This instrument has been sold and is now presented here as a historical reference for collectors, players, and researchers of vintage Bach tenor trombones.
For currently available Bach and large-bore tenors, please visit our in-stock listings.👉
✦ Historical Perspective
This Bach 36BO Convertible represents one of the most flexible and thoughtfully designed medium-large bore trombone platforms Bach produced during the early 1970s. The heart of this setup is its removable valve section paired with the option of a straight neckpipe, giving the player the ability to move effortlessly between straight tenor and F-attachment configurations without changing instruments.
This particular ensemble was owned by a Northern California professional who studied in the Emory Remington tradition. The horn was used extensively in pit orchestras, where flexibility, intonation stability, and tonal character matter more than anything on paper. The package included two bells: an 8" yellow brass bell and an 8" gold brass Corporation-era bell—a highly respected and increasingly rare component known for warmth, color, and projection. The early-1970s handslide, also original to the set, remained in excellent working condition and paired beautifully with both bells.
Players who work in commercial, orchestral, and theater settings often search for the versatility this kind of setup offers. With this configuration, a musician could perform as a straight tenor for clarity and agility, then add the valve section and use either bell for broader, more expressive work. It is essentially four instruments in one, each with its own response and personality.
A modern 36BO with a fixed valve section sells for significantly more than it did in this era, yet lacks both the straight-tenor capability and the tonal nuance of a true Corporation bell. This set distinguished itself not only through its craftsmanship but through its proven professional history, making it the kind of instrument that rarely appears twice.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These images reflect our earlier years of documentation at The Brass Exchange. While the photography style predates our current studio standards, the photos accurately capture the bell engraving, lacquer condition, handslide alignment, and all included components. They remain an important part of our historical reference library.
❓ FAQs – Bach 36BO Convertible (Historical Reference)
What made this 36BO Convertible special?
The removable valve section and straight neckpipe gave the player a choice between two complete playing setups, each with its own feel and response. Few modern instruments offer this level of versatility.
Why is a Corporation-era bell noteworthy?
Bach’s Corporation-period bells from the early 1970s are admired for their consistency, craftsmanship, and depth of sound. Many players describe them as more colorful and resonant than most modern bells.
How do yellow brass and gold brass differ?
Yellow brass leans toward brilliance and projection, while gold brass offers a darker, and warmer timbre. Having both bells in a single package dramatically expands the expressive palette.
Is the 36BO still popular today?
Absolutely. The 36 remains a favorite among pit players, chamber musicians, and commercial players who want a medium-large bore horn that can cover a wide range of styles.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This Bach 36BO Convertible has found its permanent home and is preserved here for its historical significance and as a resource for those studying Bach’s production eras and design evolution.
If you are exploring comparable instruments or researching options with similar characteristics, you may wish to view our current selection:
👉 Browse Current Tenor Trombones In Stock
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010 The Brass Exchange has served as a trusted source for vintage Bach instruments, professionally vetted listings, and historically accurate reference material. Every archived instrument reflects our commitment to clarity, authenticity, and the long tradition of brass craftsmanship.
