This Bach Trombone Is Now Part of Our Historical Archive
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Historical Perspective
The Bach 16LT has long been one of the most respected small-bore designs in the Bach Stradivarius family, and the 1970s Corporation Era is considered a golden period for consistency and craftsmanship. This 1976 example reflects everything players love about the era: clarity, resonance, and effortless projection.
The bell is a 7.5" yellow brass flare paired with the lightweight nickel-silver dual-bore slide (.495"/.509"), the defining characteristic of the “LT” designation. These slides are lively, quick, and brilliant in the upper register but still retain a strong core fundamental—making them favored by jazz and commercial players for decades.
This instrument was professionally owned and played, and both the bell and slide have been professionally set up for optimal response. The slide, in particular, is exceptional—fast, quiet, and clean. Included is a new Protec ProPac case and a Bach 6 mouthpiece.
Modern Bach 16 models retail for well over $3,000, yet many players believe the Corporation Era horns remain superior in resonance, feel, and craftsmanship.
Player Perspective
If you’re a lead or jazz player coming from a .547 (like the Bach 42B), the Bach 16LT is one of the easiest transitions you'll ever make. The dual-bore slide adds just a touch of stability and support, while still preserving the lightness and agility players demand in jazz band, combo, and commercial settings.
This particular 1976 horn plays with a warm core, quick response, and brilliant articulation — exactly what Corporation Era horns are known for.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Did Bill Watrous play this exact model?
No. Watrous played the straight-bore variant of the Bach 16 (not the dual-bore LT version). His horn did not use the .495/.509 slide profile. His model was the 16M
Was the bell different on the dual-bore LT vs. the straight-bore 16M/16 models?
No — the bell material and flare were essentially the same.
The primary design difference was the neckpipe inner diameter slightly larger and slide bore configuration, which changed the response and feel.
Is the 16LT good for college jazz band or lead playing?
Absolutely. The 16LT is one of the most versatile professional small-bores ever made. It slots cleanly, blends beautifully, and still has the brilliance needed for lead work.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, we have specialized in professional brass instruments, archiving thousands of historically important trombones. Every horn is inspected, play-tested, and serviced before it enters our archive or inventory.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These original images were taken in the early days of The Brass Exchange and reflect the evolution of our instrument photography over thousands of trombones offered since 2010.
Final Notes & Next Steps
This Bach 16LT is a standout example of Corporation Era craftsmanship and remains highly desirable among jazz and commercial players. Its professional setup, excellent condition, and classic LT response make it a historically meaningful and musically exceptional trombone.
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