The Benchmark of Symphonic Trombones
If you've spent any time around professional trombone sections, you've seen a Conn 88HO on a stand. Since its introduction in 1954, this horn has become something of a standard-setter — the instrument that generations of serious players have gravitated toward when they need depth, control, and dynamic range that can hold up from a whispered pianissimo to a full-bore orchestral fortissimo. It's the kind of horn that earns its reputation one rehearsal at a time.
The 88HO is C.G. Conn's "Symphony" model — a Bb/F tenor trombone built specifically for the demands of symphonic and solo performance. What sets it apart isn't one flashy feature; it's the combination of choices Conn made across the whole instrument. Rose brass bell and outer slide, chrome-plated nickel silver inner slide, dual-bore design, open-wrap F attachment — every detail has a purpose, and together they add up to a horn that players describe as genuinely responsive at every dynamic level.
Whether you're taking a chair in a community orchestra, heading into a professional audition, or simply stepping up to an instrument that won't hold you back, the 88HO has been the answer for over seven decades.
A Dual-Bore Design That Opens Things Up
The 88HO uses a dual-bore setup: a .547" primary bore that expands to .562" once you engage the open-wrap F attachment. That wider bore through the valve section eliminates the airflow resistance that can make closed-wrap designs feel stuffy in the lower register. The result is a more consistent feel between the open and valve sides of the horn — slide and trigger work that flows naturally rather than fighting you.
The open-wrap routing also gives you access to alternate positions and a full chromatic range down to pedal Bb. For players dealing with fast passages or extended low-register writing, that freedom is genuinely useful, not just a spec on paper.
Rose Brass Bell and Slide — Warm, Not Muddy
The 8.5" bell is made from rose brass — an alloy with a higher copper content than yellow brass — which gives the 88HO its characteristic sound. Players often find rose brass instruments project with warmth and depth while maintaining clarity in articulation, especially in the upper-middle register where tenor trombones spend a lot of their time.
The outer handslide is also rose brass, extending that tonal consistency through the slide itself. Chrome-plated nickel silver inner handslide tubes keep slide action smooth and quick. The yellow brass tuning slide and F attachment section round out the overall response, while the clear lacquer finish adds a subtle warmth to the instrument's resonance overall.
Built for Both the Section and the Soloist
The 88HO is equally at home as part of a trombone section or out front on a solo. The standard rotor valve uses a fully mechanical linkage for reliable, fast triggering. Whether you're cutting through in a big orchestral tutti or shaping a lyrical phrase on your own, the horn responds without fighting you at the extremes.
The clear lacquer finish protects the instrument while giving it a classic, warm visual character that matches the sound. If you prefer silver plate, the 88HOSP is the same instrument in that finish.
Product Features:
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Instrument type: Bb/F Tenor Trombone with open-wrap F attachment
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Bore: .547" primary bore, expanding to .562" through the F attachment (dual-bore)
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Bell: 8.5" rose brass, two-piece construction
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Outer handslide: Rose brass for warm, resonant tone
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Inner handslide: Chrome-plated nickel silver for smooth, fast action
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Tuning slide: Yellow brass
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F attachment: Open-wrap design with standard rotor valve and mechanical linkage
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Finish: Clear lacquer
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Heritage: 88H series in continuous production since 1954
Brand: C.G. Conn
Model: 88HO Symphony
SKU: 88HO
Condition: New
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