What is the key of the Conn 88HNV?

The Conn 88HNV is a Bb/F tenor trombone, meaning it functions in the standard Bb pitch but includes an F attachment trigger to extend the lower range and provide alternative slide positions.

What material is used for the bell of the 88HNV?

The bell is constructed from rose brass, which is known for its high copper content. This specific model uses a lightweight version of the rose brass bell to enhance resonance and response.

How does the valve wrap differ from older models?

The new valve wrap design is updated to provide a more even tone across the entire range of the instrument. It is designed to retain the feel and balance of vintage models while removing inconsistencies in sound.

What is the function of the one-piece valve lever?

The one-piece valve lever is designed to ensure a faster and more reliable response. This mechanical improvement helps the player move between registers more fluidly when using the F attachment.

Is the Conn 88HNV suitable for solo playing?

Yes, its ability to explore a full range of tonal colours and its fantastic projection make it an ideal choice for soloists. The lightweight bell helps in achieving a responsive feel during technical passages.

Can this trombone be used in an orchestra?

The 88HNV is specifically designed for orchestral and band settings. Its full, warm tone and depth of sound allow it to meet the high volume and tonal requirements of a professional brass section.

What is the typical price range for the Conn 88HNV?

The typical price for this professional trombone is approximately £4,270. This reflects its status as a high-end instrument featuring specialized materials and innovative design.

How does the rose brass bell affect the sound?

Rose brass typically produces a warmer and darker sound compared to yellow brass. In the 88HNV, this results in a sound with added depth and a full tonal character.

Does the 88HNV feel like a vintage trombone?

Yes, Conn-Selmer specifically designed the 88HNV to have the same feel and balance as classic vintage models. It combines this traditional ergonomics with modern manufacturing precision.

What kind of mouthpiece is recommended for this instrument?

While mouthpiece choice is personal, professionals often pair such instruments with high-quality options like a Denis Wick Classic or similar silver-plated models to complement the large bore size.

Is the 88HNV a large bore trombone?

Yes, as part of the 88H lineage, it is a large-bore tenor trombone. This design is standard for symphonic playing, allowing for a broader sound and greater air capacity.

How does the 88HNV compare to the Conn 52H?

The 52H is a dual-bore tenor trombone often used by intermediate to advanced players, whereas the 88HNV is a professional model with a lightweight rose brass bell and a specialized 'vintage-style' valve wrap.

Gear article

Conn 88HNV Bb/F Trombone

The Conn 88HNV is a professional-grade Bb/F tenor trombone that blends vintage design elements with modern mechanical innovations. It features a lightweight rose brass bell and a redesigned valve wrap to provide a warm, resonant tone suitable for orchestral and solo performances.

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Overview

The Conn 88HNV represents a modern evolution of the storied 88H series, a staple in the brass world. This model is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between historic vintage characteristics and the reliability expected by contemporary professional players. It is designed to offer a full, expansive sound while maintaining the balance and ergonomic feel that defined mid-century Conn instruments.

Design and Mechanics

A primary feature of the 88HNV is its updated valve wrap design. While inspired by vintage configurations to maintain a familiar feel and balance, the tubing has been refined to ensure tonal consistency across all registers. This is complemented by a new one-piece valve lever. This mechanical update improves the instrument's response time, facilitating smoother transitions when the player engages the F attachment.

Tonal Character

The instrument is characterised by a full, warm tone with significant depth, largely attributed to its one-piece rose brass bell. By utilizing a lightweight construction for the bell, Conn-Selmer has achieved a balance where the instrument projects effectively without losing its inherent warmth. This allows for a wide palette of tonal colours, ranging from delicate solo passages to powerful orchestral sections.

Intended Application

Given its versatile tonal range and precise response, the 88HNV is positioned as a professional-tier instrument. It is particularly well-suited for:

Orchestral Performance: The depth and projection allow it to blend or lead within a brass section.
Soloists: The lightweight bell and responsive valve lever assist in technical agility.
Concert Bands: The rose brass construction provides the characteristic warmth required for symphonic band textures.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other models in the Conn catalogue, such as the 52H Bb/F Tenor Trombone, the 88HNV is a more specialised professional tool with a focus on vintage response. While student-orientated models like the Grassi STB850 offer entry-level accessibility, the 88HNV provides the refined rose brass tonal depth required for high-level performance. It sits alongside other specialised brass instruments like the Conn 34H Alto Trombone in providing professional-grade alternatives for specific repertoire.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the key of the Conn 88HNV?: The Conn 88HNV is a Bb/F tenor trombone, meaning it functions in the standard Bb pitch but includes an F attachment trigger to extend the lower range and provide alternative slide positions.
What material is used for the bell of the 88HNV?: The bell is constructed from rose brass, which is known for its high copper content. This specific model uses a lightweight version of the rose brass bell to enhance resonance and response.
How does the valve wrap differ from older models?: The new valve wrap design is updated to provide a more even tone across the entire range of the instrument. It is designed to retain the feel and balance of vintage models while removing inconsistencies in sound.
What is the function of the one-piece valve lever?: The one-piece valve lever is designed to ensure a faster and more reliable response. This mechanical improvement helps the player move between registers more fluidly when using the F attachment.
Is the Conn 88HNV suitable for solo playing?: Yes, its ability to explore a full range of tonal colours and its fantastic projection make it an ideal choice for soloists. The lightweight bell helps in achieving a responsive feel during technical passages.
Can this trombone be used in an orchestra?: The 88HNV is specifically designed for orchestral and band settings. Its full, warm tone and depth of sound allow it to meet the high volume and tonal requirements of a professional brass section.
What is the typical price range for the Conn 88HNV?: The typical price for this professional trombone is approximately £4,270. This reflects its status as a high-end instrument featuring specialized materials and innovative design.
How does the rose brass bell affect the sound?: Rose brass typically produces a warmer and darker sound compared to yellow brass. In the 88HNV, this results in a sound with added depth and a full tonal character.
Does the 88HNV feel like a vintage trombone?: Yes, Conn-Selmer specifically designed the 88HNV to have the same feel and balance as classic vintage models. It combines this traditional ergonomics with modern manufacturing precision.
What kind of mouthpiece is recommended for this instrument?: While mouthpiece choice is personal, professionals often pair such instruments with high-quality options like a Denis Wick Classic or similar silver-plated models to complement the large bore size.
Is the 88HNV a large bore trombone?: Yes, as part of the 88H lineage, it is a large-bore tenor trombone. This design is standard for symphonic playing, allowing for a broader sound and greater air capacity.
How does the 88HNV compare to the Conn 52H?: The 52H is a dual-bore tenor trombone often used by intermediate to advanced players, whereas the 88HNV is a professional model with a lightweight rose brass bell and a specialized 'vintage-style' valve wrap.