TromboneChat

Interested in any experience with Conn 8H (not 88H) from the Abilene era. I am a former owner of a late 60s Elkhart 88H. Just casual playing now. Missing the dark tone of my 88H, but an Elkhart isn’t in my budget.

I found an Abilene built 8H from the late 70s. I’ve heard about build quality issues with Abilene 88Hs (pieces not fitting properly, tension, weak welds.) I have found little info out there about 8Hs of that vintage. Probably fewer were sold. Obviously I plan to play and inspect this 8H.

Questions:

Are Abilene 8H horns as prone to these build issues as the more complex 88H?

What should I look out for when I inspect and test drive the horn?

Prime concern is the slide, then tuning slide. Then make sure all the solder joints are solid, and look for critical dents on the bell, tuning slide, main slide crook, neck pipe, etc. Bring a large shank mouthpiece and check the fit to the leadpipe. Play high and low, soft and loud, and do some full slide glisses. Bring a tuner to check intonation of each partial.

You should know in a minute or two if its a keeper or a dog.

I've got a 58 8h, and its a joy to play. I've also had a gen2 that was fantastic.