1946 King 2b - Restored

[jbeatenbough]

I thought somebody might appreciate this story...

In mid December 2019, I saw a locally owned 1946 King 2b on ebay, so I arranged to view it and then purchased it on the spot. The horn had a few dings and the slide was barely moving - but only due to 2 small dings.

The slide went to the slide doctor and then I removed all the lacquer and polished it and the put on 4 coats of clear lacquer.

The bell Section went to Rich Ita's shop in Marrietta, Georgia. He took out the dents and total refinished it.

The result is a good slide and a brand new looking bell.

The best part? Here is the content of the letter I received from the seller...

"This trombone belonged to by late uncle <name removed> who was born in Brenham, TX in 1922. He was my father's oldest brother. This is how I came to inherit it. My uncle was an insurance agent by trade and played the trombone on the weekends in what was called 'Lil Sisters' in Washington County, Texas. As a child in the '60s, I remember going to the juke joint and listening to the band play roaring tunes from the 20's/30's.

My uncle passed away in 2001, and I simply packed up everything and it's been in storage until now.

Hope you enjoy this instrument for many, many years to come. My heart is happy it's found a loving home, and I'm certain it will fill the room with LOVE for all to hear."

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[Kingfan]

Great story! Like the seller, I'm glad it went to a good home where it will be played and appreciated.

[walldaja]

Thanks for saving that piece of history, the horn and the story.

[SaigonSlide]

Cool story! Horn looks great.

[sacfxdx]

Ahhh. Nice horn. Hopefully we can get together soon and play again.

I also like seeing the term ‘juke joint’ again. I bet lots of folks don’t know that term.

[jbeatenbough]

I'm really pleased with how this horn turned out... It looks better than I had ever hoped it would... and it still plays great. Hopefully Ray will be able to get the slide closure to a 10/10 than it is now (we talked about it before the bottom dropped out on us).

Yes, I really miss the band...hope we'll be back at it soon. BTW, I made another leadpipe holder that I want you to test fit - see if it works on Conn threads... Stay Safe!

-John

[gregwaits]

Beautiful horn and a great story. If only the horn could talk!

[Vegastokc]

[Slidehamilton]

That's a beauty! I bet it plays great too! Nice start as well.

[jbeatenbough]

I'm still looking to find any available info about the old juke joint --> 'Lil Sisters' in Washington County, Texas

I would love a picture of the old place and any info about it...

[MBeal]

Great story. And living just down the road from Brenham makes it even better. Thanks for sharing!

[Nobbi]

Beautiful instrument, well done. Enjoy.

[sacfxdx]

I'm still looking to find any available info about the old juke joint --> 'Lil Sisters' in Washington County, Texas

I would love a picture of the old place and any info about it...

Have you checked any of the local (Washington County, Texas ) newspaper archives? You might find a reference to the joint there.

[PhilTrombone]

Love the provenance story!

I enjoy my 1947 2B, which was found in the attic of a friends' uncle who passed away. Sadly, that's all I know about this instrument.

The horn plays so well, with a nice sonorous sound. Enjoy yours!

[walldaja]

Fantastic restoration with the added benefit of a little history.

[jbeatenbough]

Thx all for the responses. I do love this horn.

MBeal, if you are able to find any info on that old juke joint in TX, I would appreciate it greatly! (and a picture is worth 1000 words!!). The guy's niece is trying to find out the address of the place, but I haven't heard back from her in a while.