Overview — Collector Perspective
This Conn 88H Elkhart-era tenor trombone (serial K106381, 1967) comes from a one-owner player estate and represents one of the most respected periods in Conn’s history. Built during the final years of Elkhart production, the horn retains its original lacquer, original components, and correct period construction, including an 8½″ rose brass bell with unsoldered rim and standard Conn handslide setup.
The instrument has never been damaged or creased, and inspection confirms proper alignment of bell, neckpipe, and valve section. Lacquer condition is honest and original, with expected wear at grip areas, tuning slide contact points, and small areas on the bell, yet still presenting with a clean, authentic appearance.
Included are the original Remington mouthpiece and original Conn case, completing a historically correct package appreciated by collectors and players alike.
Having handled many Elkhart-era 88Hs from the 1950s through 1970, we don’t observe a consistent pattern in bell weight or alloy across years — but this example stands out as especially lively, responsive, and resonant in real playing terms.
Player Perspective
For players, this is exactly what a strong Elkhart 88H should feel like.
The slide shows superior alignment with no inner-tube plating defects, moving freely and evenly across positions. After full shop service, response is immediate and centered, delivering the warm, flexible Conn sound that has defined orchestral large-bore tenor trombone playing for generations.
This is the type of instrument that works equally well as:
• A first professional large-bore tenor for an advancing player
• A dream Elkhart example for a seasoned Conn player
The 88H became the reference design for modern .547 tenor trombones, and horns like this show exactly why.
Condition Summary
• One-owner estate instrument
• Never damaged or creased
• Original lacquer with normal wear at contact areas
• Bell, neckpipe, and valve section properly aligned
• Superior handslide alignment with no plating defects
Full Professional Shop Service Completed:
• Chemical bath
• Rotor serviced and adjusted
• Slide setup and alignment
• Water key service
• Complete mechanical inspection
Included:
• Original Conn case
• Original Remington mouthpiece
Player ready.
Historical Context — Why Elkhart 88Hs Matter
Conn’s Elkhart-era 88Hs, produced through 1970, are widely regarded as benchmarks for symphonic large-bore tenor trombones. Their responsive bells, efficient slides, and mid-century craftsmanship helped define the sound concept used by nearly every large-bore tenor trombone that followed.
Modern Conn 88H models still trace directly to this design, but materials and fabrication methods have changed over time. Original Elkhart examples remain valued for their direct connection to the classic Conn sound and playing feel.
Pricing Perspective
As of 2026, comparable modern large-bore professional tenor trombones often retail well into the mid-$3K to $4K range and beyond. This Elkhart-era Conn 88H offers the opportunity to own an original example from Conn’s golden period, with proven playability and historical authenticity that modern reproductions aim to match.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
How does a Conn 88H compare to a Bach 42B?
This is a great question because the differences are quite noticeable, even though the two models share similar basic specifications — typically a .547 bore slide and an 8½″ bell.
The Conn 88H uses Conn’s traditional rose brass bell alloy, which contains more copper than yellow or gold brass. Conn also used gold-brass slide outer tubes on many Elkhart models. Combined with the unsoldered bell rim bead wire, this construction allows the bell to vibrate more freely and produce a wide range of tonal colors.
Most players describe Elkhart 88Hs as having a slightly darker, broader sound, often attributed to the higher copper content and the bell construction method.
The Bach 42B, while available in yellow brass or gold brass versions, uses a one-piece hand-hammered bell with a soldered rim bead wire, giving a different tonal profile — often described as more centered or focused.
Both are outstanding orchestral tenor trombones. The choice ultimately comes down to individual preference in response, color, and feel.
Will a Remington receiver work with modern mouthpieces?
Yes. The Conn 88H was originally designed with a unique leadpipe and receiver developed for Eastman School of Music professor Emory Remington, which accepted a slightly longer, straighter-taper mouthpiece shank.
Modern Morse-taper large-shank mouthpieces (such as standard Bach or Schilke models) still work perfectly well in most 88Hs. Many players use them with no issues.
Some Conn traditionalists prefer Remington-style mouthpieces or longer-shank designs because the subtle difference in taper and insertion depth can slightly change response and tonal color. Options include vintage Schilke long-shank mouthpieces, Bach “88” models, modern Remington-taper mouthpieces, or custom mouthpieces made for this receiver style.
In practice, both modern and Remington-style mouthpieces are usable — it comes down to player preference.
Is it safe to buy a trombone from the 1960s for serious use today?
Yes — when the instrument has been properly evaluated and serviced. Many professional trombones from the 1950s–1970s were built with exceptional materials and craftsmanship. The key factors are slide condition, structural integrity, and correct mechanical service. At The Brass Exchange every instrument is inspected in hand and serviced as needed so vintage horns remain fully reliable for modern performance.
Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange 🏅
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional and vintage brass instruments, evaluating thousands of trombones across every major maker and era. Each instrument is inspected in hand, serviced where needed, and represented accurately so players and collectors can buy with confidence.
👉 Curious how this Conn 88H fits into the broader Conn lineage? Explore our Historical Archive of Conn trombones 📚
Next Steps
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