This beautifully restored King 2B vintage trombone dates from 1960 (serial #371513) and was built in Cleveland by H.N. White Company. It represents the original small-bore design created for Tommy Dorsey during the big-band era.
The horn features a standard yellow-brass bell, nickel-silver outer slide, and a yellow-brass end crook. Its classic dual-bore (.481"/.491") configuration provides lightning-fast response and crisp projection — ideal for jazz, lead, and studio use.
A full shop restoration included a new lacquer finish while retaining every original component, including the perfectly straight inner slide tubes. There are no dents, no dings, and no service needs — ready for immediate professional performance.
Player Perspective
For musicians seeking their first professional-level jazz trombone or a genuine Cleveland-built collectible, this King 2B delivers unmatched ease of play. The horn’s light, responsive slide and balanced resonance define the “King sweet tone” that has shaped generations of lead players.
It comes housed in a Reunion Blues burgundy leather gig bag, a legendary piece of craftsmanship from Northern California’s Bay Area. Founded in the 1970s, Reunion Blues earned worldwide acclaim for its leather instrument cases designed by Glenn Cronkhite, whose thoughtful balance of durability and comfort became the industry standard. After the company’s sale, Cronkhite launched his own line of custom cases under his name, continuing production in the U.S. until his retirement, when the brand was acquired by Torpedo Bags (Minnesota) — where the tradition of American-made excellence still continues today.
These original Reunion Blues bags are prized for their hand-stitched quality, YKK zippers, and richly aged leather patina that improves with time. They remain the gold standard in instrument gig bags and a perfect match for this vintage King trombone.
As of 2025 Modern “King 2B Legend” horns retail for over $3,000, with open-box examples often in the mid-$2,000 range.
👉 Looking for more information about open-box or B-stock brass instruments? Read here.
FAQs
Q: Is this the same design as the modern King 2B Legend?
A: Yes. The 2B Legend is a faithful reproduction of this 1960 Cleveland model, but vintage builds feature tighter hand-fitting, different brass alloys, and a livelier resonance that modern versions rarely match.
Q: What are the bore and bell specifications?
A: Dual bore .481"/.491" slide with yellow-brass bell and end crook, nickel-silver outer slide tubes — the hallmark King small-bore jazz setup.
Q: Who was Glenn Cronkhite, and why are his Reunion Blues bags special?
A: Cronkhite was the original designer behind Reunion Blues cases in California and later founded his own brand. His bags remain renowned for their comfort, durability, and craftsmanship — each a functional piece of American instrument history.
Condition Summary
Serial #371513 (1960 Cleveland build)
Complete restoration with fresh lacquer
All original parts retained and undamaged
Perfect hand-slide alignment
Reunion Blues burgundy leather bag (VG condition, YKK zippers)
Mouthpiece not included
This vintage 1960 King 2B trombone now lives in The Brass Exchange Historical Archive, preserved here for players, collectors, and researchers studying the evolution of Cleveland-built King small-bore jazz horns. Instruments from this era represent the hand-fitted craftsmanship and alloy choices that shaped the signature “King Sweet Tone” heard across big-band, jazz, and studio recordings for decades.
If you’d like to explore how this model compares to other periods of King production — including Silversonic variants, early H.N. White engravings, or later 2B/3B transitions — you can browse additional examples in our Vintage King Trombone Archive. It’s an excellent way to learn differences in resonance, lacquer tone, slide construction, and bell metallurgy across the decades.
Looking for something comparable today?
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