This exceptional Bach 42BO tenor trombone dates to the early 1990s, approximately 1993, and represents one of the rare gold brass open-wrap variations produced during that period.
While most 42BO models featured yellow brass throughout, this example includes gold brass F-attachment tubing and main tuning slide, suggesting a special order or limited factory run.
The horn features a standard-weight .547 bore handslide and an 8.5-inch yellow brass bell, producing the classic 42B warmth with added depth and color from the gold brass components.
It has received full professional service here at The Brass Exchange — including a chemical bath, rotor cleaning and alignment, and precise slide adjustment. The slide is excellent, free of drag or tension, and the rotor valve operates quickly and quietly.
Players will find this to be a responsive and balanced 42BO suitable for advanced students, professionals, or adult amateurs alike. The open-wrap design offers a broad, free-blowing response that has made the 42BO a standard among orchestral and symphonic trombonists for decades.
This instrument is a rare variant in outstanding condition, offering both collectible appeal and performance value.
🖼️ Photography Note
These photos were taken as part of our earlier photography workflow and equipment setup used in past years. They remain an important part of our documented archives and continue to illustrate the quality and authenticity of instruments sold during that period.
✅ FAQs
What makes this 42BO unique?
This is a special early-1990s build featuring gold brass open-wrap tubing—a rarely seen factory variation. Most 42BOs from the era used yellow brass throughout, making this configuration particularly uncommon.
How does gold brass affect the sound?
Gold brass contains more copper than yellow brass, which produces a slightly warmer, richer tone with smoother overtones. It offers a bit more breadth without losing clarity in projection.
Is this suitable for advanced students or professionals?
Absolutely. The Bach 42BO has been a professional standard for over 40 years. This early-’90s example plays freely, with excellent slide response and consistent intonation—ideal for players moving into large-bore orchestral repertoire.
This Bach 42BO (early 1990s) is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, preserved here as a historical reference for Bach enthusiasts and large-bore tenor trombone collectors.
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