Identifying a King Trombone

[DeanDZiegler]

We bought our son a King trombone when he was in HS Jazz Band 20+ years ago. He gave it to us and told us to sell it since he hasn't played it since the day he graduated - a shame, since he played well.

The serial number is 856531 and the bell is engraved with the number 2125, but it has no other model number. It has a beautiful mellow tone. (I haven't played in 25+ years but got it out and blew a few notes.) The slide is still silky smooth-no dings-and the tuning slide moves easily. I didn't check the spit valve cork.

I'd like to learn what model this is - if it IS a known model and not just a bottom end King trombone. It does have the curved brace. At the time we bought it from a shop in Eastlake, OH we were told that it was a higher quality than a basic student horn, how much so, we do not know.

Any ID info, pricing range, value in today's US market would be appreciated. It comes in an oblong, boxlike case.

We're downsizing for a retirement community and have to get this into someone's hands who can make good use of it. We don't know where to start because we can't determine what comparable pre-owned instruments sell for since we don't know what model/quality this particular instrument is/has. Thanks for any help you can give us.

[Doug Elliott]

2125 is the model number. It's also known as a 3B+, and it's a .525 bore horn. I think somebody on here was actually looking for one recently.

You don't have access to the classifieds here because you're a new member, but if you post again and put King 3B+ in the title, you're likely to get some interest.

This thread is very long, but all about that size horn:
viewtopic.php?t=26081

[Finetales]

At the time we bought it from a shop in Eastlake, OH we were told that it was a higher quality than a basic student horn, how much so, we do not know.

Much higher quality - it's a pro model. Pretty rare too, unlike the normal 3B (.508", versus the 3B+'s .525") which grows on trees. They are great horns and well-regarded. Can do everything the 3B does, just plays and sounds a little bigger.

Any ID info, pricing range, value in today's US market would be appreciated.

Hard to pinpoint a price as they don't show up often, but the last 3B+F (same horn but with an F attachment) on here sold for $1150. I would guess $750-950 for your valveless one, maybe more if it's in mint condition.

[DeanDZiegler]

2125 is the model number. It's also known as a 3B+, and it's a .525 bore horn. I think somebody on here was actually looking for one recently.

You don't have access to the classifieds here because you're a new member, but if you post again and put King 3B+ in the title, you're likely to get some interest.

This thread is very long, but all about that size horn:
viewtopic.php?t=26081

Thanks, Doug. That's very helpful.