Overview
This is the real thing: an original late-1940s Vincent Bach Stradivarius Model 12 tenor trombone made during the New York 67 period. It has a one-piece 7.5-inch bell, .500-inch bore, lightweight handslide, original lacquer, and all original parts. The bell and handslide belong together and have remained together throughout the life of the instrument.
Upon play testing with both Bach 7C and 11C mouthpieces, the familiar Bach 12 sound was there immediately. Within the first few notes, you hear exactly what made this model famous: a clear, focused Bach sound with the color, response, and character players expect from a great Model 12. The design remains relevant today and continues to be played by leading trombonists, including Bob McChesney.
This trombone also carries important professional provenance. It came from a well-known professional player whose career extended from his early years in New Orleans to New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. He performed with the Stan Kenton and Woody Herman bands, recorded with Kai Winding and Urbie Green, and was a close friend of Carl Fontana. He was an exceptional caretaker of his instruments, particularly his trombone slides, and that is clearly reflected in this Bach 12.
Condition
This is an exceptionally well-preserved, all-original trombone that has never been dented, damaged, modified, or subjected to unnecessary repair work. There are no dents, patches, previous repairs, solder work, or modifications to either the bell section or the handslide.
The original lacquer remains on the instrument and shows honest age-related wear, thinning, discoloration, and patina consistent with a professional trombone approaching 80 years old. Nothing has been refinished or cosmetically altered. The photographs provide a clear record of its original finish and remarkably well-preserved physical condition.
The handslide is outstanding. Its alignment is exceptionally true, the tubes show no evidence of previous damage, and the action is fantastic. The previous owner clearly understood how to handle and maintain a professional trombone slide.
Professional service at The Brass Exchange included a chemical bath, complete inspection, mechanical once-over, lubrication, and play testing. This is a rare find: an original New York 67 Bach 12 that has been played professionally, carefully maintained, and preserved without damage or alteration.
Specifications & What’s Included
- Maker: Vincent Bach Corporation
- Model: Stradivarius Model 12LT
- Instrument: Small-bore tenor trombone
- Production era: Late 1940s
- Factory marking: New York 67, U.S.A.
- Bell construction: One-piece Bach bell-yellow brass
- Bell diameter: 7.5 inches
- Bore size: .500 inch
- Handslide: Lightweight Bach handslide
- Serial number: 2800
- Serial-number locations: Matching number 2800 stamped on the cork barrel and outer handslide
- Finish: Original lacquer with honest age-related wear and patina
- Parts: All original bell-section and handslide components
- Condition: No dents, damage, patches, modifications, previous repairs, or solder work
- Slide action: Fantastic, with exceptionally true alignment and no defects
- Service: Professional chemical bath, inspection, mechanical once-over, lubrication, and play testing completed at The Brass Exchange
- Case: Lightweight shaped polyfoam case with black nylon exterior and zipper closure
- Mouthpiece: Not included
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is this Bach Model 12?
Serial number 2800 and the New York 67 bell engraving place this trombone in the late 1940s. The “67” refers to Bach’s Bronx postal district and identifies production before the company moved to Mount Vernon in 1953.
Where is the serial number located?
The matching serial number 2800 is stamped on the cork barrel and the outer handslide. Bach did not place serial numbers on trombone bell sections during this period. The matching slide numbers, original construction, finish, components, and provenance support this as an original bell-and-slide instrument.
Is this a collector’s instrument or a player’s instrument?
It is both. The originality, New York 67 engraving, professional provenance, and exceptional preservation give it meaningful historical and collector interest. More importantly, it remains an excellent-playing Bach 12 with outstanding slide action and the familiar sound that made the model famous.
Fulfillment & Ordering
📦 Ships via Federal Express the same business day whenever possible.
🛡️ Professionally packed, fully insured, and carefully prepared for safe arrival.
✅ Every instrument receives a final inspection before shipment.
📧 Tracking information is provided immediately after your order ships.
Questions about this instrument? Contact Us by phone or email. International buyers welcome please contact us for shipping quote.