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
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 The modular system is outdated and need updating.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
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 The modular system is outdated and need updating.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
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ryant
- Posts: 133
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:26 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
Where are you located?
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erbarnes
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
I’m in Pittsburgh, PA but willing to send the horn wherever to get the work done!
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hornbuilder
- Posts: 1331
- Joined: Wed May 02, 2018 9:20 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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
Owner/Craftsman, M&W Custom Trombones, LLC, Jackson, Wisconsin.
Former Bass Trombonist, Opera Australia, 1991-2006
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erbarnes
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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.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.
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Lhbone
- Posts: 369
- Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:56 am
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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.userbarnes 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
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erbarnes
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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 wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 amCan'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.userbarnes 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
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Lhbone
- Posts: 369
- Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:56 am
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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 wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:38 amI’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 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
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erbarnes
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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.Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:43 amDid 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 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!
- elmsandr
- Posts: 1327
- Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 2:43 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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
Cheers,
Andy
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erbarnes
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:45 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
Got a hold of Todd—thank you all for the assist! Coming soon: a Bach that works!
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Rrova
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:19 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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.Lhbone wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2026 9:10 amCan'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.userbarnes 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
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!
- BrianJohnston
- Posts: 1057
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:49 pm
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
Everett Beeman - Beeman brass is just over the border in Ohio. He did a lot of work on my Bach 42
Faculty - Mount Royal University
Civic Orchestra of Chicago Alum 2019-2021
Bach Brass Artist
Civic Orchestra of Chicago Alum 2019-2021
Bach Brass Artist
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JTeagarden
- Posts: 801
- Joined: Mon Feb 24, 2025 8:37 am
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
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!
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Lhbone
- Posts: 369
- Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:56 am
Re: Custom Bach 42 work recommendations
hah--awesome! He should be proud. Stunning craftsmanship.Rrova wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2026 1:18 pmBTW1: Leanne we also talked about the horn he made for you! I could he was quite proud of that one!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