Overview
This Bach Stradivarius 42AF was a super-clean, single-owner professional tenor trombone equipped with Bach’s Infinity axial-flow valve. Serial number 197584, it was produced during the 2006–2010 period and had seen relatively limited use.
The instrument was previously owned by a professional player and remained in very good to excellent condition. It had never been damaged or repaired, and the original lacquer was nearly perfect.
This instrument has been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments.
Condition Summary
This was an exceptionally well-preserved Bach 42AF. The 8.5-inch bell was straight and undamaged, the original lacquer showed very little wear, and the valve section and attachment tubing remained clean throughout.
The standard-weight Bach handslide was fantastic, with smooth, dependable action. The Infinity valve was exceptionally fast and provided the open, easy response expected from Bach’s axial-flow design.
No repairs were needed to improve the instrument’s appearance or performance. It was fully prepared and ready to play when offered for sale.
Specifications
- Model: Bach Stradivarius 42AF
- Instrument type: Professional symphonic tenor trombone
- Serial number: 197584
- Estimated production period: 2006–2010
- Bore: .547-inch large bore
- Bell: 8.5-inch one-piece yellow brass bell
- Valve: Bach Infinity axial-flow valve
- F attachment: Open-wrap configuration
- Handslide: Standard-weight yellow brass Bach 42 handslide
- Finish: Original clear lacquer
- Ownership: Single-owner, professional-player-owned instrument
- Case: Original modern-style Bach case
- Mouthpiece: Not included
Player Perspective
The Bach 42 has long been an established standard for orchestral, concert band, wind ensemble, solo and university-level performance. Its one-piece yellow brass bell and .547-inch handslide provide the broad tonal center, projection and familiar response associated with the classic Bach symphonic sound.
The Infinity axial-flow valve gave this 42AF a particularly open and efficient feel through the F-attachment register. Valve action was fast, and the transition between the open horn and valve side was smooth and easy to manage.
This instrument was an excellent choice for an advancing student, college player, serious adult musician or professional seeking a clean, player-ready Bach 42 with an open axial-flow valve.
Value Perspective
In 2026, major online retailers advertised new Bach 42AF trombones at approximately $5,352, with some open-box examples priced around $4,500. When offered by The Brass Exchange, this instrument represented a compelling alternative at a substantially lower price.
More importantly, this was not an open-box instrument with an unknown return history. It had been hand-selected and owned by a professional player, had seen relatively limited use and played exceptionally well. The fantastic handslide, fast and open Infinity valve, near-perfect original lacquer and lack of prior damage made it both a tremendous value and an outstanding player.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Was this an original Bach 42AF?
Yes. This was a factory Bach Stradivarius 42AF equipped with Bach’s Infinity axial-flow valve and open-wrap F attachment.
Had the instrument ever been damaged or repaired?
No. The instrument had never been damaged or repaired. The bell remained straight, and the original lacquer was nearly perfect.
How were the handslide and valve?
The handslide was fantastic, with smooth and dependable action. The Infinity valve was exceptionally fast, open and easy to play.
What was included?
The original modern-style Bach case was included. A mouthpiece was not included.
From Our Shop
Used Bach 42 trombones vary considerably in condition and mechanical setup. This example stood out because it had seen limited use and remained exceptionally clean, original and mechanically strong. It was a proper professional instrument that was ready for immediate use when offered by The Brass Exchange.