This is an early 1970s King 3B Silversonic trombone, built during the Eastlake, Ohio production period. It features the iconic 8" sterling silver bell with gold-plated interior and a .508 bore lightweight handslide. The Silversonic bell design is known for its focused brilliance and quick response — especially well-suited for commercial and lead trombone playing.
The horn is in exceptional condition — a true one-owner instrument that shows very little wear. Grip and contact points are impressively clean, indicating minimal use over the decades. It has never been damaged and required no repairs, which is increasingly rare for a horn of this age. The slide is exceptionally smooth, responsive, and properly aligned. It’s one of the best-playing 3B slides we’ve encountered, and it’s ready for performance use right away.
Everything on the horn is original except for the balance weight, which has been upgraded to a modern version that maintains proper balance without adding unnecessary bulk. The lacquer retains its original luster, and all bracing and components are structurally excellent. The horn comes in its original case, which is also in outstanding condition.
✅ What makes the King 3B Silversonic from the Eastlake era so desirable?
The 3B Silversonic combines a sterling silver bell with precise lightweight slide construction, giving it a brilliant tone that cuts in lead playing without sounding harsh. While the Elkhart models of the 1950s and ’60s are legendary, many players specifically seek Eastlake 3Bs from the early 1970s for their consistent build quality and smooth slide action. These horns are highly regarded in the jazz, commercial, Broadway, and salsa scenes — offering projection, clarity, and nuance in equal measure.
This instrument has been sold and is now shown here as a historical reference for trombonists and collectors.
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