King Trombones: A Century of Excellence

For many years, King Musical Instruments company has held a positive reputation as the manufacturer of top-quality trombones, adaptable for various musical genres and playing levels. In this article, we will explore the history of this brand, first King trombone models, and benefits of their current product line according to musicians' feedbacks.

King Trombones: History and First Models

The company King Musical Instruments was founded in 1893 by Henderson N. White, who had been interested in how things work and how they could be improved from an early age. He started his career in the Detroit shop, where he was engaged in repairing and had constant contacts with musicians. However, he always kept in mind an idea of building his own instruments, dreaming to make them better and finer. His daily contact with musicians provided him with valuable insights in terms of what the players liked and didn’t like about the instruments they used. His devotion to studying of new things and experimenting with a clear vision of musicians' needs helped to make his dream come true.

First, he worked in McMillin's Music Store of Cleveland where he repaired the instruments, and five years later, he expanded into the partnership with C. H. Berg. During that period, the company was specialized in selling imported instruments and had a small repair shop. Mr. White became the sole owner of this business in 1893. The next year, in 1894, they launched the first King trombone, and it was not just another trombone on the market. It was the embodiment of everything Mr. White learnt and known multiplied by his great love for what he did. The instrument was created with the assistance of local trombonist Thomas King, who helped Mr. White to make his creation as perfect as possible. The trombone's design featured a lighter and smoother slide and earned great popularity among professionals.

During 1894-1908, each trombone slide was created by H. N. White. Musicians found the King trombones’ slides finer and smoother in action compared to other models. Over the years, the reputation of King trombones only improved. 

In the mid and late 1920s, Mr. White started to incorporate sterling silver bells into his King instruments, because he believed that silver could provide trombones with better tone while causing fewer vibrations.  In 1938, Mr. White completed the creation of a valve trombone, called Trombonium, aimed at use in school bands and orchestras.

During 1940-1950, the company closely collaborated with “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”, Tommy Dorsey. When the musician visited Cleveland, he always dropped by the factory. Tommy Dorsey made a great contribution to why King trombones were considered the best in the world.

In 1951, the company introduced the King 3B trombone, which pushed their success as a respected manufacturer on the market to a new level and increased their sales. Their 3B trombone still holds the place as a best-selling jazz trombone. In 1950, the company also renamed their instruments with sterling silver bells into "Silversonic".

The company still manufactures their King trombones in Ohio. The rights to the King name belong to Conn-Selmer, Inc.

Why Are King Trombones So Good?

Musicians, especially jazzmen and those engaged in marching bands, choose King trombones for a variety of reasons. Based on what people say about King trombones in real feedback, we can highlight several key points:

• Practical Design

King trombones feature lightweight long-lasting construction, the ability to withstand frequent travel, and reliability. Even their vintage models created in the early 20th century still boast their unique tone​. The perfect balance between sturdy build and lightweight components makes these trombones number one choice for active tours and performances in various weather conditions. ​

• Sound And Playability

One of the key features that makes King trombones so good for musicians is their loud tone, which is really significant for marching bands and jazz music. Players also value the smooth and responsive actions of their slides, which makes these instruments ideal for aspiring musicians and intermediate players​.

• Respected History

Their well-known King 3B model is often called the best professional jazz instrument. Also, for many people the fact that the brand collaborated closely with Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Charlie Parker increases the historical significance and makes these instruments more prestigious and appealing. Being an owner of the King trombone provides a feeling of sharing the same value with jazz legends.

• Value for The Quality

Although King trombones don’t belong to the category of the cheapest musical instruments on the market, musicians receive top quality for their money. Their models are considered a well-priced option with excellent sound characteristics.

The Most Popular King Trombones

Here is a quick review of the most popular models of King trombones.

• King 2 B “Legend Series”
  

The instrument with the vibes of the vintage King 2B models. This trombone features dual bore slide, vintage inspired engraving, and counterweight to customize the response. It’s the top choice among jazz musicians for its bright sound.

• King 3 B “Legend Series”
  

Featuring a straight bore, this model is a tribute to the world renowned 3B trombone, highly appreciated by professional jazz musicians. The instrument is equipped with a one-piece yellow brass bell and nickel silver outer slide. It also has an attractive lacquered finish.

• King Jiggs Whigham Trombone
  

This instrument represents a classic jazz trombone style. It features a straight bore, a yellow brass bell with quick response and standard weight slide. The model is also available both with a standard tuning slide and a short tuning slide, the latter being preferred by American trombonist Jiggs Whigham.

Conclusion

King trombones with a long and respected history still remain the top-quality instruments, appreciated for their sturdy and lightweight build, excellent response, loud sound and value for money. The company offers a wide range of models, many of which are the tribute to their first bestselling instruments, preferred by musicians who have become jazz legends.

Discover more information about other brands of musical instruments. Recently we’ve featured an article about Edwards trombones. Don’t miss it if you would like to know more facts about this legendary company and their product line.

On our website you can find a great variety of leather accessories, useful products and upgrades for your trombone. You can buy them for yourself or choose them as a gift for your trombonist friends.