Conn 88h trombone
- justatrombonist
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Feb 14, 2025
I am a high school senior who currently owns a conn 88h. I am trying to figure out the valve system (for f trigger), and there is a black string on the outside that gets pulled on by the trigger. Is that supposed to be there?
Also, I made several attempts to get a manufacturing year on my trombone but have been unable to do so, the section with the serial number says E375xx. I am also trying to figure out my case, which seems to be a vintage conn trombone case, however I am not sure about it. I am missing a screw that goes on top of where the trigger connects to the valve, and would like some help with explaining these questions.
Also, I made several attempts to get a manufacturing year on my trombone but have been unable to do so, the section with the serial number says E375xx. I am also trying to figure out my case, which seems to be a vintage conn trombone case, however I am not sure about it. I am missing a screw that goes on top of where the trigger connects to the valve, and would like some help with explaining these questions.
- NotSkilledHere
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Aug 07, 2024
the trigger has a string, could be many different colors but yes it is supposed to be there on older conn 88's to actuate the valve. It would tie the thumb lever to the valve. as opposed to ball miniball or physical linkage joints connecting the thumb lever to the valve. It's a rudimentary but functional method. if it doesnt look like it ties those parts together, you may want to post photos or link a google drive photo for us to see.
The serials according to Conn starts at e54106 for 1965 so I'm guesing your horn is 1964 based on E prefix and 37k number. This would make your horn part of the Elkhart era horns and should be an extremely nice and desireable horn and also explains the black string you mentioned.
The serials according to Conn starts at e54106 for 1965 so I'm guesing your horn is 1964 based on E prefix and 37k number. This would make your horn part of the Elkhart era horns and should be an extremely nice and desireable horn and also explains the black string you mentioned.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
Hi and welcome.
For safety I removed the last two digit of your serial number beause we have heard of scams where someone "harvests" the number from the post and then reports the instrument stolen. Rest assured, the last two digits of the serial will have no effect on determining the year of manufacture, which is around 1965.
The Conn F-attachment was traditionally actuated by a string that went from the lever, wrapped around the center post of the valve, then wrapped around the screw on the piece that oscillates between the two valve stops. Here is a typical linkage:
For safety I removed the last two digit of your serial number beause we have heard of scams where someone "harvests" the number from the post and then reports the instrument stolen. Rest assured, the last two digits of the serial will have no effect on determining the year of manufacture, which is around 1965.
The Conn F-attachment was traditionally actuated by a string that went from the lever, wrapped around the center post of the valve, then wrapped around the screw on the piece that oscillates between the two valve stops. Here is a typical linkage:
- NotSkilledHere
- Posts: 190
- Joined: Aug 07, 2024
I know the diagram is posted above but here is my yellow string on my 88H. If yours looks anything like what mine looks like, you should be perfectly fine. Just check that the valve fully actuates when you press the trigger. You can adjust the string tightness by slightly loosening the little screw on top of the trigger and pulling the loose end tighter then screwing it back down.
- Chazzer69
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Jul 06, 2019
You also mentioned missing a screw and from your description, it sounds like the one circled in the photo below (<I>NotSkilledHere</I>...hope you don't mind I borrowed your photo since it was already here). If it is that screw that is missing, it's a stop plate or strike plate screw.
You can get a replacement here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274280156221. It may not be the cheapest option for this part, but I've done business with these folks and it was easy to find in a pinch. Regardless, it can give you an idea of what to look for. Of course, your local repair shop is an option as well. They might put one on for nothing since it's such a simple fix.
And, the 88H is a darn fine horn. Especially if it was manufactured in Elkhart which is likely given the serial number.
<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_8847.jpeg" index="0">[attachment=0]IMG_8847.jpeg</ATTACHMENT>
You can get a replacement here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274280156221. It may not be the cheapest option for this part, but I've done business with these folks and it was easy to find in a pinch. Regardless, it can give you an idea of what to look for. Of course, your local repair shop is an option as well. They might put one on for nothing since it's such a simple fix.
And, the 88H is a darn fine horn. Especially if it was manufactured in Elkhart which is likely given the serial number.
<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_8847.jpeg" index="0">
- Chazzer69
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Jul 06, 2019
Or...if is this screw (thanks again NotSkilledHere), then here is the part for that: <LINK_TEXT text="https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/tro ... -screw.php">https://www.hickeys.com/music/brass/trombone/accessories/trombone_custom_and_replacement_parts/products/sku130733-connrotor-valve-string-screw.php</LINK_TEXT>
<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_8847.jpeg" index="0">[attachment=0]IMG_8847.jpeg</ATTACHMENT>
<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_8847.jpeg" index="0">
- justatrombonist
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Feb 14, 2025
Thank you guys for all your help. I am really quite amazed if my horn is in fact from the 1960s. If it is in the elkhart era, that explains the engraving on the bell. Also the first link appears to be the correct replacement screw. Thank you for your help! Also, it says I do not have permissions to view the images.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
[quote="justatrombonist"]... Also, it says I do not have permissions to view the images.[/quote]
You need three approved posts to be able to see images, send and receive Messages, and see other members' e-mails. For some reason you no longer have credit for your first post, and I can't fix that :frown:
You need three approved posts to be able to see images, send and receive Messages, and see other members' e-mails. For some reason you no longer have credit for your first post, and I can't fix that :frown:
- justatrombonist
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Feb 14, 2025
ok that is fine its not your fault.
- justatrombonist
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Feb 14, 2025
the screw that is missing is actually that big round one near the top, but thank you nonetheless. Unfortunately, I am not sure what it is called, and if it is an issue that it is missing.
- BGuttman
- Posts: 7368
- Joined: Mar 22, 2018
You are missing Screw B from the diagram I posted, right?
It's a Stop Arm Retaining Screw. You can live without it, although the entire actuating part of the valve could fall off with no warning one day (although it will probably take some time).
Go plead your case to your local repairman. He probably has a screw that will work and it will take about one minute to install. You may have to pay some minimal fee.
It's a Stop Arm Retaining Screw. You can live without it, although the entire actuating part of the valve could fall off with no warning one day (although it will probably take some time).
Go plead your case to your local repairman. He probably has a screw that will work and it will take about one minute to install. You may have to pay some minimal fee.