🏛️ Archive Reference
This instrument has been sold and is presented here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments, maintained as a historical and research reference for collectors, players, and those studying American trombone craftsmanship.
✦ Historical Perspective
The Earl Williams Model 6 trombone represents a peak period of post-war American trombone craftsmanship. Hand-built in Burbank, California, these instruments were produced in small numbers and were often acquired directly by professional players visiting the Williams shop in person.
This example, serial number 1109, dates to the 1950s and carries meaningful provenance. The previous owner acquired the instrument from Carl Fontana, who obtained it directly at the Earl Williams shop — a common and well-documented path for Los Angeles–based professionals during that era.
Earl Williams trombones are widely respected for their precise slide geometry, efficient response, and stability across registers. Well-preserved instruments like this one provide important reference points for understanding the design characteristics that distinguish independent American makers from factory-produced instruments of the same period.
✦ Instrument Overview & Condition
At the time it passed through our shop, this Earl Williams Model 6 remained fully original, including lacquer and factory components. There were no signs of prior damage, structural repair, or major dent removal, and the instrument presented as an honest, well-cared-for example.
Key characteristics:
Model: Earl Williams Model 6
Era: 1950s
Serial Number: 1109
Build Location: Burbank, California
Bore: .500"
Bell: Yellow brass
Water Key: Standard Williams configuration (not the later curved custom design)
Leadpipe: Original, with a loose press-fit consistent with age
Slide: Excellent alignment and action
We performed a full professional shop service, including chemical bath, slide service, and final play testing. The slide was exceptionally smooth, and the horn played exactly as expected from a well-preserved Earl Williams build — centered, responsive, and efficient throughout the range.
The instrument was accompanied by a King contoured alligator-pattern case, consistent with cases commonly supplied with Earl Williams trombones during this period.
✅ Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Why are Earl Williams Model 6 trombones so highly regarded today?
The Model 6 is valued for its precise craftsmanship, smooth slide feel, and reliable intonation. Built by hand in small numbers, these trombones were often tailored for professional players, resulting in instruments that feel exceptionally balanced and efficient even by modern standards.
How rare are original-condition Earl Williams trombones?
Surviving examples in original condition are increasingly uncommon. Many have been modified or heavily repaired over time, making fully original instruments with clean service histories especially valuable as historical reference pieces.
What kind of playing were these trombones designed for?
Earl Williams Model 6 trombones were primarily built for professional jazz and studio players, where agility, clarity, and upper-register stability were critical performance requirements.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This Earl Williams Model 6 trombone has been sold and is preserved here as a historical reference for collectors, players, and researchers.
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has documented, serviced, and handled historically significant brass instruments as part of its work supporting professional players, collectors, educators, and estates nationwide.
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🔧 Availability & Archive Status
Archive of Sold pages are maintained as historical references and may feature instruments that are no longer available. Active inventory is clearly identified on current listings — contact us to confirm availability.
