Conn 48H Trombone, Super Mint Condition, made in 1960 SN 873582. This is the cleanest one that we have seen yet from the Elkhart era. Has 8" bell and .500 bore gold brass handslide with nickel silver end crook, yellow brass tuning slide. Comes with the original case, paperwork, music lyre, and mouthpiece.
It certainly qualifies as a collectible, but more importantly, it’s a fantastic player. This is a true professional-level jazz and commercial small bore trombone. One long-standing debate about the 48H has to do with the alloy composition under its lacquered nickel silver bell finish. Some believe it’s a Coprion bell with nickel plating (similar to the 10H and 12H); others argue it's yellow brass with copper plating, then nickel. We don’t have definitive documentation from Conn, but from decades of experience, we can confirm it doesn’t play brighter than a yellow brass bell — in fact, the tone is slightly darker with more core.
The slide action is excellent, with no plating loss or defects. This horn is 100% original and has had no previous damage or repair. No service is needed to improve playability — it’s ready to play or display.
What’s the main difference between the Conn 48H and the popular 6H?
The Conn 48H shares many characteristics with the 6H, including the .500 bore and 8" bell, but the 48H features a nickel-plated bell, which produces a slightly darker, more centered sound. Some players prefer this tonal profile for solo work or small ensemble settings.
This 48H has been sold and is now displayed here as a historical reference for collectors and Conn enthusiasts.
