TromboneChat

I’ve been playing Bach trombones since high school, and I believe it will stay that way for the rest of my musical career. Currently, I play the LT42AFG model, where I replaced the nickel on the slide crook with brass. The slide is very fast, and with this change, I’ve also slightly darkened the sound, bringing it closer to the characteristics of a regular brass slide. I like Bach trombones because of their full and distinctive tone, and the instruments offer a wide range of color that can blend into various ensembles. Over the years, I’ve played many excellent Bach trombones from different periods, each with its unique sound, naturally at Bach’s high standard. The only downside to Bach trombones (and, of course, other brands) is the poor quality of the lacquer, but due to the phenomenal sound, this doesn’t bother me.

I own and play a Bach 42G with a 3 piece interchangeable thayer, straight pipe and traditional rotor. Does anyone know the subcaprion on this model?

42G..TO....???

rzeilinger wrote: Mon Apr 21, 2025 10:12 pm I own and play a Bach 42 with a 3 piece interchangeable thayer, straight pipe and traditional rotor. Does anyone know the subcaprion on this model?

42BOT....???

There should be C (convertible).
Maybe something like 42CBOT or 42COBT?

I have a 36 with F-attachment, straight pipe, gold brass bell, and lightweight slide. It is LT36CG. For rzeilinger, I would guess 42CT.

BGuttman wrote: Tue Apr 22, 2025 12:04 am I have a 36 with F-attachment, straight pipe, gold brass bell, and lightweight slide. It is LT36CG. For rzeilinger, I would guess 42CT.

He has 2 valves (rotor and Thayer), so, CBT or CBOT (for closed or open wrap).
By the way, I'm curious, was it factory special order and what case accommodates all of these pieces.

All axial flow valve (Thayer included) sections need to be modular to allow removal for servicing. There's no sane way to build it as a fixed section.

My guess is it either started life as a 42C(O) and had an aftermarket Thayer valve section added, or (less likely) as a 42T with added neck pipe and rotor sections.

When axial valves first started being installed on instruments, they were "hard mounted". The front bell brace was solid, with the handslide receiver, valve cone/casing and top valve wrap tube all permanently attached to the bell.

rzeilinger wrote: Mon Apr 21, 2025 10:12 pm I own and play a Bach 42 with a 3 piece interchangeable thayer, straight pipe and traditional rotor. Does anyone know the subcaprion on this model?

42BOT....???

The only one that is a factory is the artisan line… I don’t know that they bother to stack up the alphabet soup on them like the ‘standard’ 42s.

If it is an aftermarket Frankenbone, name it whatever you want.

Like how I have a 42 CO,T,K,CL2000,CR,&Monster. How I answer what it is depends on which pieces I have with me and then explain how I got there… Ship of Theseus history, if you will.

Cheers,
Andy

elmsandr wrote: Tue Apr 22, 2025 6:32 am
If it is an aftermarket Frankenbone, name it whatever you want.

Like how I have a 42 CO,T,K,CL2000,CR,&Monster. How I answer what it is depends on which pieces I have with me and then explain how I got there… Ship of Theseus history, if you will.

Cheers,
Andy

Considering that my 42 started out as a 42CO with an extra bell and 2 extra leadpipes, and has gone through multiple versions over the last 35 years with stuff added, subtracted, and replaced, I call mine a 42.

Sometimes I call it Betsy, but it doesn’t answer to that.

For those of you who have played older closed wrap 42s with the original valve, as well as the open flow valve on the 42BOF, how do they compare? I really love the sound I get from the mid-70s 42 with the stock valve I'm currently playing, but is the open flow valve substantially different? Different throw? Different response?

Way different. The open flow is a much better rotor than the stock rotor.

I had a 42B in college (1979). My band director was a trumpeter and wanted everyone on Bachs, at least the trumpet and trombone sections. That horn is long gone.

As an older adult, I acquired a 42A and I think highly of it. I recently started playing it again after my umpteenth reboot of trombone playing. The Hagmann valve is a huge improvement over the old 42B valve I had. The slide is also better. I could play this horn more but I find 500 and 508 bore horns more enjoyable.

I tried out a 42BOF today but walked out the door of Milano Music with an A42X. Sweet horn, the best 42 I’ve played so far.

I have a mount Vernon 42 that’s been my daily for about 3 years now. Compared it against 2 other mount Vernon’s and nearly 6 corps. My current MV was better in nearly every single way. Recently I bought a MV42 slide that plays better than my current slide, so that’s been a nice improvement. I’ve also customized it in almost every way possible at this point… axial flow, nickel silver f attach tuning slide, pulled lead pipe etc. I think I’m a true Bach guy, although the O malley horns have my attention.

Sounds like your grandfather's Bach!