The Bach 42BO LT Trombone is one of the most popular professional large-bore tenors ever produced, offering players the combination of Bach’s legendary 42 bell section with an open wrap F-attachment and the LT lightweight nickel silver handslide. This example, built in the early 1990s, reflects a highly regarded period of Bach production and has served as a reliable professional tool for decades.
The horn featured a yellow brass 8.5" bell paired with the open wrap rotor system, which allows for freer airflow and less resistance compared to the traditional closed wrap design. The LT handslide, constructed of lightweight nickel silver, contributed to quick response and an agile feel, especially favored by orchestral and advanced students needing precision in fast passages.
This instrument showed considerable cosmetic wear from many years of use, particularly in the lacquer of the bell section. However, it underwent a complete shop service, including chemical bath, dent removal, and slide alignment, ensuring smooth playability and proper function. Structurally, the horn remained solid with no issues that affected performance.
For advancing players, the 42BO LT has always been considered a “workhorse” model, capable of carrying a student through four years of high school, collegiate playing, and even into professional work. With new models of the 42BO LT retailing for over $4,000 in 2025, this preowned example represented a practical and affordable path to owning a world-class orchestral trombone.
FAQ 🤔
Q: What does the “BO” in Bach 42BO mean?
“BO” designates the open wrap rotor configuration. This design reduces airflow resistance and provides smoother transitions when engaging the F-attachment.
Q: What does the “LT” in 42BO LT stand for?
“LT” means lightweight nickel silver slide, which provides faster response and slightly brighter resonance compared to standard brass slides.
Q: Who is the Bach 42BO LT best suited for?
This model is a favorite among advanced students, orchestral players, and professionals, offering the power of a large bore tenor with the responsiveness of a lightweight slide.
This Bach 42BO LT from the early 1990s has been sold and is now preserved here as a historical archive reference. Looking for a comparable Bach 42 model? 👉 Browse available trombones in stock at The Brass Exchange Here
