Glenn Miller's Trombone

After Glenn Miller's death, Miller band trombonist Jimmy Priddy played Glenn's trombone in other professional organizations for many years. When he retired, he donated the trombone to the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, whose curator graciously allowed members of the Classic Big Band to play the trombone when they visited Glenn Miller's birthplace between performances at the 2002 Glenn Miller Festival.

Dan Odegaard explains a fine point of the Miller sound to swing dance aficionado Larry Thomas as Classic Big Band lead trombonist Steve Supoci plays a few licks on the horn that Glenn used to play.

Steve Supoci plays while Dan and Larry discuss the sound.

Other Classic Big Band trombonists also played the famous instrument. From right to left, Al Sweet (second trombone), Dave Bray (third trombone), and Glen Newton (subbing for bass trombonist Dave Dahlgren). At far left, junior high trombonist Michael Burton (son of Bill Burton, who subbed for baritone saxophonist Dave Magnuson) plays the Miller trombone.

Detail of the bell engraving and mouthpiece

The trombone is a New York Bach Stradivarius, "Model 6 VII". The serial number has been covered up by a thin metal patch around the slide receiver. Glenn Miller's name is stamped on the mouthpiece. The slide is still in excellent working order, although the slide lock is missing.

This page was last updated
Friday, February 07, 2020.