Archive Notice – Historical Reference
This instrument has been sold and is now presented as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold instruments, where historically significant trombones are preserved for research, reference, and comparison by players, collectors, and educators.
✦ Historical Perspective: King Tempo by H.N. White
The King Tempo trombone, produced by H.N. White in Cleveland, Ohio, dates to the 1960s and represents the student–intermediate counterpart to the iconic King 2B professional model. Importantly, these instruments were built in the same Cleveland factory, by the same craftsmen, and using many of the same parts and production methods as their professional siblings.
In size, balance, and overall feel, the King Tempo closely mirrors the 2B. While positioned originally as a more accessible model, these trombones were made to last and to play properly — a hallmark of H.N. White–era King manufacturing. As a result, well-maintained examples like this one continue to be highly regarded as excellent playing instruments decades later.
✦ Instrument Overview & Construction
This King Tempo features a yellow brass bell with nickel silver plating, delivering the classic King tonal profile with clarity and warmth. The handslide follows the familiar dual-bore layout of the 2B, though it uses brass outer slide tubes rather than nickel silver, contributing to a slightly different feel while maintaining excellent response.
Key construction details include:
H.N. White Cleveland-era manufacture
Dual-bore handslide (2B-style proportions)
Yellow brass bell with nickel silver plating
Brass outer slide tubes
Original King case included
These instruments are known for their durability, ease of play, and unmistakable “King sound.”
✦ Condition & Shop Service
This trombone received full professional shop service here at The Brass Exchange prior to being sold. Work included:
Minor dent work to the neck and tuning slide
No bell damage
Replacement of a severely damaged tuning slide end crook using a King 2B-style end crook, followed by proper re-lacquering
Installation of a modern balance weight, matching the design and function of the original three-piece removable system
The result was a clean, reliable instrument that played properly throughout the range.
✦ Player Perspective
From a playing standpoint, the King Tempo makes an excellent lead or jazz tenor trombone for advancing players. It plays easily, responds quickly, and delivers the familiar King brightness and projection that works so well in jazz settings.
This model is particularly well suited for:
High school and college jazz band players
Advancing students stepping up from entry-level instruments
Players seeking classic King response without the cost of a professional 2B
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Is the King Tempo the same as a King 2B?
No, but it is closely related. The Tempo was the student/intermediate model, built in the same factory with similar dimensions and many shared components. The core playing feel is recognizably “King.”
Are King Tempo trombones still made?
No. H.N. White–era King Tempo trombones are no longer produced, which is why they are now found only on the secondary market.
Are King Tempo trombones good jazz horns?
Yes. Many players appreciate their easy response, manageable weight, and classic King sound, especially for lead and section jazz playing.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
The images shown on this page reflect earlier fine-art brass instrument photography from the formative years of The Brass Exchange. While photography standards have evolved over time, these images remain an important visual reference for collectors and researchers studying vintage King trombones and H.N. White–era manufacturing.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
Pages within The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold instruments are maintained as historical references and may display images and descriptions of instruments that are no longer available for purchase.
Active inventory is always clearly labeled on current product listings. If you’re unsure whether a specific model is currently in stock, we recommend contacting us directly for confirmation or guidance.
🛡️ Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has served as a trusted resource for players, collectors, and educators worldwide — combining professional shop service, historically accurate documentation, and one of the most extensive curated archives of brass instruments available online. 🛡️
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This King Tempo trombone has been sold and is preserved here as a historical archive reference for players, collectors, and educators.
🔎 Browse our current trombone inventory to explore similar instruments
📚 Explore the Archive of Sold King trombones to compare models and eras
✍️ Contact us for valuation guidance or help locating a comparable instrument
