Overview

The Bach 42B Stradivarius is a professional tenor trombone with an F attachment that has been a mainstay in symphony orchestras and wind ensembles worldwide for decades. Featuring an 8.5-inch one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell and a .547-inch bore, the 42B delivers a rich, powerful sound with excellent depth in the low register and a brilliant, singing quality in the upper range. The open wrap F attachment provides a free-blowing feel with minimal resistance when engaged, ensuring smooth transitions between the Bb and F sides of the instrument. The chrome-plated nickel silver inner slide is fast and responsive, with a fit and finish that promotes effortless legato playing. Build quality is exceptional, with precision-machined components and a clear lacquer finish that allows the brass to vibrate freely. This trombone is the instrument of choice for countless professional orchestral trombonists and serves equally well in jazz big band and studio contexts. It rewards players who have developed strong air support and embouchure control. Individual Bach horns can vary somewhat in playing characteristics, so trying several examples is advisable when purchasing. Players seeking a lighter, more agile instrument for small ensemble jazz may prefer a smaller bore model.

Trombones

The Bach 42B Stradivarius is a professional tenor trombone with F attachment that has been a mainstay in symphony orchestras for decades, delivering rich, powerful sound through its hand-hammered bell and smooth open-wrap F section.

Instrument Details

$3,799 Professional
Brand Bach
Type Tenor Trombone
Made In United States
Year 1965
4.8 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.8 /5

The Bach 42B is more than just a trombone; it's the benchmark against which all orchestral tenors are measured. Its signature 'Bach sound' is characterized by a dense, harmonically rich core that provides incredible projection without ever becoming brittle. The one-piece hand-hammered bell offers a complex resonance that anchors a brass section, making it the definitive choice for symphonic work.

In terms of playability, the large bore requires a disciplined air stream, but it rewards the player with a massive dynamic range and a 'singing' upper register. While the traditional rotor on the 42B introduces a touch more resistance than modern axial flow valves, many professionals prefer this slight back-pressure for the security and focus it provides in the low register. The slide action is legendary"offering a slick, fast response that feels intuitive once broken in.

However, the 42B isn't without trade-offs. The traditional closed-wrap F-attachment can feel slightly more restrictive compared to the 42BO or boutique competitors. Additionally, while current Elkhart production is excellent, vintage-minded players often scrutinize slide tolerances. For the advancing student or professional needing a versatile, reliable workhorse that blends perfectly in any ensemble, the 42B remains a peerless investment that holds its value better than almost any other horn on the market.

Category Ratings

Trombones
4.8
Feb 17, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more