✦ Historical Perspective
This Bach 36 Corporation Era trombone (serial no. 28,3XX) was built around 1977 in Elkhart, Indiana, during one of Bach’s most consistent production periods. The “Corporation” bell stamp identifies instruments made after the company’s move from Mount Vernon and before the Selmer consolidation of the 1980s — a window prized for craftsmanship and tonal purity.
The Model 36 bridges the agility of .500 jazz tenors and the commanding breadth of .547 symphonic models. Its .525 medium-large bore offers exceptional flexibility, making it an enduring favorite among professionals and advanced students alike.
✦ Condition & Service
Fully serviced in-house at The Brass Exchange, including a chemical bath, slide alignment, and mechanical inspection.
Bell: Original one-piece yellow brass bell with minor previous dent corrections professionally completed. Full resonance retained.
Neck and gooseneck: Re-lacquered to preserve finish integrity and match the original color.
Slide: Original tubes are straight, tension-free, and smooth with excellent compression.
Lacquer: Approximately 90 percent original, with the classic amber hue typical of late-1970s Bach production.
The horn plays evenly across all registers with the hallmark Bach warmth, clarity, and rich overtone series.
✦ Playing Characteristics
Many players describe the 36 as the “sweet spot” between small-bore agility and large-bore power. This particular example offers:
Broad projection with a centered, singing tone.
Comfortable resistance ideal for long playing sessions.
A color palette that adapts beautifully to chamber, jazz, and pit orchestra work.
Best paired with a 6 ½ AL or 5G small-shank Morse-taper mouthpiece for maximum versatility.
✅ Common Questions
Q: What defines the “Corporation Era” for Bach trombones?
It marks the Elkhart period from the mid-1960s through early 1980s, known for one-piece bells and exceptional hand-fitting before corporate mass-production techniques took hold.
Q: Why do many modern players return to the .525 bore?
It offers greater ease and response for extended rehearsals or doubling work without sacrificing projection — essentially a lighter, more efficient large tenor feel.
Q: How does the 36 compare to the 42 or 16 models?
The 36 sits midway between them — more core and breadth than the 16, less weight and air demand than the 42. Its versatility makes it a favorite for teachers, pit musicians, and studio players.
🕰️ Photography Note
This page includes images from an earlier period in The Brass Exchange’s history. These photos remain part of our archive to document the instrument’s condition at the time of sale and to illustrate the evolution of our fine-art photography standards for brass instruments.
📌 Archive Reference
This Bach 36 Corporation Era Tenor Trombone has been sold and is now preserved within our Archive of Sold Trombones as a reference for collectors and players researching vintage Bach models.
👉 Looking for a similar .525 bore tenor or Corporation-era instrument?
Explore our current trombone inventory 🔎 or contact us ✍️to discuss trade-ins or upcoming Bach arrivals.
