The Brass Exchange has been a trombone dealer since 2010, specializing in both pre-owned and select new trombones, including Greenhoe Trombones and S.E. Shires trombones. With years of experience in handling a variety of trombones, the shop is particularly skilled in determining the age of vintage and used instruments, often relying on serial numbers found on different parts of the trombone.
How to Identify the Age of a Trombone
Trombones can often be dated by their serial numbers, which are typically located in one of several places on the instrument:
- Hand slide (typically at the back)
- Neck receiver (where it attaches to the hand slide)
- Tuning slide (found on some older King Trombones from the H.N. White Era)
Vintage Trombone Brands and Their Serial Number Locations
Here are some of the most common vintage trombone brands that The Brass Exchange encounters:
- Conn Trombones (pre-1970)
- Serial numbers are often found below the hand slide tenon or on the lower part of the outer hand slide.
- The bell section generally doesn’t have a serial number, but the model number is inscribed.
- More info: Conn Loyalist Website
- King Trombones (Pre-UMI Era)
- Serial numbers can appear in two places on the outer hand slide: below the cross brace and on the lower cork barrel.
- Earlier models may also feature a serial number on the tuning slide.
- More info: H.N. White Serial Numbers
- Holton Trombones
- Serial numbers are usually located on the neck receiver.
- More info: Holton Loyalist Website
- Vincent Bach Trombones
- The serial number is typically found on the back of the hand slide cork barrel, with earlier models also displaying it on the back of the outer hand slide.
- The bell section generally isn’t serialized.
- More info: Bach Loyalist Website
Olds Trombones (F.E. Olds and Sons)
For Professional Model trombones by F.E. Olds and Sons, the serial number is typically found on the back of the hand slide, just below the threaded nut. Olds was a renowned American instrument maker based in California, operating from the early 1900s through the late 1970s. The Brass Exchange was fortunate enough to sell the very last instrument ever produced by Olds — an Olds "Super" model. We even have a verified letter from the company, dated July 30, 1979, confirming its significance as the final instrument crafted by Olds.
You can read more about this historic sale on our archive page here: Olds "Super" – The Last Ever Made.
Other Trombone Makers
While Conn, King, Holton, and Bach are some of the most commonly encountered vintage trombone brands, there are many other makers whose instruments can be dated using serial numbers. Some of these brands include:
Getzen Trombones
Serial numbers are often located on the tuning slide or near the neck receiver. Getzen's serial number systems may vary by production era, so it's helpful to cross-reference the serial number with production records for a more accurate dating.
More info: Getzen Website
Edwards Instrument Co.
Early Edwards Trombones placed the serial numbers on the outside of the valve casing only. These custom-built trombones are known for their craftsmanship and precision. Edwards is a top choice by many professional orchestra players in the United States.
More info: Edwards Instrument Co. Website
Jupiter and XO Trombones
Both Jupiter and XO trombones typically place the serial number on the neck receiver of their instruments.
More info: Jupiter Trombones Website
More info: XO Trombones Website
Selmer Trombones
Selmer trombones were made in France prior to the Conn-Selmer acquisition. Vintage Selmer trombones often have serial and model numbers located on both the hand slide and the neck receiver. Model Numbers are often placed on the slide tenon. For Example: "Bolero" or "Largo" on professional models.
Greenhoe Trombones
Greenhoe trombones place the serial number on the neck receiver, not the hand slide. These instruments are known for their precision craftsmanship and are highly valued by professional trombonists.
More info: Greenhoe Trombones Website
S.E. Shires Trombones
S.E. Shires typically places the serial number on the neck receiver for both straight tenor trombones and F attachment trombones. Recently, they began adding serial numbers to the hand slide as well. For their Q series trombones, however, the serial number is located only on the neck receiver.
More info: S.E. Shires Website
Yamaha Trombones
Yamaha places the serial number on the neck receiver of their trombones. The model number is also found on the neck receiver, beginning with the prefix "YSL" for tenor trombones and "YBL" for bass trombones.
More info: Yamaha Trombones Website
Other Notable Makers
Many smaller or regional trombone makers also produce instruments with serial numbers on various parts of the trombone. It's always a good idea to consult specific manufacturer archives or databases to ensure accurate identification.
Additional Resources
For those interested in researching vintage trombones, The Brass Exchange maintains an archive of previously sold trombones, which includes photos of the serial numbers. This can be a valuable resource for trombone players and collectors to identify instruments. You can view the archive on their website: Archive of Sold Trombones.
Contacting The Brass Exchange
If you have a unique or interesting trombone and need assistance with determining its age or history, The Brass Exchange is available to help. Simply reach out via phone or email with some photos of the instrument, and they’ll assist you in identifying the trombone’s details.
The shop’s extensive knowledge and commitment to sharing useful information make it a valuable resource for trombone enthusiasts, whether they are looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about their instruments.
