📌 Archive of Sold – Historical Reference
This instrument has been sold and is now part of our Archive of Sold — a curated reference library built for musicians, collectors, and researchers studying vintage and professional brass instruments.
Each listing in this archive reflects a real instrument that has passed through our shop, offering insight into condition, playability, and long-term value.
✦ Historical Perspective
The King 3B from the late 1970s represents one of the most recognizable and widely respected jazz trombones ever produced. By this period, King had firmly established the 3B as a go-to model for commercial players, studio musicians, and big band performers seeking a responsive and flexible medium-bore instrument.
With its .508 bore and 8" yellow brass bell, the 3B strikes a balance between clarity and warmth — offering quick articulation, excellent projection, and a tonal character that blends easily in section work while still allowing the player to stand out when needed. Late 1970s examples continue the legacy of earlier H.N. White-era designs, maintaining much of the classic “King feel” that players have trusted for decades.
This particular instrument remains all original, with honest signs of maintenance over time. Previous dent work and repairs to the neck, bell stem, and tuning slide have been completed, resulting in some areas of exposed brass where lacquer was removed during service. These details are typical for instruments of this age and reflect proper upkeep rather than neglect.
From a playing standpoint, this horn delivers exactly what players expect from a well-functioning 3B. The handslide is straight, smooth, and responsive, requiring no additional work. It is fully dialed in and ready for performance — an important distinction for players considering vintage instruments.
Paired with a Cronkhite leather case with sewn-in backpack straps, this setup reflects a thoughtful combination of classic instrument design and modern practicality.
At The Brass Exchange, instruments like this are preserved not only as playable tools but as part of a larger historical record — documenting how these models continue to perform and hold value across generations.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These photographs are part of the early years of The Brass Exchange and reflect the evolution of how we document brass instruments.
While our imaging process has advanced significantly — moving toward fine-art photography of brass instruments — these images remain an important part of our historical catalog and help illustrate how our archive has grown over time.
✦ Further Reading
- Explore other King trombone archive listings Compare with King 2B, 3B, and 4B models.
- Browse current jazz trombone inventory
✅ Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the King 3B such a popular jazz trombone?
The 3B offers a unique combination of flexibility, projection, and tonal warmth. Its medium bore design allows for quick response and stylistic versatility, making it ideal for jazz, commercial, and small ensemble settings.
Is a late 1970s King 3B still a good choice for modern players?
Yes — when properly maintained, these instruments perform exceptionally well and are still widely used by professionals and advancing students today.
Do cosmetic repairs affect performance?
In most cases, no. As long as the instrument has been properly serviced and aligned, cosmetic changes such as lacquer loss or minor repair marks do not impact how the trombone plays.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This listing is part of our Archive of Sold instruments and is no longer available for purchase. It is maintained as a historical reference to support research, comparison, and valuation.
If you are searching for a similar instrument, we recommend browsing our current inventory below.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This King 3B trombone has been sold and is now preserved as part of our historical archive for players and collectors.
👉 Browse current trombones available now:
https://thebrass-exchange.com/trombones
📣 Looking to sell a similar instrument? We offer professional evaluations and consignment services.
https://www.thebrass-exchange.com/sell-trade-or-consign-your-instrument
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has served thousands of musicians, collectors, and institutions by providing carefully curated brass instruments backed by real-world expertise.
Our archive is more than a catalog — it is a growing reference system built from decades of hands-on experience with professional instruments.
