This Bach 42 tenor trombone features a custom open-wrap conversion with an Edwards rotary valve section and matching Edwards tuning slide, creating a responsive, free-blowing setup favored by orchestral and serious symphonic players. The valve section has been fully overhauled and functions perfectly. This horn blends Bach’s traditional sound profile with the modern engineering of Edwards components — a great combination for players seeking both warmth and flexibility.
The bell is a standard Bach 42, unlacquered to allow the metal to resonate freely, giving it a rich, open sound. It pairs with a standard Bach 42 handslide, which is straight and clean, though there is some lacquer wear on the outer slide. The horn has been cleaned and fully serviced — no work is needed to improve playability.
Included is a brand-new Protec IPAC case, offering modern protection with a compact footprint for travel and storage.
Why do so many players upgrade the valve on a Bach 42?
Originally, the Bach 42B came with the same rotor valve used on the smaller .525 bore Bach 36B — a design choice going back to the 1960s. While the 42’s bell and slide produce a broad, powerful sound, many players have long felt that the original valve chokes airflow on a true .547 bore tenor. This led to a wave of modular upgrades in the 1990s, where players began combining Bach bells with Edwards, Shires, and other aftermarket valve sections. This hybrid approach delivers the sound of a classic Bach with the efficiency, openness, and custom feel of a modern valve setup.
This horn is an excellent first pro-level instrument for a serious player ready to step up.
