Overview
This Conn 48H Connstellation trombone from the 1970s Elkhart era represents one of Conn’s most distinctive professional small-bore jazz instruments. Built as a premium companion to the famous Conn 6H, the 48H features an 8″ nickel-plated bell and a .500-bore handslide, delivering the classic Conn feel with a slightly darker tonal profile than its yellow-brass counterpart.
This example received a full shop service at The Brass Exchange, including chemical cleaning, inspection, and slide adjustment for proper alignment. The inner slide tubes remain original with no plating loss, and the horn plays freely and evenly across the range. The original case is also included and remains in excellent condition.
Many players who normally perform on large-bore orchestral trombones enjoy the Conn 48H as a jazz or commercial horn. The nickel-plated bell adds focus and density to the sound while retaining the lively response that made Conn small-bore instruments favorites of lead and studio players for decades.
We have handled dozens of Conn 48H trombones over the years at The Brass Exchange, and this example reflects the consistency of the Elkhart-era build quality that continues to make these horns sought after by players and collectors alike.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
Some photos on this page were taken during the early years of The Brass Exchange. They reflect our evolving studio process and remain part of our long-term effort to document historically important brass instruments with accurate reference photography.
✅ Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
How does the Conn 48H compare to the Conn 6H?
Both share the same .500-bore size and general feel. The 48H’s nickel-plated bell produces a slightly darker, more focused sound, while the 6H’s yellow-brass bell is brighter and more direct.
Is the 48H good for jazz and commercial work?
Yes. The Conn 48H has long been used for lead, commercial, Latin, and big-band playing where clarity and projection are important.
What era is considered “Elkhart”?
Conn trombones built in Elkhart, Indiana before the early-1970s transition are widely considered part of Conn’s Golden Era for build quality and craftsmanship.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Conn 48H has been sold and is shown here as part of our Archive of Sold instruments, serving as a historical reference for collectors and players researching vintage Conn trombones.
👉 Explore currently available trombones at The Brass Exchange 🔎
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