This vintage Conn 30H is in good condition and dates from 1937 (SN 315XXX – date taken from the Conn Loyalist page). While this would make for a cool addition to a collection for those that collect classic trombones this horn is still very much a player! This would be a very good choice for a trombonist seeking a horn for playing lead in a big band or seeking a classic “dance band” trombone (for lead or as a soloist). It has a great sound with good projection and clarity. This would also be a nice choice for any trombonist interested in performing solo material from the early 20th century with a more era-authentic sound than modern trombones offer.
This trombone has some American dance-band legitimacy as it appears to have been played by a member of the Glen Gray (Casa Loma) Orchestra. This seems to be supported by an old "fragile musical instrument, Glen Gray Orchestra" tag that was in with the trombone. We cannot verify which member of the band played the horn. But it is still a pretty cool little nugget of a bygone era in American music.
The original case is available. Please contact us (816-410-0826) if you would like the case to be shipped (we would likely ship in a separate box to secure the safety of the instrument). It is a vintage case (and while in pretty good condition it has a slight “vintage case” odor).
There are a few dings/small dents in the bell of the horn but overall this trombone looks very good and plays very well. The lacquer is good condition (there are a few spots of worn lacquer, and some oxidation on some parts of the horn, but that is not unexpected on a vintage horn and all of the lacquer appears to be the original lacquer). The slide is excellent and moves very easily and smooth!
The 30H is a "duo-bore" instrument, with a bore of 0.494" and 0.507". It was produced from 1934 to at least 1949 (per Conn Loyalist page).
What Conn said in 1938:
These two [30H and 32H] new models were built especially for the theatre, dance, and other large organizations, where great power and volume are paramount. Designed by and named for "Jake" Burkle, dean of Conn experimental engineers, and considered by him to be two of the best he has ever built. Incorporate tapered bore throughout bell, tuning slide, bell taper, slides and hand slide bow. This design, together with new construction bell, produces great flexibility, plenty of bright tone of robust quality, just the right amount of resistance, exceptionally accurate intonation, and amazing ease of response. Every register is of same beautiful quality, the top register being unusually good. Players are surprised at the ease with which high F and the G above bass clef are obtained. Narrowest slides and longest slide bearing on outside slides of any Conn trombone, giving light, fast slide action. Slide lock, bell lock, standard bell 7 and 7½ inches. Bb. Price includes plush-lined case. Selected by such representative stars as Ernie Passoja, high note king, CBS, Chicago, formerly with Horace Heidt; "Mike" Martini, first trombone with Vincent Lopez; Frank Perry with Red Nichols' Orchestra; Harry Kite, first chair with Ace Brigode; Herbert Foll with Stan Myers, Guy Boswell of Cleveland Symphony; Vincent Grande, NBC, N. Y.; and Carroll Martin, great first chair, NBC, Chicago.
Sold without a mouthpiece
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Also note weight indicated in the ad is shipping weight not actual weight of item.
