Overview
This late-1960s H.N. White King 3B was a professionally serviced, player-ready example of one of the most respected American jazz trombones ever produced. It offered the response, balance, and versatility that have made the King 3B a favorite among jazz, commercial, and all-around players for generations.
Before being offered for sale, this instrument received complete shop service at The Brass Exchange, including chemical cleaning, handslide alignment, mechanical inspection, and a final play test. At the time of sale, the instrument was straight and free from dents or dings. The chrome inner slide tubes remained free of pitting and chrome loss, and the slide action was smooth and properly aligned.
The instrument was relacquered sometime earlier in its life before arriving at our shop. Previous polishing softened much of the original bell engraving, so this was not a collector-grade example. Those cosmetic details were reflected in the asking price, while the instrument itself remained a representative H.N. White King 3B that played properly and performed as it should.
Included at the time of sale were a vintage King coffin-style hard case from the same general era, though not the exact original case for this instrument, and a Bach 11C mouthpiece.
Condition at the Time of Sale
- Complete chemical cleaning performed
- Handslide professionally aligned
- No dents or dings
- Chrome inner slide tubes free from pitting or chrome loss
- Relacquered earlier in its life
- Original bell engraving softened by previous polishing
- Professionally inspected and player ready
- Vintage King coffin-style hard case included
- Bach 11C mouthpiece included
Specifications
- Manufacturer: H.N. White / King Musical Instruments
- Model: King 3B Concert
- Serial Number: 447275
- Production Era: Late 1960s
- Manufactured In: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Bell: Yellow brass
- Bore: .508-inch
- Finish: Relacquered
- Case: Vintage King coffin-style hard case
- Mouthpiece: Bach 11C included
Player Perspective
The H.N. White King 3B has long been considered one of the benchmark professional jazz trombones. Its balanced feel, quick response, centered sound, and easy projection have made it a dependable choice for big band, commercial playing, jazz ensemble, and general all-around use.
This example did not have the cosmetics of an original-lacquer collector instrument, but it remained a good-playing King 3B with a properly aligned slide and solid mechanical condition. For an advancing student concentrating on jazz, a college-bound player, or an experienced musician seeking a dependable vintage King without paying collector pricing, this instrument offered strong value.
Questions Players Often Ask
Was this an original-lacquer instrument?
No. The instrument was relacquered sometime earlier in its life before arriving at our shop. Previous polishing also softened much of the original bell engraving. These cosmetic details were reflected in the asking price.
Was the instrument professionally serviced?
Yes. It received complete chemical cleaning, professional handslide alignment, mechanical inspection, and a final play test at The Brass Exchange. It was fully player ready at the time of sale.
Would this be a good choice for an advancing jazz student?
Yes. The King 3B is a proven professional model and an excellent choice for an advancing high school player, college-bound trombonist, or anyone seeking a versatile jazz and all-around tenor trombone.
Was the case original to this instrument?
No. The included vintage King coffin-style case was from the same general era but was not the exact original case for this trombone.
Shop Perspective
Having handled hundreds of King 3B trombones over the years, we know that not every player is searching for a mint, all-original collector example. Many musicians simply want an authentic H.N. White King 3B that has been properly serviced, plays the way it should, and is priced according to its condition.
This instrument fit that description well. It had cosmetic history, but it was straight, mechanically sound, professionally serviced, and representative of the classic King 3B playing experience. Properly prepared H.N. White King 3B trombones have remained desirable among jazz, commercial, and all-around players.
Explore Historical King Trombones
This King 3B has been sold. To compare King models, production periods, specifications, and instruments that have passed through our shop, visit the Historical King Trombone Archive.
To see professional trombones currently available from The Brass Exchange, browse our current trombone inventory.
Do You Have an Old King Trombone to Sell?
The Brass Exchange purchases vintage and used King trombones from professional players, advancing musicians, collectors, families, and estates throughout the United States. We are interested in H.N. White King 2B, 3B, 4B, Silver Tone, Silversonic, Symphony, Duo Gravis, and other professional or historically significant King models.
If you have an old trombone and are unsure of its model, age, condition, or value, we can help you understand what you have and explain the available selling options. Clear photographs of the complete instrument, bell engraving, serial number, handslide, case, and accessories are especially helpful.
We also work with families, collectors, and estates that need advice about how to sell a collection of brass instruments. Whether the collection contains several trombones or a larger group of professional and vintage instruments, we can help organize the information, identify the instruments, evaluate their condition, and discuss a practical path forward.
Have a King trombone, an old trombone, or a collection of brass instruments you are considering selling, trading, or consigning? Submit the instrument or collection information through our buy, sell, trade, or consign form.