🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This instrument has been sold and is shown here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments.
Archive listings serve as historical and educational references. Availability applies only to instruments shown in our current inventory.
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Overview
This King 3B Concert Trombone, serial number 451429, was built in 1969 during the early Eastlake, Ohio production period, shortly after King transitioned manufacturing from Cleveland. These first-generation Eastlake instruments carried forward the same tooling, craftsmen, and design philosophy established under the H. N. White Company, and are widely regarded as equal in build quality and playing characteristics to late Cleveland examples.
This particular horn had never suffered damage or repair. There were no dents, no dings, and all parts remained original, including factory lacquer. The slide showed no inner-tube plating loss or defects, and alignment was near perfect—clear evidence of careful professional ownership.
Player Perspective
The King 3B has long been the benchmark for jazz and commercial trombone playing, and a strong late-1960s example like this makes it immediately clear why. The familiar .508 bore paired with an 8″ yellow brass bell delivers the classic King balance: fast response, clear articulation, and enough breadth to carry in a section without sacrificing agility.
This horn played evenly across all registers with excellent slotting and effortless control. Among the many King 3Bs that have passed through The Brass Exchange, this stood out as a particularly strong early Eastlake example—responsive, centered, and confidence-inspiring.
Condition Summary (At Time of Sale)
1969 King 3B Eastlake-era professional model
100% original including lacquer and component parts
No history of dents or repair
Minimal finish wear at normal contact points
Full professional shop service completed
Shop Work Included:
Chemical cleaning
Slide alignment and inspection
Complete mechanical evaluation
Play testing
Slide was straight, smooth, and free-falling. Instrument was fully player-ready at time of sale.
Case:
Durable SKB-style hard case included.
Historical Perspective – The King 3B in Context
Introduced in the early 1950s, the King 3B became synonymous with modern jazz trombone playing. Its balance of flexibility and projection made it ideal for lead, section, and commercial work.
Artists such as J. J. Johnson helped cement the model’s reputation as a gold-standard medium-bore jazz trombone. Early Eastlake examples like this one preserved the sound and feel established in Cleveland, carrying forward the classic King design into a new production era.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Why are early Eastlake 3Bs desirable?
They retained Cleveland-era tooling and craftsmanship, producing instruments that play and feel very similar to late H. N. White models.
How does a 3B compare to a King 2B?
The 3B’s .508 bore and 8″ bell offer a broader sound while maintaining agility. The 2B is smaller and quicker for lead work.
Is original lacquer important?
Yes. Original lacquer often indicates the instrument has not undergone major repair and helps preserve collector value.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has focused on accurate in-hand evaluation and honest representation of professional brass instruments. Archive listings like this one document real instruments that have passed through the shop, helping players research history, condition, and market value.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This 1969 King 3B Eastlake trombone has been sold and is preserved here as a historical reference for players researching vintage King medium-bore jazz trombones.
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