The remaining four numbers of the serial number indicate the production number of the instrument on a monthly basis. The fourth character (number) indicates the specific type of instrument: '1' = Cornet, '2' = Trumpet, '3' = Alto Horn, '4' = French Horn, '5' = Mellophone, '6' = Valve Trombone, '7' = Slide Trombone, '8' = Baritone Horn & Euphonium, '9' = Tuba, and '10' = Sousaphone. The third character (a number) indicates the number of year within the decade (indicated earlier by the first letter). The second character, also a letter, indicates the month of the year 'A' for January, 'B' for February, 'C' for March, etc. In March of 1974 an alpha-numeric system was established where the first character (letter) of a serial number indicated the decade 'G' for the 1970's, 'H' for the 1980's, etc.

There was a fire in the Indiana facility where some information was lost. Feel free to contact me if you need assistance.Starting in 1987, the two-digit prefix number plus 50 will give you the year of manufacture on all Conn products.ĭuring the years from 1965 to 1969 information is more inacurate. The Conn-Selmer resource guide appears to leave out the S prefixes on its. In that case you can usually date the instrument by comparing engravings, features or lacquer of the instrument. The S prefix, while used until the mid-80s, was not always seen on serial numbers. Probably a part has been exchanged, it has been a custom build or prototype, or it has been simply forgotten to engrave it. Still, every now and then I come across trombones that have not been engraved. The instruments that Conn-Selmer have made since the turn of the century have no prefixes, just six-digit nos.Posted: (6 days ago) olds trumpet serial numbers list Printable The bell of an F. I looked at the Web page you referenced and its incomplete.

Type in “(manufacturer) trombone serial number list” and you will usually find what you’re looking for.įor your convenience I compiled a little list for the bigger vintage brands: Note: From 1987 to present, add 50 to the serial number prefix to calculate the year of manufacture.After finding out the serial number the next step is to google. Usually that number can be found on the handbrace of the bellsection, the braces of the slide or the slide itself.Ĭonn trombones usually are only engraved on the outer slide. In most cases there is a serial number engraved in the trombone. The easiest and usually most precise way is to look for the serial number.

I am regularly being asked how to find out when a trombone was made.

Conn trumpet serial number search