Overview
This King 2B Silversonic is a true H.N. White–era jazz classic, built in Cleveland, Ohio during the mid-1960s (serial #426002). It features the legendary sterling-silver bell with King’s ornate engraving and a clean, professionally executed re-lacquer performed by our brass specialist in St. Louis. The light coating preserves engraving detail and resonance while maintaining the original look and feel of this remarkable horn.
Following a full service and play evaluation, the lower inner slide tube was professionally replaced to ensure perfect alignment and ultra-smooth slide action. The result was one of the best-playing 2B Silversonics we’ve handled in years — fast, quiet, and responsive across all positions.
Structurally, the instrument remained original throughout and showed no evidence of prior damage or non-routine repair. It received complete shop service at The Brass Exchange, including chemical bath, handslide alignment, and mechanical inspection. All work was completed and play-tested prior to sale.
Included is the classic black-and-red King coffin-style case from the same period — increasingly collectible in its own right and still solid and functional.
This horn embodies the definitive King lead sound that defined generations of jazz players: lively, focused, and beautifully balanced.
Player Perspective
The King 2B Silversonic occupies a special place in jazz history. Its combination of a nimble dual-bore slide and sterling-silver bell produces a sound that is brilliant without edge, projecting clearly while retaining warmth and color.
This particular example delivered that character in full — quick articulation, easy response, and a centered feel that works equally well for lead playing, section work, and small-group jazz. It played exactly as a great Cleveland-era 2B should: immediate, alive, and musical.
Condition & Service Summary
Original H.N. White–era instrument
Sterling-silver bell with ornate King engraving
Light professional re-lacquer to museum standards
Lower inner slide tube professionally replaced for optimal alignment
Full shop service: chemical bath, slide alignment, mechanical inspection
Quiet, fast, and responsive slide action
Original period King coffin-style case included
The re-lacquer was intentionally light, preserving bell thickness, engraving detail, and resonance while protecting the instrument for long-term use and preservation.
Historical & Collector Context
Original H.N. White–era Silversonics represent the golden age of King craftsmanship:
Hand-formed sterling-silver bells
Superior alloy formulation
Cleveland-era build quality
Sound and response modern tribute models cannot replicate
While modern King Legend Series Silversonics honor the legacy, they are fundamentally different instruments. Authentic Cleveland-built examples like this mid-1960s 2B remain highly sought after by players and collectors alike.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the King 2B Silversonic so desirable for jazz?
Its sterling-silver bell produces a vibrant, projecting tone without harshness, while the dual-bore slide (.481"/.491") offers fast response and excellent control — ideal for lead and commercial work.
How does a re-lacquer affect tone?
When done correctly, a light re-lacquer preserves natural vibration and does not dampen resonance. This refinish was performed to museum standards, protecting the instrument while maintaining its open, lively response.
Does replacing one slide tube affect originality or sound?
No. When precision-fitted with OEM-spec tubing, a single tube replacement restores factory-smooth action without altering balance, resonance, or the characteristic Silversonic feel.
Is a vintage 2B suitable for advancing students?
Absolutely. A properly set-up vintage 2B offers responsiveness, flexibility, and authentic tone that many modern copies struggle to match.
🏛️ Archive Reference Note
This mid-1960s King 2B Silversonic has been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments. Archive listings serve as long-term references for players, collectors, and researchers studying H.N. White–era King trombones, restoration practices, and real-world condition standards.
🔎 Looking for a Silversonic or Vintage King Trombone?
While this particular King 2B Silversonic has been sold, we regularly curate Silversonics and vintage King trombones from players across the United States — including original H.N. White–era examples and carefully preserved player-owned instruments.
Availability varies, but similar horns surface regularly.
👉 View all trombones currently in stock
📌 Own a King 2B or Vintage Silversonic?
Many visitors arrive at this page while researching an instrument they already own — whether from a personal collection, an estate, or years of careful use.
📣 Contact us for a professional evaluation and guidance on your options
🛡️ Trusted Brass Resource Since 2010
The Brass Exchange specializes in professional and vintage trombones, including rare H.N. White–era Kings. Every instrument we handle is inspected, play-tested, and documented with accuracy and care — preserving history while helping musicians and collectors make informed decisions.
