FS: Holton TR-258 large bore tenor
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
Finally selling this super cool Holton, to my detriment!
This is, as far as I can tell, Holton's attempt to make a Conn 88H alongside the larger 42-analogue-Friedman model (156). The tuning slide is actually swappable with an 88H, and the slide has the same width and dimensions. The bell stem is also a similar size.
Of course, there are plenty of differences- typical Holton chrome plated handslide grips, nickel tubes, yellow crook. Small rotor valve with .578 valve tubing and long E pull. Best of all- red brass 9" screwbell!
These things add up to one of the best principal .547s I've ever played. I used it on an opera production (Iolanthe) and an orchestra concert (La Forza) on 1st trombone and it was AMAZING. Again, I'm not sure I've played another trombone that has such a perfect slot and cushion from F in the staff to high D. Not only are the notes easily slotted, the slot gives you room to have the sound broaden as you give it air. Something about the leadpipe/bell combo gives you this huge, centered sound with a bunch of tenor color in this range. I think some 88Hs have this quality, but not at the same dynamic level.
The mid and low range are not as special. I think the horn is held back pretty hard by the rotor, which is in good condition and seals but is still very small. I have a feeling that simply putting in a Rotax or Caidex would make this instrument a true all-rounder... I'm not willing to mess with the higher range magic myself, but perhaps someone else would. In any case, it still works down there but with less ease and sound, more like a typical closed-wrap instrument.
It's mostly delacquered, not the prettiest instrument but not ugly (only some crazing in the nickel plate on the valve cap). Slide was just gone over by John Sandhagen, I'd put it at a 7. Totally useable but not winning any competitions. Maybe some Holton competitions, it was better than most of those!
I'm selling because I have a massive Bach large tenor project incoming, and a 42 on loan to get me through until that comes. This Holton served me very well, and if I didn't have that project coming I would plonk that Caidex for sale on it and call it a day.
Also included is the cool Holton flat case. I wouldn't fly with it, but it is great for making people think you brought a bass clarinet to your trombone quartets!
This is a great option for a travel instrument (with a nice MB cut bell case).
I'll ask $1450 plus shipping.







This is, as far as I can tell, Holton's attempt to make a Conn 88H alongside the larger 42-analogue-Friedman model (156). The tuning slide is actually swappable with an 88H, and the slide has the same width and dimensions. The bell stem is also a similar size.
Of course, there are plenty of differences- typical Holton chrome plated handslide grips, nickel tubes, yellow crook. Small rotor valve with .578 valve tubing and long E pull. Best of all- red brass 9" screwbell!
These things add up to one of the best principal .547s I've ever played. I used it on an opera production (Iolanthe) and an orchestra concert (La Forza) on 1st trombone and it was AMAZING. Again, I'm not sure I've played another trombone that has such a perfect slot and cushion from F in the staff to high D. Not only are the notes easily slotted, the slot gives you room to have the sound broaden as you give it air. Something about the leadpipe/bell combo gives you this huge, centered sound with a bunch of tenor color in this range. I think some 88Hs have this quality, but not at the same dynamic level.
The mid and low range are not as special. I think the horn is held back pretty hard by the rotor, which is in good condition and seals but is still very small. I have a feeling that simply putting in a Rotax or Caidex would make this instrument a true all-rounder... I'm not willing to mess with the higher range magic myself, but perhaps someone else would. In any case, it still works down there but with less ease and sound, more like a typical closed-wrap instrument.
It's mostly delacquered, not the prettiest instrument but not ugly (only some crazing in the nickel plate on the valve cap). Slide was just gone over by John Sandhagen, I'd put it at a 7. Totally useable but not winning any competitions. Maybe some Holton competitions, it was better than most of those!
I'm selling because I have a massive Bach large tenor project incoming, and a 42 on loan to get me through until that comes. This Holton served me very well, and if I didn't have that project coming I would plonk that Caidex for sale on it and call it a day.
Also included is the cool Holton flat case. I wouldn't fly with it, but it is great for making people think you brought a bass clarinet to your trombone quartets!
This is a great option for a travel instrument (with a nice MB cut bell case).
I'll ask $1450 plus shipping.







- Crazy4Tbone86
- Posts: 1654
- Joined: Jan 14, 2020
Very surprised that you are selling this horn….considering how much you raved about it over the past few months. Could we be reading about this horn as “the one that got away” at some time in the future?
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="Crazy4Tbone86"]Very surprised that you are selling this horn….considering how much you raved about it over the past few months. Could we be reading about this horn as “the one that got away” at some time in the future?[/quote]
Definitely the best large bore I've owned for a while! But with my big Bach project on the way, surplus to needs.
I recently had some big time gigs on large tenor and the Holton was just not the right choice, so I had to borrow another 42 (playing 2nd on some big stuff). That's much more likely than me playing principal all the time, so the Holton has to go.
Definitely the best large bore I've owned for a while! But with my big Bach project on the way, surplus to needs.
I recently had some big time gigs on large tenor and the Holton was just not the right choice, so I had to borrow another 42 (playing 2nd on some big stuff). That's much more likely than me playing principal all the time, so the Holton has to go.
- Tatertotplaystrombone
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Jun 28, 2022
Are you looking for just cash or are you open to a trade? I've been looking for a decent bass to double on and specifically a holton tenor. I know you're trying to get rid of some inventory but let me know if you are open to the idea
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="Tatertotplaystrombone"]Are you looking for just cash or are you open to a trade? I've been looking for a decent bass to double on and specifically a holton tenor. I know you're trying to get rid of some inventory but let me know if you are open to the idea[/quote]
Depends on the trade, as always! PM me or email me.
Depends on the trade, as always! PM me or email me.
- Basstromphonium
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Jul 08, 2022
Is this horn still available?
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
[quote="Basstromphonium"]Is this horn still available?[/quote]
Sure is!
Sure is!
- Basstromphonium
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Jul 08, 2022
[quote="Burgerbob"]<QUOTE author="Basstromphonium" post_id="182896" time="1657372754" user_id="15443">
Is this horn still available?[/quote]
Sure is!
</QUOTE>
Nice! I’ve responded to your email about purchasing the horn.
Is this horn still available?[/quote]
Sure is!
</QUOTE>
Nice! I’ve responded to your email about purchasing the horn.