The Conn 6H is one of the most iconic jazz trombones ever built, and this example from 1965 (serial #E84551) is a standout from the highly respected Elkhart era. With its original lacquer, parts, and classic design intact, this horn reflects everything players admire about vintage small bore Conns.
It features an 8" yellow brass bell paired with a .500 bore slide that includes gold brass outer tubes and a nickel silver end crook — a configuration known for producing a warm, centered tone with excellent projection. The handslide is in very good condition, free from dents or alignment issues, and importantly, the inner tubes show no signs of the dreaded “Conn wear” that sometimes affects this model.
The bell has never been creased or seriously damaged, which is rare for a horn of this vintage. The lacquer shows expected cosmetic wear from age, but nothing that affects playability. This 6H plays open and responsive, ideal for players seeking that classic 'Kenton sound.' Frank Rosolino, among the most revered jazz trombonists in history, famously performed on a Conn 6H, helping cement its reputation among serious players.
It comes with a more recent Conn case that offers solid protection — still considered vintage by today’s standards but in much better condition than many original 1960s cases.
This is the kind of trombone that makes a fantastic first pro-level jazz horn or a valuable addition to a collection of small bore instruments.
This Conn 6H has been sold and is now shown here as a reference in our Archive of Sold Instruments. 🔎 Browse all small bore jazz trombones currently in stock
What makes the Elkhart Conn 6H ideal for jazz trombone players?
The Elkhart-era Conn 6H models made before 1970 are especially prized by jazz players due to their classic .500 bore and 8" bell — a combination that offers excellent tonal balance and flexibility. One key design feature that sets these horns apart is the shorter leadpipe compared to many modern trombones, including boutique builds. This shorter pipe contributes to looser slotting, which some players find ideal for expressive jazz improvisation and smoother transitions between registers.
While horns that “slot well” may benefit classical players or those seeking more centered response, many jazz artists over the decades have preferred instruments that allow greater tonal freedom and vertical mobility — moving easily from low to high notes and back with a natural, unforced feel. The 6H strikes that balance, making it a standout choice for jazz phrasing, flexibility, and personal sound.
How does this 6H differ from modern small bore trombones?
While today’s boutique trombones are often more consistent in terms of precision manufacturing, few can match the character, response, and warmth of a well-preserved vintage Conn 6H. Many modern horns are actually lighter in weight than a 6H, and some replicate similar specs, but the classic Elkhart build has a unique playing personality — what many pros describe as a “singing” quality in the sound.
That individuality is hard to duplicate and is part of what gives a clean 6H its enduring value — both as a performer’s horn and a collector’s reference point.
Is there a modern small bore trombone that plays like a Conn 6H?
Over the years, we’ve tested many boutique small bore builds, including custom projects from S.E. Shires and Schilke-Greenhoe. Most offer impressive craftsmanship, but none have come closer to the 6H in terms of feel and playability than the new Greenhoe GC2 .500 bore model.
In collaboration with Schilke-Greenhoe, The Brass Exchange has helped redesign the bell bracing system to use heavier tubing, contributing to a tone and response that echoes the 6H more closely than anything currently on the market.
👉 Learn more about the Greenhoe GC2 .500 bore small bore trombone
