This Conn 8H was made in 1957 (SN 674908), at the legendary Conn factory in Elkhart, Indiana. The 8H is widely considered one of the most balanced and responsive large bore symphonic models of its time. This specific instrument features the iconic 8.5" rose brass bell with unsoldered rim and light gauge alloy, giving it a warm, resonant tone that made the Conn name legendary among professionals.
It includes the standard Conn-width .547 bore handslide with yellow brass tuning slide and nickel silver crook guard, while the handslide outer tubes are gold brass – a less common and desirable combination. This horn was fully serviced in our shop, including a complete chemical cleaning, and shows no major trauma. Approximately three or four dents were carefully removed from the bell stem near the brace, but the lacquer remained intact and did not crack during the process – a sign of both craftsmanship and gentle care.
What makes this model particularly interesting to Conn fans is that it predates the 88H and represents the original large bore design that many believe plays more freely than later iterations. The slide is super straight with no plating defects on the inner tubes, and the alignment is excellent. As is typical with early Elkhart 8H models, there is no slide lock, and springs in first position are present — a unique vintage trait.
The mouthpipe is large shank, and while we recommend a Remington taper mouthpiece for optimal fit and tone, some players successfully use traditional Morse taper mouthpieces. Remington shanks remain widely available, and we often keep compatible mouthpieces in stock.
What makes the 1957 Conn 8H special compared to later models like the 88H?
The 1957 Conn 8H represents an era of craftsmanship from Elkhart that is difficult to replicate. Unlike modern builds, the rose brass bell on this vintage model was hand-formed with lighter alloy and an unsoldered rim, which contributes to a more colorful and flexible sound. Additionally, the design is more free-blowing with less resistance — favored by orchestral players and soloists alike. It is also part of Conn's lineage of classic large bore designs that helped define the American symphonic trombone sound.
This page is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments.
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