Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

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erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes
ryant
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Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:26 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by ryant »

Where are you located?
erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

I’m in Pittsburgh, PA but willing to send the horn wherever to get the work done!
hornbuilder
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Joined: Wed May 02, 2018 9:20 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by hornbuilder »

The handslide actually cannot be parallel to anything else on the horn. If it was, you would not have any space between it and the bell rim. Just so you're aware.
Matthew Walker
Owner/Craftsman, M&W Custom Trombones, LLC, Jackson, Wisconsin.
Former Bass Trombonist, Opera Australia, 1991-2006
erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

hornbuilder wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 7:04 pm The handslide actually cannot be parallel to anything else on the horn. If it was, you would not have any space between it and the bell rim. Just so you're aware.
Yes, I am aware. It’s askew in both planes, however. The Thayer valve was built completely askew, so everything is off. Which is why I would like to get it to someone to give me some direction; I am not sure if it’s worth trying to fix it up and salvage the valve or build a new valve for it. Need someone to look it over and make a recommendation.
Lhbone
Posts: 369
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:56 am

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by Lhbone »

erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes
Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us
erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am
erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes
Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us
I’ve reached out to both the Thayer company and Todd directly. Was hoping to get on his schedule, but not getting much in terms of replies. Exploring all options now—would’ve liked to have the Thayer company service this horn and have Todd do some custom work since I know he does great work!
Lhbone
Posts: 369
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Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by Lhbone »

erbarnes wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:38 am
Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us
I’ve reached out to both the Thayer company and Todd directly. Was hoping to get on his schedule, but not getting much in terms of replies. Exploring all options now—would’ve liked to have the Thayer company service this horn and have Todd do some custom work since I know he does great work!
Did you call/leave a voicemail? Maybe text too? Unless he's out of town, which is possible with summer, he's usually good about getting back.
erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:43 am
erbarnes wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:38 am

I’ve reached out to both the Thayer company and Todd directly. Was hoping to get on his schedule, but not getting much in terms of replies. Exploring all options now—would’ve liked to have the Thayer company service this horn and have Todd do some custom work since I know he does great work!
Did you call/leave a voicemail? Maybe text too? Unless he's out of town, which is possible with summer, he's usually good about getting back.
I messaged directly and emailed the company. I will place a call in the next day or so and see if I can get through.
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elmsandr
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Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by elmsandr »

This type of work is one of those situations where a phone call is much more likely to get a response than a message or an email.

Cheers,
Andy
erbarnes
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by erbarnes »

Got a hold of Todd—thank you all for the assist! Coming soon: a Bach that works!
Rrova
Posts: 123
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:19 pm

Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by Rrova »

Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am
erbarnes wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 9:44 am I am currently looking for recommendation! I have reached out to a handful of known techs that do custom work on Bachs and I am not getting responses.

I have a Bach 42 with two modular valve sections. The modular system is outdated and need updating. I want to make sure that the valves are in good working order and, if not, get a replacement done. One valve section is an OE Thayer and the other is a stock Bach 42BO section (not as important that I get this rotor checked over). If neither valve is salvageable or if it would just be cheaper to build a new valve, I am open to that recommendation as well.

The previous modification done on this horn was built at an angle, so the slide nowhere near parallel to anything on the horn. I would like to get this taken care of as well, which presents probably the most complex piece of the puzzle.

If you have recommendations or contact info for any reputable technicians that do custom work, please let me know!

Thanks,
Eric Barnes
Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us
Totally agree! I visited Todd just this past Friday, as it was a holiday. We talked shop for a good 1.5 hours! I brought him my Bach 50 with Thayers (in other words made by Ed himself) that Todd actually built in the 90s! Took one look at one of the cores and said it looks just like it did on the day it was made. So he's going to be getting that thing playing better then almost anything out there.

BTW1: Leanne we also talked about the horn he made for you! I could he was quite proud of that one!

BTW2: He has some AMAZING projects coming out the could potentially upend the axial market!

Yeah, you're horn is going to come back the best its ever been!
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BrianJohnston
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Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by BrianJohnston »

Everett Beeman - Beeman brass is just over the border in Ohio. He did a lot of work on my Bach 42
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JTeagarden
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Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by JTeagarden »

Rrova wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 1:18 pm BTW2: He has some AMAZING projects coming out the could potentially upend the axial market!

That's not fair, details, details!
Lhbone
Posts: 369
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Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations

Post by Lhbone »

Rrova wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 1:18 pm
Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 am

Can't recommend Todd Clontz enough. He has a full shop setup, does incredible work, and has some exciting projects going on with further development of the OE Thayer valves that you could ask about. He's based in Baltimore. Give him a call--he loves to chat. If he doesn't pick up, leave a voicemail and he'll get back to you. https://thayervalve.us
BTW1: Leanne we also talked about the horn he made for you! I could he was quite proud of that one!
hah--awesome! He should be proud. Stunning craftsmanship.
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