around $3,100 new, with occasional open-box listings in the $2,400–$2,500 range. Given the exceptional condition, authenticity, and hand craftsmanship of this 1960 Cleveland-made original, it represents excellent value for players and collectors alike.
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✅ FAQ – Common Questions About the King 2B Liberty
Q: What bore size does the King 2B Liberty use?
A: It features a dual-bore design (.481"/.491"), which gives the horn its lively response and crisp articulation.
Q: How does it compare to the King 3B?
A: The 2B is smaller and lighter, with a brighter, more focused tone—ideal for lead jazz work. The 3B has a broader sound and slightly more resistance, preferred by players in big-band sections.
Q: Who played the King 2B Liberty?
A: The model’s legacy includes Tommy Dorsey and Kai Winding, both of whom helped define the brilliant, singing tone that made the 2B Liberty a jazz icon.
Q: What makes the H.N. White Cleveland builds so special?
A: Instruments from this era were hand-assembled with meticulous craftsmanship—true Cleveland shop production before tooling and materials changed under later ownership.
Q: Why is this 1960 model such a strong value?
A: The 1960s H.N. White horns are often regarded as the “sweet spot” of King’s small-bore production—modern enough for reliability, yet still handcrafted with the resonance of the classic big-band era.
This 1960 King 2B Liberty captures everything that made the model legendary—clarity, projection, and that unmistakable King sparkle. It’s fully serviced, authentic, and ready for a serious player who wants a vintage horn that performs at a professional level.
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