This beautifully preserved King 3B Concert Trombone, serial #452433, was built in 1969 during the early Eastlake, Ohio production period—a time when King maintained its renowned Cleveland-era craftsmanship after moving from the H. N. White factory.
A single-owner instrument, it remains 100 % original, including factory lacquer and all component parts. The Brass Exchange performed a full professional service: chemical bath, slide alignment, and complete mechanical inspection. The slide is straight, free-falling, and smooth; the horn plays evenly through all registers.
The lacquer has developed a soft vintage glow with only minor wear on contact points—remarkable for a trombone over half a century old. Featuring an 8-inch yellow-brass bell and .508-bore nickel-silver handslide, this 3B embodies the ideal balance of warmth and projection that defined post-war King design.
From a player’s perspective, the 3B remains the benchmark jazz and commercial trombone. Once you experience a late-1960s example, you immediately understand why it became the industry standard for lead and section work alike. Includes the original coffin-style case, clean and functional.
A new production 3B today costs around $3 000—but those modern versions merely replicate instruments like this one. This 1969 example is the authentic article from King’s golden age.
✅ FAQs
Why is the 1969 Eastlake 3B significant?
1969 represents the first full production year after King relocated from Cleveland to Eastlake. The skilled craftsmen and tooling carried over, making these horns virtually identical in build quality to the late H. N. White models but with the updated Eastlake stamp.
How does the 3B compare to smaller King models?
The 3B’s .508 bore and 8-inch bell produce a richer, broader tone than the 2B, yet maintain the agility and response jazz players expect. It’s equally comfortable in big-band lead, small-group, or pit-orchestra settings.
Is an original lacquer finish important to collectors?
Absolutely. An untouched lacquer finish signals that the horn has never suffered major damage or overhaul. For collectors, originality and cosmetic integrity are key factors in long-term value.
This King 3B 1969 Eastlake OH trombone is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments,🔎 preserved here as a historical reference for King enthusiasts and jazz trombone collectors.
Looking for a comparable vintage 3B or another small-bore classic? 🔎 Browse our current trombone listings.
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