The Courtois Jazz Xtreme 430TLR is a standout .500 bore tenor trombone that brings refined craftsmanship, gorgeous tone, and effortless playability into one elegant package. Featuring a 7.5" rose brass bell, this model blends warmth and shimmer with surprising power in the upper register. The lightweight handslide includes a curved "Williams-style" brace, making it one of the most comfortable and agile setups available for serious jazz and lead players.
This instrument has been kept in exceptional condition with no evidence of damage or prior repair. The slide is silky smooth, free of tension, and perfectly aligned. The lacquer shows only minimal signs of handling and is near factory-clean throughout. It was previously owned by a pro-level player who maintained it meticulously and used it selectively for high-profile jazz and studio work.
Courtois horns are still lesser-known in the U.S. compared to Conn, Bach, or King models, but this French maker has been crafting professional brass instruments since the 18th century. The 430TLR holds its own against icons like the Conn 6H, King 2B/3B, and Bach 12 or 16—yet offers a uniquely colorful, rounded voice with enhanced flexibility. This particular model includes a premium Walt Johnson hard travel case, which retails separately for nearly $400, and is in excellent condition.
If you’re seeking a nimble, expressive small bore horn with boutique-level performance, this Courtois is well worth consideration. Few dealers stock the rose/gold brass version, and new pricing on similar models (in yellow brass and with standard cases) currently runs over $2200.
How does the Courtois 430TLR compare to a Conn 6H or King 3B?
The 430TLR plays in the same .500 bore class as those classics, but with a warmer tonal core and broader flexibility. Players who favor a darker, more fluid lead voice often find this horn easier to blend in a modern jazz or studio section.
Is the Williams-style brace just cosmetic?
Not at all. This curved grip style improves ergonomics significantly, reducing fatigue during long rehearsals and gigs. Many boutique builders offer this as an upgrade—here, it’s standard.
Where are Courtois trombones made?
Antoine Courtois is a French company with centuries of brass-making heritage. Today, their trombones are crafted in Europe and are especially popular among orchestral and jazz musicians in France, Germany, and the UK.
This instrument has been sold and is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, preserved as a reference for collectors and players researching the Courtois Xtreme series.
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