Blessing B88O Large Bore Tenor Trombone – Original Elkhart U.S. Production
This Blessing B88O is a genuine Elkhart-built model from before 2015, made in the original U.S. factory prior to Blessing’s acquisition and shift to overseas production. Likely built in the 1990s, it reflects the quality of American-made brass instruments during the final years of true Elkhart craftsmanship.
Blessing earned its reputation by producing durable, high-quality student and intermediate trombones, often using many of the same parts suppliers as Bach and Conn-Selmer. The B88O-Y features an 8.5" yellow brass bell, open wrap rotor, and a .547 bore handslide—ideal for players stepping into a symphonic-size tenor trombone.
Why do players still seek out vintage Elkhart U.S.-made BlessingaBlessing B88O Open Wrap Large Tenor Trombone – Elkhart U.S.A. – Archive Reference
Overview
This Blessing B88O open-wrap large-bore tenor trombone, built in Elkhart, Indiana before Blessing’s shift away from U.S. production, has now been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold instruments.
Likely produced in the 1990s, this model represents the final era of traditional Elkhart-built Blessing trombones. Blessing earned a strong reputation for durable, well-designed student and intermediate instruments, often sourcing components from the same regional suppliers used by Bach and Conn-Selmer during that period. The B88O featured an 8.5" yellow-brass bell, open-wrap rotor, and .547" handslide — a practical configuration for players stepping into their first symphonic-size tenor trombone.
Before sale, this instrument received full in-house preparation at The Brass Exchange, including chemical cleaning and mechanical inspection. The slide was smooth and responsive, the rotor operated quietly and correctly, and overall playability was excellent. Instruments like this are valued because Elkhart-era Blessing trombones were built with strong materials and careful assembly, offering dependable performance even decades later.
For advancing students, the B88O provided an approachable introduction to large-bore trombone playing. For teachers and families, it represented a sensible upgrade path — full-size orchestral design without the cost of a professional Bach 42B or Conn 88H. Clean U.S.-built examples like this continue to be sought out by players who prefer vintage American construction over modern import alternatives.
📚 Historical Perspective
Elkhart-built Blessing trombones document an important period in American brass manufacturing. During the late 20th century, Elkhart, Indiana was home to many major instrument makers, and Blessing models such as the B88O helped generations of students move into large-bore repertoire.
As production shifted overseas, original U.S.-made Blessing trombones became less common on the market. Well-maintained examples with professional service history are increasingly difficult to locate, making them useful both as performance instruments and as historical references documenting Elkhart-era craftsmanship.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Blessing B88O trombone has been sold and is now shown here as a historical reference for players researching Elkhart-built Blessing large-bore tenor trombones.
👉 Browse our current trombone listings here 🔎
or contact us for a valuation and explore your options ✍️.
📌 Archive Reference Note
This Blessing B88O is now part of our Archive of Sold instruments, helping students, teachers, and collectors compare vintage Blessing trombones and understand step-up large-bore tenor designs.horns over modern imports?
Because the Elkhart models were built with better materials, more attention to detail, and deliver a playing experience that remains competitive even today. This one plays with excellent response and clarity, making it a smart choice for advancing students or any budget-minded player needing a full-size horn.
We’ve performed a full shop service, including a chemical bath and complete mechanical check. The horn is clean and straight, with no dents or slide defects, and it’s in excellent playing condition. The handslide is smooth, the rotor functions perfectly, and the unlacquered patina gives it a classic, well-maintained look.
This would make an outstanding first large bore open wrap tenor trombone for middle school or high school students, or anyone wanting a quality U.S.-built horn at a very reasonable price.
Includes original case and mouthpiece.
In stock now for immediate delivery.
