"Player's Grade" Bach Stradivarius 42BO Trombone - Custom Valve Section
For sale is a Bach Stradivarius Model 42BO Tenor Trombone, serial number 129572 (c. 1997). This is a true "Workhorse" instrument. It features the desirable Open Wrap (BO) attachment and has been upgraded with a Custom Vertical Rotary Valve (likely an Axial Flow/Thayer style conversion). While the lacquer has seen better days, the slide is smooth and the sound is massive—classic Elkhart Bach power.
This is the ultimate bargain for a college student, gigging pro, or serious amateur. If you don't care about shiny lacquer and just want a horn that sounds like a $4,000 symphony instrument, this is it. It’s perfect for the player who wants top-tier performance without the stress of scratching a pristine horn in the pit.
The "Sleeper" Specs
Don't let the looks fool you; under the hood, this is a hot rod.
- Custom Vertical Valve: Unlike the standard "stuffy" rotary valves found on stock 42s, this horn features a custom vertical valve setup. This design aligns the air path more directly, significantly reducing resistance in the F-attachment. The result is a low register that speaks as freely as the open horn.
- Elkhart Bell: Features the legendary 8.5" One-Piece Hand-Hammered Yellow Brass Bell stamped "Elkhart, IN." This bell produces the signature warm, broad, and projecting sound that has defined the symphonic trombone section for 50 years.
- Open Wrap (BO): The F-attachment tubing features fewer bends (Open Wrap), further contributing to a free-blowing feel.
Condition Report: "Battle Scarred"
- Aesthetic: This horn is in "Player's Condition." The lacquer is heavily worn ("yuck" is an accurate description!), with spotting, scratches, and acid bleed typical of a well-loved professional horn.
- Body: Shows evidence of prior dent repair and battle scars throughout.
- Slide: Despite the cosmetics, the slide action—the most important part—is good and ready for performance.
- Valve: The custom valve moves freely and seals well.
Specifications
- Model: Bach Stradivarius 42BO (Modified)
- Serial Number: 129572 (c. 1997)
- Bore: .547" Large Bore
- Bell: 8.5" Yellow Brass
- Valve: Custom Vertical Alignment (High-flow design)
- Wrap: Open Wrap
- Condition: Heavy lacquer wear, visible repairs, structurally solid.
- Included: Hard Protective Case.
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!
