I'm selling a Benge 290 bass trombone. The serial number is: 651XXX. Benge trombones have always been fascinating to me. The Benge trumpets were well loved instruments but the trombones never really kicked off. Don't know why because this horn is a solid player. With it's gold brass bell, this bass gets a nice, mellow tone. If pushed, you can also get some edge. Pretty much a great big band horn. The lacquer has been stripped to increase responsiveness. Slide works well (8.5/10) and the valves are open blowing. The tuning is F and Gb, unless you take the extender off. A perfect horn for someone learning bass trombone or a doubler. Been cleaned and serviced, comes with hard case.

Asking $2500, buyer pays shipping. Send me a message if you have any questions!

Link for pics:

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[quote="adamrainey500"]Benge trombones have always been fascinating to me. The Benge trumpets were well loved instruments but the trombones never really kicked off. Don't know why because this horn is a solid player.[/quote]

Probably because Benge trombones have no relation to the famed Benge trumpets, made in Los Angeles.

Lots of previous discussions on Trombone Forum and TromboneChat about Benge trombones.

Short answer: The Benge company was purchased by H.H. White (King) in 1972, and eventually merged into Conn-Selmer. Benge trumpets were neglected and eventually discontinued. But at some point (early 2000s?) King wanted trombones with another Brand Name for the orchestral/classical market (since King was too closely associated with jazz/bag bands), and developed a new trombone product line marketed under the Benge name. Among these products, produced only for about a decade I think, were

Benge 290 Bass Trombone

Benge 190 Large-Bore Tenor Trombone with F-attachment

Benge 165F Large-Bore Tenor Trombone with F-attachment

Benge 175 Medium-Bore Trombone with F-attachment

Benge 170 Small-Bore Straight Trombone

To my knowledge, these were all fine instruments (especially in their time) and are now considered under-appreciated. [I have a Benge 165F which I like very much - played it at a Brass Quintet rehearsal this morning with great pleasure!]

Good luck selling your Benge 290 Bass Trombone, which by many reports is a fine instrument.

https://www.everythingtrumpet.com/gearhead/Benge.html

The Benge Trombones were produced from the early ‘80’s until the early 2000’s. The 165 might have hung on a little longer.

[quote="chromebone"]The Benge Trombones were produced from the early ‘80’s until the early 2000’s. The 165 might have hung on a little longer.[/quote]

Thanks for that information, chromebone.

I'm curious about when my very nice Benge 165F (S/N 843033) was manufactured (in Eastlake, Ohio?).

One of the nicer looking 290s I've seen up for sale lately, tempting...

[quote="Posaunus"]<QUOTE author="chromebone" post_id="185895" time="1660168404" user_id="3008">
The Benge Trombones were produced from the early ‘80’s until the early 2000’s. The 165 might have hung on a little longer.[/quote]

Thanks for that information, chromebone.

I'm curious about when my very nice Benge 165F (S/N 843033) was manufactured (in Eastlake, Ohio?).
</QUOTE>

You have one of the latest Benges, I'd bet. My ~1990 175f has a 300xxx SN, so UMI made about half a million horns between 1990 and yours. And yes, all Benge trombones were made at the King (later UMI) plant in Eastlake.

Can’t believe no one has snagged this yet. A great price and these were some of the best playing horns. Wish they were still made.