Overview
This Bach Model 8 is an exceptionally early New York-era trombone with serial number 758. Available Bach production records place serial number 400 in 1935 and serial number 1600 in 1940, dating this instrument to the mid-to-late 1930s near the beginning of the Big Band Era.
Bach trombone production was still in its earliest years when this instrument was built. With a 7-inch yellow brass bell and .490-inch bore handslide, the Model 8 sits between the smaller Model 6 and the larger Model 12. It has more breadth than a Model 6 while retaining a more compact feel and sound than a Model 12.
Condition
At some point in its life, this trombone was most likely professionally relacquered. The New York bell engraving remains exceptionally crisp, suggesting that the instrument was handled carefully and was not excessively buffed during the refinishing process. It retains its original parts and fittings.
The instrument has received complete shop service at The Brass Exchange, including a chemical bath, mechanical inspection, and careful handslide preparation. There are no dents or dings on the bell section or handslide.
The slide is very good, particularly for an instrument of this age. It moves freely under its own weight without excessive tension and remains entirely playable as it is. We carefully prepared and adjusted the slide to make it perform as well as its original construction and age would allow.
The original leadpipe accepts the mouthpiece to the proper insertion depth. The neck pipe is straight and correctly aligned with the bell, and the connection between the handslide and section and neck receiver is secure and snug.
Specifications
- Maker: Vincent Bach Corporation
- Model: 8
- Serial number: 758
- Estimated production period: Mid-to-late 1930s
- Production era: New York
- Instrument type: Small-bore tenor trombone
- Bell diameter: 7 inches
- Bell material: Yellow brass
- Bore: .490 inch
- Handslide: Standard-weight yellow brass
- Slide crook: Yellow brass with nickel-silver crook guard
- Slide lock: None by original design
- Leadpipe: Original
- Finish: Most likely professionally relacquered
Distinctive Early Construction
The nickel-silver slide crook guard is a characteristic detail seen on some early Bach handslides and became less common in later production. This particular Model 8 was also built without a slide lock, another interesting feature of its early construction.
Player Perspective
The best part of this trombone is the way it plays and sounds. It responds easily and feels noticeably larger than a Bach Model 6 while remaining smaller and more compact than a Model 12. The result is a distinctive early Bach voice with clarity, color, and more substance than its 7-inch bell might suggest.
This would be a fascinating jazz or big band trombone, particularly for a player interested in early traditional jazz or the smaller, more focused trombone sound associated with the beginning of the Big Band Era. It is historically significant enough for a collector but sufficiently well prepared and playable to be enjoyed as an instrument rather than simply preserved as an artifact.
Included
The bell section and handslide are included. A case and mouthpiece are not included.
Fulfillment & Ordering
📦 Ships via Federal Express the same business day whenever possible.
🛡️ Professionally packed, fully insured, and carefully prepared for safe arrival.
✅ Every instrument receives a final inspection before shipment.
📧 Tracking information is provided immediately after your order ships.
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