Overview
This Bach 36B tenor trombone, serial number 45015, was made in 1981 and came from a single professional-player owner. It retained all original instrument parts and original lacquer, with no history of damage or repair.
The classic Bach 36B configuration combines an 8-inch yellow brass bell, traditional-wrap F-attachment and standard-weight .525-inch bore handslide. It offers more breadth and tonal weight than a small-bore trombone while remaining noticeably more compact and responsive than a standard .547-inch large-bore tenor.
Most importantly, this was a particularly strong-playing 36B. The handslide action was fantastic, the instrument responded easily, and it had the centered sound and flexibility that have made the 36B a longstanding professional favorite. This was an established player’s horn that we could recommend with confidence.
This instrument came from the collection of an accomplished professional trombonist whose career included work with the Stan Kenton and Woody Herman orchestras, Xavier Cugat, Urbie Green, Kai Winding and other leading figures of the big-band era. It was selected, played and carefully maintained by a musician who understood what makes a great Bach 36B—and this one did not disappoint.
This instrument has been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments.
Condition & Playability
- Single-owner, professional-player-owned instrument
- All original instrument parts and lacquer
- No previous damage or repairs
- Bell had never been creased or structurally damaged
- Fantastic handslide action
- F-attachment valve operated properly
- Normal cosmetic wear and lacquer aging consistent with professional use
- Fully playable and prepared for its new owner
This was not presented as an untouched display instrument. It was a well-preserved professional trombone with honest cosmetic aging and unusually good playing characteristics.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vincent Bach
- Model: 36B
- Serial Number: 45015
- Year: 1981
- Bell: 8-inch yellow brass
- Bore: .525-inch medium bore
- Handslide: Standard-weight yellow brass
- F-Attachment: Traditional-wrap rotary valve
- Mouthpiece Receiver: Standard small shank
- Finish: Original lacquer
Player Perspective
The Bach 36B occupies an especially useful place between small-bore jazz trombones and full-size .547-inch orchestral tenors. It retains enough breadth and depth for serious ensemble work while responding more quickly and efficiently than many large-bore instruments.
This makes the model an excellent choice for orchestral players who occasionally need something smaller than their primary .547-inch tenor. It is also particularly well suited for musical theatre, pit orchestra, chamber music, church work and other situations requiring tonal flexibility and an instrument that can move easily between styles.
The standard small-shank receiver provides plenty of mouthpiece flexibility. A Bach 6½AL is a natural match for an efficient, balanced setup, while a small-shank 5G can provide a broader feel and tonal profile.
Having handled Bach 36B trombones from nearly every production period, we considered this a particularly satisfying example. It played easily, had an excellent slide and delivered the sound and response players look for in a good vintage 36B.
What Was Included
- Bach 36B tenor trombone
- Brown zippered Bach case
- Mouthpiece not included
The case was likely acquired later as a replacement or preferred carrying case. One zipper pull was damaged, but the zipper remained fully functional and closed securely.