THE STORY of the C.G. Conn 88H trombone ultimately begins in 1875 with the vision and determination of one man: Charles Gerard Conn (1844-1931).

Born in upstate New York, C.G. Conn was a Civil War soldier and cornetist who, in 1875, founded a band instrument manufacturing company in the small town of Elkhart, Indiana. Though known primarily for his innovative cornets, Conn rapidly branched out into other brass instruments and by the turn of the century was producing many different styles of valve and slide trombones. Under Conns direction, his company grew to become the largest producer of trombones in the United States and earned a lasting reputation as Americas trombone house.

In 1915, Carl Greenleaf purchased the C.G. Conn Company, renaming it C.G. Conn Ltd. Greenleaf soon began an aggressive research and development program which resulted in a wealth of new trombones and other instruments. Among these was the 8H, a .547 bore straight symphonic trombone available with an optional F attachment. In the 1940s, responding to the more demanding role of low brass in contemporary symphonic literature, C.G. Conn Ltd. began refining the 8H. With the assistance of The Chief, Dr. Emory Remington, Conn perfected this design and in 1954 introduced the Model 88H. This instrument, the definitive 88H, incorporated the features which are still recognized by trombonists everywhere: 8-1/2 thinwall rose brass bell, rose brass outer slides, and Remingtontaper mouthpiece and receiver.

The 88H rapidly gained popularity as a symphonic tenor trombone in ensembles favoring a heroic, robust lower brass section. Its unique tone color and refusal to break up even at the most extreme dynamics made it one of the most widespread professional symphonic trombones in the United States and throughout much of Europe. The Conn 88H has remained in continuous production since its introduction, a record unequaled by any other American symphonic trombone.

Tastes and musical requirements change, of course. Modern trombonists are routinely expected to perform literature that makes technical demands which were unheard-of when the 88H was introduced. Therefore, in the 1990s United Musical Instruments (successor to C.G. Conn Ltd.) introduced a second generation of 88H: the 88H GEN2.

Todays Conn 88H GEN2 is available in open and closed wrap configurations; with standard rotor valve or Christian Lindberg CL2000 valve (patent pending); in four bell materials; with straight and dual bore slides; and with interchangeable leadpipes for both Remington and standard taper mouthpiece shanks. These options, combined with other UMI improvements such as tapered rotor bodies and bearings, mechanical linkages, and adjustable thumb levers have made the Conn 88H GEN2 the choice of discriminating professional trombonists around the world. UMI has also introduced a new level of manufacturing sophistication to the 88H at its facility in Eastlake, Ohio, the proud home of the 88H GEN2 family. Todays 88H GEN2 trombones are sophisticated and contemporary in every sense but they continue to reflect the genius of C.G. Conn, Carl Greenleaf, Emory Remington, and the legions of players who have made the 88H a legend in the trombone community.

The Conn 88H GEN2. A trombone with a future as bright as its past.

Got a question about this product? Contact Us