1975 King 3B "Concert" Silversonic Tenor Trombone - Sterling Silver Bell
For sale is a vintage King 3B "Concert" Silversonic Tenor Trombone, serial number 511641 (c. 1975). The King 3B is the defining sound of bebop and commercial trombone, and the Silversonic version is the holy grail. Featuring a Solid Sterling Silver Bell, this instrument offers a crisp, rapid response and a dense, brilliant core tone that cuts through any ensemble. This is a "Player's Grade" horn—it shows its age with significant patina, but the slide is fast and ready for the gig.
This is the dream horn for the jazz soloist, lead trombonist, or commercial player. If you want the "J.J. Johnson sound" but don't want to pay $4,000 for a pristine museum piece, this is your chance. The patina gives it a "smoky club" vibe that many players actually prefer over shiny lacquer.
The Silversonic Advantage
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Sterling Silver Bell: The 8" bell is made from solid sterling silver. Silver is denser than brass, creating a sound that is focused and clear at low volumes but explodes with brilliance when pushed.
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Nickel Silver Inner Slides: King slides are famous for their Chrome-Plated Nickel Silver inner tubes, which are durable and incredibly fast.
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Slide Action: The most critical part of any vintage trombone is the slide. This slide is free, easy, and straight, with no hitching.
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Slide Bow Protection: The previous owner installed a plastic bow guard (likely a DEG protector) on the slide crook, which has kept the most vulnerable part of the horn safe from dents and flat spots.
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Aesthetic: "Vintage Patina / Unpolished." This horn has significant oxidation and patina throughout the brass and silver. It needs a polish if you want it to shine, but many players leave it as-is for the character.
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Slide: Excellent functional condition. Moves freely with no dragging.
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Case: Includes an Aftermarket Hard Case (Non-original, but protective).
Specifications
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Model: King 3B "Concert" Silversonic (2103)
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Serial Number: 511641 (1975 Eastlake)
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Bore: .508" (Medium Bore)
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Bell: 8" Solid Sterling Silver
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Slide: Nickel Silver Outer / Nickel Silver Inner
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Condition: Heavily patinated/tarnished but mechanically excellent.
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Included: Aftermarket Case, Slide Bow Guard.
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!
