This modern Conn 88H tenor trombone is approximately ten years old and has seen just a few years of careful use. The 88H remains one of the most respected designs in the trombone world — its combination of warmth, projection, and consistency has made it a professional standard since the 1950s.
Note: This 88H represents the modern Eastlake-era production of Conn’s flagship large-bore tenor trombone — the current evolution of the classic Elkhart design that defined the model’s legacy.
This instrument features the classic 8.5" rose-brass bell, traditional-wrap F-attachment, and a .547-bore handslide designed for large-shank mouthpieces. The rotor section uses Conn’s modern mechanical linkage system, prized for its quick, quiet action and minimal maintenance requirements.
It has received full professional servicing here at The Brass Exchange, including a chemical bath, mechanical inspection, and precision slide alignment. The slide is smooth and fast, with excellent compression — comparable to new examples. Lacquer remains original, showing only light cosmetic wear at normal contact points. There are no dents, repairs, or plating issues. All parts are original and in perfect working order.
Ideal for the advancing student or returning adult player seeking a reliable professional-level instrument, this 88H plays easily and projects beautifully in any setting. With new 88H models retailing above $3,400, this was a superb opportunity for its new owner to save while still getting top-tier Conn performance. (Mouthpiece not included.)
FAQs
Q: Why is the Conn 88H still so popular after all these years?
A: The 88H has earned its reputation as the benchmark large-bore tenor trombone. Its rose-brass bell adds warmth and depth, while the open .547 bore and responsive valve section deliver an effortless, centered feel. It’s equally at home in orchestral, solo, or academic performance environments.
Q: What makes the rose-brass bell special?
A: Rose brass contains a higher copper content than yellow brass, giving it a darker, more complex tonal color. Many players describe it as “rich yet clear,” with excellent projection and a round, resonant character that blends beautifully in ensemble work.
Q: How does a traditional-wrap 88H compare to open-wrap versions?
A: The traditional wrap keeps the valve section compact and balanced in the hand, offering slightly more resistance and focus. Open-wrap models tend to feel broader and more open. It’s purely preference — many professionals still prefer the traditional-wrap for its classic response.
Condition Summary
• 8.5" Rose-Brass Bell – Original lacquer, excellent finish
• Traditional-Wrap F-Attachment – Smooth, reliable mechanical linkage
• .547 Bore Slide – Large-shank receiver, fast and quiet
• Full Shop Service – Chemical bath, rotor and slide setup completed
• No dents, dings, or plating wear – All original parts intact
Players comparing modern 88H horns to earlier Elkhart or Abilene-built examples will notice a lighter handslide balance and more responsive rotor linkage — subtle refinements that define Conn’s modern craftsmanship.
This Conn 88H has now been sold and is preserved as part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, serving as a modern reference for today’s professional Conn trombones.
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