TromboneChat

I’m curious if Bach ever made any NY/MV 45s with 8.5 inch bells on a custom order. Anyone know?

Nobody knows…

I wouldn’t doubt that Bach built some one-offs during those eras. While of no real help, here are some MV 45B sequential shop cards I received from Tedd Waggoner way back when I had a couple of MV 45Bs. It’s interesting to note that #4484 is listed as having a red bell. I think I still have photos of this particular horn from when I owned it. Thought the forum might like to see them.

Oh wow, actually I just realized that 4483 is the shop card to a 42B with a 9” bell! Opposite of what you’re looking for lol

Responding to add the shop card for my MV45.

What were the differences between the 45 and the 42? I know there's the gooseneck and the barrel. How different were the slides? I seem to recall the 42 was originally made using parts of the 45 and 36 stuck together.

tbonesullivan wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 12:41 pm What were the differences between the 45 and the 42? I know there's the gooseneck and the barrel. How different were the slides? I seem to recall the 42 was originally made using parts of the 45 and 36 stuck together.

Different bell form is one big difference. The bells were made on a different mandrel, with a different taper.

I thought the 42 bell section is essentially the same as a 36 but with the bell cut a bit larger. Then larger bore slide, and a Bach 50 slide bow.

45 single bore slides are the same as 42.

Burgerbob wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 2:41 pm 45 single bore slides are the same as 42.

Yes, that's it. They took a 45 single bore slide, attached it to the 36 bell section, and cut the 36 bell a bit farther out for an 8 1/2" bell.

tbonesullivan wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 3:59 pm

Burgerbob wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 2:41 pm 45 single bore slides are the same as 42.

Yes, that's it. They took a 45 single bore slide, attached it to the 36 bell section, and cut the 36 bell a bit farther out for an 8 1/2" bell.

I hate to keep doing this… but nearly all the old 45 slides are single bore.

I’ve played more than probably anybody here, I still own two, and they have ALL been straight .547”. I understand that some marked 46 horns have been dual bore, but I haven’t touched or played those myself. I think the dual bore 45s are a newer interpretation (newer being a relative term here… there aren’t a lot of Elkhart 45s).

As for the OP, I wouldn’t be surprised to see one, but I’ve never seen one. I’ve seen 9” 42s, but never 8.5” 45s.

Cheers,
Andy

A dual bore .547/.562" Model 45 slide was (still is?? But I doubt it) a special order option 25-30-ish years ago.