King Conservatory Trombone late 20s

[Smaran123]

Hi all,

I'm new to this but figured this would be the best place to go as I'm in need of some help.

Back story - I'm a band director and used to use a late 70s king 3b in my classroom whenever I had to demonstrate for trombones (I'm a trombone player by nature). I loved the horn but a friend offered me a price I couldn't refuse so I sold it a couple weeks ago. I'm hoping I don't need to take my Schilke to school much longer so I'm searching for a replacement horn.

So - I found a FB Marketplace post from a local music store that has a King Trombone with in-slide tuning. Serial number makes it about 1928-1930ish from what I've found on the HN White site. They are asking $250 for it and it seems like it's almost too great of a deal to pass up. HOWEVER - I know the guy who owns the store and trust that he would research before selling it for far too little.

It is the King Conservatory Orchestra model (7.5in. bell, .481 bore, and as mentioned: in-slide tuning).

Think it's a good price if the playing checks out? I can't find any instruments for sale online to compare it with except one on eBay. That guy is asking $875 for his...

Thanks in advance!

[BGuttman]

I have its bigger brother, the 1130 (0.536" bore). Big problem is balance. Without a counterweight the horn is horribly nose-heavy. To the point it's uncomfortable to play. And since there are no braces in the bell section, there's nowhere to put a counterweight (unless you can be REALLY creative).

I'd pass on it and go for something a little better balanced. For $250 you can get a lot of nice student trombones out there.

[sf105]

I have its bigger brother, the 1130 (0.536" bore). Big problem is balance. Without a counterweight the horn is horribly nose-heavy. To the point it's uncomfortable to play. And since there are no braces in the bell section, there's nowhere to put a counterweight (unless you can be REALLY creative).

I have taped counterweights to my front-heavy horns. Seems to work and avoids significant changes. Of course, it's not pretty.

Of course, your point about cheap student horns still stands.

[hyperbolica]

That horn might be more of a collector than a player. The slide is probably not very good. I might aim for something more along the "cheap but reliable" line, like a student Yamaha or King 607.

[Smaran123]

Thanks for the input, all. I appreciate it! I am going to pass on his one. Same person says he has a Liberty and K special so I may still travel and look at those two. It’s only an hour away and I’m already in the area once a week