This Bach 12 Stradivarius trombone dates to the mid-to-late 1940s New York era, representing one of the earliest known examples of this legendary model still in existence today. With its compact build and refined craftsmanship, this horn embodies the qualities that would later define the Stradivarius line for generations of players.
This particular Bach 12 features a .500" small bore, a 7" one-piece bell, and a standard-weight handslide fitted with a nickel oversleeve on the top outer slide tube (but not the bottom) — a distinctive configuration rarely seen in later production years. The lacquer appears to be original, showing an attractive aged patina that speaks to its long and careful preservation. The inner and outer slide tubes are also believed to be original.
Our shop performed a full professional service, including a chemical cleaning, careful hand alignment, and complete slide setup. The slide action is smooth and tension-free, and the horn plays with remarkable efficiency and clarity. Tonally, it delivers the lively response and crisp projection typical of the Bach 12 design, but with a slightly more compact, centered sound than the later 7.5" bell versions.
The Bach 12 is still widely respected by professional players today. Bob McChesney, a leading contemporary jazz artist and one of the most in-demand studio trombonists in Los Angeles, is well known for performing on a Bach 12. His artistry is a testament to the model’s enduring versatility and brilliance — from solo jazz features to demanding commercial recording sessions.
This makes it an excellent choice for lead trombone, small-group jazz, or traditional big band work, where agility, precision, and brightness are paramount. It would also shine as a dedicated soloist horn for players seeking a historically significant Bach in fully playable condition.
The instrument came housed in its original vintage Bach case, which remains in excellent preserved condition — a rare and desirable pairing for collectors.
📝 Historical Reference
This Bach 12 has been sold and is now preserved here as part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, serving as a valuable reference for collectors, historians, and players researching the early New York-era Bach trombones.
