This Conn 48H Connstellation, built in 1962 during the Elkhart, Indiana era, stands as one of the most distinctive small bore tenor trombones Conn ever produced. Known for its nickel-silver bell and bright, colorful tone, the 48H has long held a loyal following among jazz and commercial players. This example came to The Brass Exchange in solid original condition and was given a complete in-house servicing prior to sale, ensuring both reliability and performance.
The horn features an 8" nickel silver bell paired with a .500 bore gold brass handslide, creating an ideal balance of projection and warmth. The bell’s nickel alloy gives the sound a crisp, brilliant edge, while the gold brass slide helps maintain stability and smooth response. There was minor chrome wear on the inner slide tubes, typical for an instrument of this age, but the slide remained fast, smooth, and well-aligned after setup.
Service included a full chemical cleaning, expert repair of the tuning slide crook, and selective re-lacquering for protection and appearance. Structurally, the instrument was exceptionally straight and free of damage, reflecting careful ownership across its lifetime. It played with clean articulation, excellent projection, and a flexible tonal palette, making it suitable for ensemble work, section playing, or lead-style solos.
The Conn 48H has become increasingly rare, and this example showed why it has earned its reputation. It offered the refined feel of a professional-grade instrument while remaining approachable for advanced students seeking their first serious vintage horn. It was sold with a functional, non-original utility case.
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What makes the Conn 48H Connstellation unique?
It combines a nickel silver bell for brilliance with a gold brass handslide for warmth, producing a lively, focused sound ideal for lead and commercial playing.
Is this model suitable for advancing students?
Yes — the 48H is a professional-caliber horn with easy response, making it a strong choice for students stepping up from intermediate models.
📌 This Conn 48H Connstellation has been sold and is now shown here as a historical reference for collectors and enthusiasts.
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