Conn Artist Symphony

[PaKETaZ]

What do you think about this one? 88H?

I don't have a lot of informations at the moment, but it sells for €750 ($840).
I'll have the serial number during the we.

The seller says the slide is a little grippy between 6th and 7th, lacquer a bit aged.

[hyperbolica]

They are decent enough horns. You'll need a slide job, it sounds like. No real way of knowing for sure without playing it.

[PaKETaZ]

Thank you Matt. But if the horn is decent (not bad, not excellent), do you think $840 is a fair price? It seems ok to me but I’d like to have advices.
If I pay for a slide work, and if it’s not the right horse, I think I’ll be able to sell it w/o loosing money.

[mrdeacon]

Thank you Matt. But if the horn is decent (not bad, not excellent), do you think $840 is a fair price? It seems ok to me but I’d like to have advices.
If I pay for a slide work, and if it’s not the right horse, I think I’ll be able to sell it w/o loosing money.

I wouldn't buy it without playing it. $840 is a "fair" price if it plays well. If you get a dog it might be hard flipping it for the same price.

[SwissTbone]

Depends... do you buy it to play it? Then I would definitely want to test it. If it plays good for you, why not.

If you buy it in order to resell it for more, I dont think it would be worth it. Might even be difficult to resell at the same price.

[hyperbolica]

In the states, that's a fairly low price for a horn that might be a risk. With a good slide it's less of a risk. If you've got a need for the horn, go for it. If you're afraid of losing money you've got to try it first.

[greenbean]

This is an early 70s 88H that probably needs some work. If you end up flipping it, you might get your money back or loose a little. I would pass. This vintage is sketchy and good 88H's are not hard to find.

[greenbean]

Julien, I have some good horns. You should PM me.

[hyperbolica]

To be honest, no, I wouldn't buy one of that era regardless of the price. But I'm spoiled by a very nice Elkhart.

[hornbuilder]

Artist Symphony Conn's can be very instruments. I had an 8H that I bought new in 1987 that was the equal of any other 8H out there. I wish I had not sold it now. Yes, there are some that are less than great, too, but that applies to virtually every other production brand as well. That is a great price for an 88. Of any era. Anything less than 1000 is a bargain!

[mfellows821]

I agree with hornbuilder. There are plenty of Abilene 88H's that are better than Elkharts and vice versa. A nice Abilene 88H can sell for more than $1000. If you can verify condition of inner slide tubes $840 is a fair price. I think you can generally sell a used trombone for about what you paid for it- sometimes more- sometimes less. Kind of like trying out a horn with a substantial deposit.

[chromebone]

This is an early 70s 88H

This is late ‘70’s early 80’s pre-UMI. “Artist Symphony” started around 1975-1977 or so and carried over into the early UMI days. Previous Abilene horns would have had the Elkhart style engraving with “Made in USA or Abilene TX” instead of Elkhart In until around 1975.If this was a UMI Artist Symphony, it would have orange lacquer.

[PaKETaZ]

Ok, thank you all. I didn’t get news this last we, nevermind...
I don’t really need a large bore at the moment, but if I find a good one at a good price, why not...

I’m right now in discussion for a 2B SS at a really good price: really different horse... There’s something wrong with me... I know I’m not the only one: it does make me feel a little better...

[SwissTbone]

I’m right now in discussion for a 2B SS at a really good price: really different horse... There’s something wrong with me... I know I’m not the only one: it does make me feel a little better...

I am in the middle of selling two trombones and buying two trombones. And trying to hook someone I don't really know up with a nice bass trombone. And I can need another trombone like a hole in my head.

Takes time and energy. Why? I love it, can't say why... So, no, you are not alone!

[timbone]

Hey if you're interested I'll sell you my Elkhart 88 and I am in the states. Its a '63 or 66.

[PaKETaZ]

Hey if you're interested I'll sell you my Elkhart 88 and I am in the states. Its a '63 or 66.

Thank you Tim, but I just bought the SS. Can’t wait to have it in my hands!

[timbone]

Congrats and good luck!

[Driswood]

I had a 1978 88H that was a DREAM horn. Sold it to a student in 1983. Really wish I had that horn back. It was definitely one of the good Abilenes.

I bought it from Chuck Levin. He told me it was hand picked at the factory for the Marine Band. I thought this guy really wants to sell me a horn. Then I played it. My buddy and I knew right away it was the one.