Bach 42 Handslide – Custom Satin Finish – Mid 1980s
This Bach 42 handslde dates from the mid-1980s and has been given a beautiful custom satin finish. Over time, original lacquer on brass instruments often wears away, especially in high-contact areas like the slide grip. When lacquer begins to break down, exposed raw brass is at risk for corrosion and pitting, which can eat into the metal and eventually lead to serious structural damage.
We have seen many slides come through the shop over the years with severe deterioration, particularly in the lower cork barrel and grip zones, sometimes even developing holes. This slide, however, has been properly maintained and recently serviced here in our shop. It shows no corrosion issues and plays excellent — smooth, responsive, and free of plating defects.
A responsible player will always ensure their trombone is professionally serviced on a regular basis. If any areas show lacquer loss or raw metal exposure, a qualified brass technician should recommend spot lacquering those zones. In some cases, it may be necessary to completely strip, polish, and relacquer the entire slide, especially if the wear is extensive. At a minimum, maintaining contact areas will greatly extend the lifespan of your instrument and protect your investment.
Why is original lacquer so important on a trombone slide?
Original lacquer acts as a protective barrier against sweat, oils, and environmental damage. Once compromised, the metal underneath can quickly corrode, affecting playability and resale value. Keeping even partial or spot lacquer in good shape can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Additional Upgrade:
This slide now features a removable leadpipe, offering greater flexibility and easier future servicing. Original 42B slides from this era were built with soldered-in leadpipes, making this an excellent modernized improvement for players seeking more customization options.
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