Overview
This Martin Committee trombone SN 161848 from 1947 represents one of the most interesting periods of American brass instrument manufacturing. Built in the Martin factory during the same era that produced the legendary Committee trumpets, these trombones share the same craftsmanship, materials, and musical philosophy that defined Martin instruments of the World War II and immediate post-war period.
This example retains its original lacquer and original case, and has undergone full shop service here at The Brass Exchange to ensure reliable performance for modern players.
The instrument features a 7" yellow brass bell and small-bore slide, producing a warm and expressive tone ideally suited for jazz, solo, and small ensemble playing. Vintage Martins from this period are known for their distinctive character and musical flexibility, and this horn captures that sound beautifully.
Player Perspective
The first thing you notice when playing this Martin Committee trombone is the dark, round character of the sound. The overtone structure feels very familiar to players who appreciate classic American jazz instruments from this era — warm, centered, and expressive without becoming thin or edgy.
Slide positions feel reliable and intuitive, making the instrument comfortable to play even for musicians unfamiliar with vintage Martins. The horn speaks easily and responds well across the range, allowing a player to shape phrases naturally and lean into the sound when desired.
The overall playing experience reflects exactly what many players hope for in a vintage jazz trombone: a darker tonal core with rounded articulation and musical overtones that evoke the sound of classic recordings.
Condition Summary
This instrument has undergone full shop service here at The Brass Exchange, including a chemical bath, water key service, handslide inspection and setup, and complete play test. The horn has been carefully evaluated to ensure reliable performance and meets our standards as a player-ready vintage instrument.
Cosmetically, the instrument is in very good vintage condition and has clearly been well preserved over the decades. The lacquer shows honest wear consistent with normal playing, particularly in typical contact areas, but the finish remains original and attractive.
There are no signs of major structural repairs or damage, and the instrument presents exactly as many players prefer to see a well-preserved vintage horn — original, authentic, and ready to play.
Slide Condition
The handslide is in solid vintage condition. The outer tubes are straight and the original inner tube plating remains intact. Following full shop service and alignment, the slide action is smooth and dependable and meets our standards as player-ready.
As expected with a 1940s instrument, a player seeking the absolute fastest modern slide could pursue further setup work, but the instrument performs well as it stands.
Why the Martin Committee Era Matters
Martin instruments built during the 1940s hold a special place in American jazz history. The Martin factory in Elkhart, Indiana produced instruments known for their rich tonal character and careful craftsmanship.
While the Martin Committee trumpet became one of the most iconic jazz instruments ever produced, the trombones from this same era were built by the same craftsmen using the same materials and production methods. As a result, they often share a similar musical personality — warm, expressive, and full of character.
Players searching for a vintage jazz trombone with a distinctive tonal identity frequently find these Martin instruments to be uniquely rewarding.
Included with the Instrument
• Original vintage case
• Fully serviced and inspected by our shop
• Player-ready setup
Ordering & Fulfillment
Orders may be placed directly through our website.
All instruments are carefully packed and shipped using FedEx fully insured service. We take great care to ensure safe delivery, and tracking information is provided promptly once the instrument ships.
Trade-In Options
Considering an upgrade?
We welcome trade-ins and consignment instruments. Many players use this option to move into a different professional setup.
🔄 Start your trade-in here:
https://thebrass-exchange.com/trade-in
Explore More Vintage Trombones
Interested in similar vintage jazz instruments?
🔎 Browse our current trombone inventory
https://thebrass-exchange.com/trombones
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https://thebrass-exchange.com/archive-of-sold
Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
The Brass Exchange has been serving brass musicians worldwide since 2010, specializing in professional trombones, rare vintage instruments, and curated components. Each instrument we sell is inspected, serviced, and evaluated by experienced brass specialists before being offered for sale.
Our archive of instruments has also become a valuable historical reference for players, collectors, and researchers studying the evolution of brass instruments.
