Conn 88HO Large Bore Tenor Trombone. This is the open wrap version of the classic Conn 88H design, favored by orchestral and large ensemble players for its broader, freer response. It features an 8.5" rose brass bell and standard .547 bore handslide for a large shank mouthpiece.
This example is approximately 20 years old and has had only one previous owner. It has never sustained any major damage or undergone significant repair work. We performed full shop service here, including chemical bath, rotor service, and slide alignment. The rotor is fast and quiet, and the handslide is smooth and responsive with no plating defects or red rot. The horn plays beautifully and requires no additional work.
Cosmetically, it shows some typical lacquer wear and a few acid bleed spots along the bell rim—common for Conn brass of this age—but nothing affecting performance. Overall, the instrument is in excellent condition and is an ideal choice for an advancing student or developing pro seeking a large bore symphonic horn with open wrap F-attachment.
What is the advantage of the open wrap design on the Conn 88HO?
The open wrap design on the Conn 88HO allows for a more open, free-blowing response when using the F-attachment. Unlike the traditional closed wrap, which includes tighter bends and a more compact loop, the open wrap routes air through wider, more gradual tubing curves. This helps reduce resistance and improves airflow, particularly when the valve is engaged.
Players often notice that notes in the trigger register speak more easily and connect more naturally to the open notes. For advancing players tackling complex orchestral passages or lyrical solo repertoire, this translates to smoother slurs, easier legato phrasing, and a more comfortable playing experience overall.
While some players still prefer the focused feel and traditional resistance curve of a closed wrap, the 88HO's open wrap configuration has become a favorite for its responsiveness, tonal evenness, and ease of valve register access. The design emphasizes fluidity and flexibility rather than projection, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a horn that won’t fight back in technical or expressive playing.
This Conn 88HO has been sold and is now archived as a reference for trombonists researching modern Conn large bore trombones with open wrap valves.
