This Bach 42B tenor trombone, serial number 146869, was used as a professional orchestral player’s backup horn and remains in remarkably mint condition. Made in the 1990s, it features all original parts and lacquer, with no dents, dings, or plating wear — a true gem from this era. The horn underwent full shop service here, including a chemical bath, handslide alignment, and polished rotor and casing.
It plays with ease and offers the classic Bach tone: rich, colorful, and responsive throughout all dynamics. The handslide is smooth and well-balanced, with a standard .547" bore and traditional weight. The bell is 8.5" yellow brass and paired with a traditional wrap rotor valve section, making this an ideal choice for symphonic, wind ensemble, or solo repertoire.
The instrument comes in a pro-level SKB hard travel case, which offers a higher level of protection than most factory cases. While we don’t typically recommend checking horns with airlines, this one is probably the best candidate if you had to.
Why are 1990s Bach 42B trombones still so highly valued by professional players?
Many players feel that Bach horns from the 1990s represent a sweet spot in production — with strong consistency, clean lacquer work, and excellent handslide feel. These instruments often have a slightly warmer tone and better valve action than some modern counterparts. When well-preserved, a 1990s 42B like this one can outperform many newer examples.
This Bach 42B has been sold and now appears in our Archive of Sold Instruments as a reference for collectors, students, and professionals alike. View our current trombone inventory here 🔎.
