This Bach 36B trombone, serial #34341, was built during the highly regarded Corporation Era of the 1970s and later customized by The Brasslab, Chuck McAlexander’s renowned New York City shop. The Brasslab, active from the late 1970s until its closing when Chuck retired, was one of the premier brass repair and modification shops in the country. Known for meticulous craftsmanship, it served countless professional brass musicians seeking restoration and custom design work.
This 36B retains the hallmark Corporation Era specifications — an 8" bell, .525 bore, and original Bach leadpipe — but with distinctive features:
Unlacquered finish: The horn was hand-polished and left unlacquered. This makes it lighter, quicker to respond, and often more lively under the ear. The only drawback is that the raw brass will tarnish naturally over time, requiring regular polishing to maintain its bright appearance.
Convertible open-wrap rotor system: A removable valve with straight neck and balance weight allows quick conversion between F-attachment tenor and straight tenor.
Lightweight slide modifications: Nickel oversleeves were removed and the grip brace replaced with a slimmer, lighter version, giving the handslide a quicker, more agile feel. A small brass patch is neatly applied to the lower outer slide at the grip area, typical of a working professional’s horn.
Bell condition: The bell is a true Corporation Era bell, completely original, with no dents, dings, or signs of prior damage. Its condition is outstanding and reflects the craftsmanship Bach was known for in this era.
Upon arrival in our shop, we performed a complete professional service, including chemical bath and full inspection. No further service needs are required — the horn is ready to play. Includes the neck conversion, balance weight and an entry level type case by Kaces in excellent condition.
This is still very much a classic Bach 36B at its core — a medium-bore horn with balance, projection, and flexibility — but enhanced by Brasslab’s thoughtful modifications. It plays with excellent response, speaks quickly, and carries the feel of a professional player’s customized gigging instrument.
🤔 Who was The Brasslab?
The Brasslab was a legendary brass repair and customization shop in New York City founded by Chuck McAlexander in the late 1970s. It became famous for high-end custom work before closing when Chuck retired.
What does “convertible” mean on this 36B?
This horn was fitted with a removable open-wrap rotor and straight neck, allowing it to be played as either an F-attachment tenor or a straight tenor.
What are the benefits of an unlacquered finish?
Unlacquered brass is lighter and often more responsive, giving the horn a lively, quick feel. The trade-off is that the finish will tarnish over time and requires polishing to maintain its shine.
What condition is the bell and slide in?
The Corporation Era bell is in perfect condition with no dents or prior damage. The slide shows a small brass patch at the grip area but remains smooth and responsive thanks to lightweight modifications.
This instrument has been sold and is now part of our Archive of Sold instruments. Looking for something similar? 🔎 Browse available trombones
🕑 Looking for what’s next?
Explore our Unpublished Used Trombones and Brass Instruments – Early Access List, featuring upcoming arrivals not yet photographed or fully serviced — available soon at The Brass Exchange.
