Vintage Conn 40H trombone from the 1920s, featuring the iconic Tuning-In-Slide (T.I.S.) design. This is a remarkably preserved example with a 7" satin silver-finished bell and gold-washed interior — all original and intact. Recently discovered in a closet and now fully serviced, this horn is in excellent condition for its age and plays exceptionally well.
We performed a complete cleaning and light dent removal on the bell. The slide has been carefully aligned and is very playable, with solid compression and quick response. The overall tone is powerful and vibrant, making it a great candidate for Traditional Jazz, early American music, or marching band use.
T.I.S. models like the Conn 40H are prized for their unique tonal characteristics. The added mass in the slide section enhances projection and stability at loud dynamic levels — this horn holds together beautifully even when pushed. It’s very difficult to overblow, which gives it a distinct advantage for high-volume performance.
Works well with modern small shank mouthpieces — tested with Bach 7C, 11C, and 12C models, all fit correctly. Original case is included and in good usable condition.
This 40H is equally appealing to players and collectors. Vintage Conn T.I.S. trombones in this finish and condition are increasingly rare.
What is T.I.S. (Tuning-In-Slide), and how does it affect performance?
T.I.S. means the tuning mechanism is built into the handslide rather than the bell section. This design can improve projection, center of tone, and front-end response due to the extra mass and balance toward the player's side. Many early Conn models featured this setup before the tuning slide was moved to the bell section in later decades.
Is the Conn 40H good for jazz or marching band?
Yes. Its small bore, focused tone, and strong projection make it ideal for Traditional Jazz, Dixieland, and outdoor performance. It’s easy to spot visually thanks to the gold-washed bell interior and silver finish — and it plays loudly without breaking up the sound.
Is this a good collector horn?
Absolutely. The 40H is one of the more desirable early Conn models, and examples with original satin silver and gold wash that are still fully playable are not common. This one has not been restored or altered — it's a clean original in top form.
This Conn 40H is now part of our Historical Archive and is shown here as a reference for collectors, educators, and jazz players.
🔎 Browse available trombones at The Brass Exchange
