Overview
Single-owner Conn 88H from the Elkhart era dating to approximately 1969. Remarkable condition and likely one of the finest original examples we have encountered at The Brass Exchange over the years out of hundreds of Conn 88H trombones that have passed through our shop.
This instrument remains highly original throughout, retaining its original lacquer, original components, original mouthpiece, and original case. There is no evidence of any prior major damage, significant trauma, or extensive repair history. The lacquer remains in very good condition, and the rose brass 8½-inch unsoldered rim bell presents beautifully.
The traditional wrap rotor has been professionally serviced and operates quickly, quietly, and reliably. The handslide is equally impressive, offering exceptional action and response while remaining free from inner slide tube plating wear or defects.
Included are the original Conn mouthpiece and original Conn case, both of which remain in excellent condition and further reinforce the originality of this outstanding instrument.
Condition Summary
Condition is exceptional overall and reflects careful ownership over many decades.
The original lacquer remains remarkably well preserved, particularly for an instrument now approaching sixty years of age. The bell section is free from signs of significant prior damage, and the instrument presents exactly as serious collectors and players hope to find when searching for an original Elkhart-era example.
The rose brass unsoldered rim bell remains one of the defining visual and playing characteristics of the classic 88H design. Combined with the traditional wrap rotor section, it delivers the unmistakable appearance and performance qualities that made the model famous.
Mechanically, everything functions as it should. The rotor is smooth, quiet, and dependable. All slides move properly and the instrument has been thoroughly inspected and serviced prior to listing.
Player Perspective
Perhaps most impressive is the handslide.
Original Elkhart 88H slides in this condition have become increasingly difficult to find. This example remains free from inner slide tube plating wear and retains its original first-position cork barrel springs. The slide has been professionally aligned and optimized for maximum playability, delivering the smooth, responsive action that professional players expect.
The slide features gold brass outer tubes, a nickel silver end crook, and the classic .547-inch bore design intended for large-shank mouthpieces. Together, these elements create the broad, resonant sound and stable response that have made the 88H one of the most influential orchestral trombones ever produced.
There has always been something special about the way a rose brass Elkhart 88H resonates. The response is immediate, the sound remains broad and colorful, and the instrument projects effortlessly while maintaining warmth and depth throughout the dynamic range.
Whether used in symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, church orchestra, studio work, or advanced academic settings, the classic 88H continues to be a benchmark for large-bore tenor trombone performance.
Historical Perspective
The Conn 88H was introduced in 1954 in collaboration with legendary Eastman School of Music professor Emory Remington. It quickly became one of the most influential trombone designs ever produced.
As the large-bore orchestral trombone became increasingly popular during the 1950s and 1960s, the Conn 88H emerged as the instrument of choice for many serious students and professionals. Generations of players studied on the model, won major auditions, and helped establish what would become the modern American orchestral trombone sound.
As the market evolved, competing manufacturers expanded their own offerings in response to growing demand for large-bore symphonic trombones. Together, the Conn 88H and Bach 42 helped establish the foundation of the modern symphonic tenor trombone and continue to influence instrument design today.
More than seventy years after its introduction, the 88H remains one of the most respected and recognizable orchestral trombones ever produced.
Value Perspective
Conn continues to manufacture the 88H today, and current production examples routinely sell in the $3,700 range and beyond depending upon configuration and case options.
Yet despite the availability of modern production instruments, many professional players continue to seek out the original Elkhart examples. There has always been something special about the way a rose brass Elkhart 88H responds, resonates, and projects sound into a hall. For many players, these instruments represent the benchmark against which all other large-bore orchestral trombones are measured.
This example offers something increasingly difficult to find in today's market: a remarkably original Elkhart-era 88H that has remained with a single owner since new. The instrument retains its original lacquer, original components, original mouthpiece, and original case while remaining free from significant damage history.
When evaluating value, the question becomes fairly simple. Would you rather pay more for a modern interpretation of the classic design, or less for an exceptionally preserved original example from the era that established the 88H's legendary reputation?
For collectors, educators, serious students, and professional performers alike, opportunities to acquire an Elkhart 88H in this level of original condition have become increasingly uncommon.
Includes
• Conn 88H Elkhart Trombone
• Original Conn Mouthpiece
• Original Conn Case
Questions Players Often Ask
Is this an original Elkhart Conn 88H?
Yes. This is an original Elkhart-era Conn 88H dating to approximately 1969 and retains its original components, original lacquer, original mouthpiece, and original case.
Has the instrument been serviced?
Yes. The rotor has been professionally serviced, the slide has been aligned and optimized for playability, and the instrument has been thoroughly inspected prior to listing.
How is the slide condition?
Exceptional. The handslide remains free from inner slide tube plating wear or defects and retains its original cork barrel springs.
Why are Elkhart 88Hs so desirable?
Many professional players appreciate the response, resonance, craftsmanship, and playing characteristics associated with the original Elkhart-era instruments. Clean original examples have become increasingly difficult to locate.
🏛️ Why Players Trust TBE
For decades The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional and vintage trombones for advancing students, educators, collectors, military musicians, university professors, and professional performers.
Every instrument is carefully evaluated, accurately represented, professionally photographed, and described in detail. Our goal is simple: provide enough information so buyers can make confident decisions before purchasing.
Many customers return repeatedly because they know they will receive honest descriptions, knowledgeable guidance, and instruments that perform exactly as represented.
📦 Fulfillment & Availability
This Conn 88H is currently available for immediate purchase subject to prior sale.
Orders are professionally packed and shipped via Federal Express with full insurance and tracking provided. Most customers complete their purchase directly through our secure online checkout system for the fastest processing.
Prefer to speak with someone first? We are always happy to discuss the instrument, answer questions, and assist with ordering by telephone.
International shipping may be available depending upon destination and current carrier requirements.
Next Steps
If you have been searching for an original Elkhart-era Conn 88H, opportunities to acquire examples in this level of condition have become increasingly uncommon.
Interested in a trade? The Brass Exchange accepts select trade-ins. Simply use the Trade-In Form ✍️ located next to the Add to Cart section to tell us about your current instrument.
📚Would you like to explore historical Conn 88H trombones that have passed through our shop over the years? Visit our Archive of Sold Instruments🔎 to review previous examples, specifications, photos, and configurations:
For players seeking one of the most important orchestral trombone designs ever produced, this original Elkhart Conn 88H represents an exceptional opportunity.
