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
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.
