This Bach 36 is now preserved in our Archive of Sold Instruments, serving as a historical and educational reference for players, collectors, and researchers.
✦ Historical Perspective: The Versatile .525 Bach Workhorse
The Bach 36 occupies a unique place in the Stradivarius lineup — a true medium-bore tenor built for players who need the color of a large bore without the weight, and the brilliance of a small bore without the limitations. Throughout the 1990s, the 36 was a favorite among commercial players, improvisers, church musicians, and pit orchestra professionals for its flexibility and tonal complexity.
This example, built in the 1990s, features its original 8-inch yellow brass bell and a .525 medium-bore handslide. It retains all original parts and lacquer, with no signs of major damage or prior repairs. Typical of working instruments from this era, there is light lacquer wear and minor acid bleed around the bell rim — purely cosmetic and consistent with genuine stage use.
Before being listed, this 36 underwent a full chemical cleaning and slide service, bringing the handslide to a smooth, responsive feel. The horn speaks easily with a dark, resonant core, yet maintains the clarity and projection players expect from Bach. Many modern jazz artists have returned to the .525 platform for its combination of power, warmth, and agility — a perfect match for improvisation, chamber work, and crossover commercial playing.
A used fabric gig bag (fair condition) was included at the time of sale.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These images come from an earlier stage of our documentation process and remain here to preserve the historical record of early Brass Exchange listings.
✅ Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Why do so many jazz and crossover players choose the Bach 36?
It offers a broader core than small-bore horns but remains more nimble and brilliant than a full .547 large bore — ideal for improvisation, lead-style playing, and versatile gigging.
Is a .525 medium bore suitable for all-around use?
Yes. The 36 is one of the rare “do-everything” trombones: flexible in large ensembles, resonant in small groups, and expressive for solo work.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This Bach 36 has been sold and is now part of our historical archive for reference and research.
Browse current trombones in stock 🔎
TBE Trusted Source 🛡️ — Over 15 years of curated expertise in vintage and modern Bach instruments.
