Need advice on a purchase

[Jayc1944]

Hey all! I’m a trombone performance major with a triple concentration in jazz, tenor, and alto performance. I am looking at buying a horn that’s good for jazz. My 2 options right now are a 76 Bach 16 Strad in decent condition but also has a small hole in the upper inner slide. Big reason I’m thinking about this horn is I’ve got to play it and it’s phenomenal and I play on a Bach 42T which is why I lean more towards this horn. $1100
I’m also looking at king bones, 2B and 3B, 3B would fit me more as an all around horn which the ones I’ve been able to find are all $12-1600. Is there any advice to these horns and the differences you all could give? Thank you in advance!

[Matt K]

I personally wouldn't buy a horn with a hold in the inner slide. That seems... odd. Especially for that price.

FWIW, I am selling a 2B for much lower than your budget: viewtopic.php?t=42381

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[Jayc1944]

Gotcha, thanks for that I wasn’t sure how to post on here haha, I appreciate that I thought it was odd for what he wanted, the hole is maybe the size of like a thumbtack, but it’s a nice horn just in general playing on a Bach originally made me lean a little towards it I wasn’t sure haha, I appreciate the info.

[hyperbolica]

Yeah, don't buy a horn that needs work unless it's priced right. 3B is ok, but test it first. Getting the right horn can be a process. Sometimes it takes years and a dozen horns, and if you have to buy the horn to try it, buying and selling can get tedious. There are a couple other models you might consider if you see them around:

- Getzen 3508 - great open 500/508
- Getzen 1050 - very similar to the 3508
- Conn 6h - These used to be the standard that all 500 bores were judged by - still great horns
- Bach NY 6 - These play much bigger than you'd think, and are great jazz horns, you can get them in the range you're talking about
- Conn 24h - similar to the Bach 6, also inexpensive, make sure it's not the newer student model
- Martin Urbie Green (4501) rare, but great horns
- Olds Recording - I've got one of these that I just really love - Darker horn, but great to play
- Greenhoe GC2 - if you happen into some money, these are great, maybe this is a goal for down the road.

[Matt K]

Gotcha, thanks for that I wasn’t sure how to post on here haha, I appreciate that I thought it was odd for what he wanted, the hole is maybe the size of like a thumbtack, but it’s a nice horn just in general playing on a Bach originally made me lean a little towards it I wasn’t sure haha, I appreciate the info.

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[Geordie]

If you consider an Olds Recording, good horn btw, definitely get a counterweight for it if it lacks one. Nose heavy instrument otherwise.