Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(orig. US black/jazz) a trombone.

1956		O. Duke Sideman 14: Oh, Dick’s a hell of a ’bone man.
1961		Down Beat 30 Mar. 17: Just like Kai Winding’s four ’bones and rhythm.
1963		M. Braly Shake Him Till He Rattles (1964) 49: Furg had spent five years in one of the Army’s best bands. Top ’bone.
1971		(con. 1930s) D. Wells Night People 61: There are many more, not to mention saxes and bones, who have a beautiful color (musically).
1986		S. King It (1987) 700: He scared me so bad for a couple of seconds I couldn’t play my ’bone anymore.