The Antoine Courtois AC-280 Mezzo Model is a large bore, open wrap tenor trombone ideal for advancing players ready to step up from a student instrument.
It features an 8.5-inch two-piece yellow brass bell, an open wrap rotor F-attachment, and a lightweight .547 bore nickel silver handslide.
This example is in excellent, lightly used condition with no prior damage or repairs. The handslide is straight, smooth, and responsive — professionally serviced and play-tested here at The Brass Exchange.
It plays freely across the full range and feels balanced in the hand, making it an outstanding upgrade choice for students or early college players seeking pro-level performance without the cost of a new horn.
From a practical standpoint, the open wrap design remains one of the most requested features by teachers and band directors. While it has become somewhat of a modern standard — and even a “fad” term in the trombone world — the real advantage lies in its smoother air path and slightly more open feel in the lower range. The key takeaway: a well-set-up horn matters far more than wrap style, but the Courtois design executes this feature beautifully.
Players often ask whether the Courtois 280 Mezzo is truly an “open wrap” model — and yes, it features a genuine open wrap rotor F-attachment that provides a smooth airflow and even response. The horn centers notes easily, slots partials predictably, and handles transitions through all seven positions with ease. This makes it a particularly good first F-attachment instrument for developing players.
It’s also a perfect choice for intermediate to advancing musicians, high school students preparing for auditions, or adults seeking a responsive and reliable large bore trombone without the high cost of a full professional model.
This Courtois model sells new for $2,500+ online, and this pre-owned example offers nearly identical condition at a meaningful savings.
Includes the original Courtois carbon-fiber–look case, lightweight and durable with the factory Courtois cloth bag still present. Mouthpiece not included.
✅FAQ
Q: Is the Courtois 280 Mezzo considered an open wrap trombone?
Yes — the 280 features a true open wrap rotor F-attachment, offering a smoother air path. While the open wrap trend has been widely marketed as “more free-blowing,” the real benefit is in design quality and setup precision.
Q: Who is this model ideal for?
Perfect for intermediate to advancing players, high school students preparing for auditions, or adults seeking a high-quality step-up horn without the cost of a full professional model.
Our inventory of used, vintage, and professional trombones changes constantly as new arrivals move through cleaning, service, and evaluation.
Many instruments are still in prep and not yet published online — you can preview what’s coming next here:
👉 Unpublished Used Trombones & Brass Instruments – Early Access List
This Courtois Mezzo 280 Tenor Trombone is available now — but if you’d like to see what else is ready, you can 🔎 Browse all trombones currently available.
