The Bach 42BOF

[Tomnormann]

It has now been a couple of years since this horn was last discussed, and I think it might be interesting to bring up the topic again. Many have probably had the opportunity to try the horn, and a new product from such a large player deserves an analysis.

I myself play the centennial model, with gold brass bell, lightweight nickel silver slide, and balance weight. I bought it from a reputable dealer in the US, who put together the best combination he had of bell sections and slides. A technician straightened and fixed one inner slide properly, widened the inner tube on the tuning crooks, removed some solder inside the bell piece, did a minor tweaking and now the horn plays very well. The bell rings, the sound is both warm and clear and it is very even in all registers. Several skilled professionals - who themselves play instruments such as Greenhoe (before Schilke), Thein Universal II or late 90s custom Shires - are both impressed and positively surprised.

The quality control needs to improve at Conn Selmer, thats for sure. However, when the errors are corrected the result in my case is very good, and this horn is maybe the one I like the most of horns I have played so far in my life.

Btw, at the moment I play on a Denis Wick 4AL, while waiting for a Jay Friedman model from Bob Reeves/Brass Ark to arrive.

Tom Normann Nilsen
Former conservatory student, today MBA and active amateur trombonist in Oslo/Norway

[Rrova]

I'm very happy you have a Bach that you're happy with! Its a shame that you had to get all that stuff done to a new horn. If Bach would focus on building it right and maybe lowering the price I have a feeling they would dominate again.

Did they have to tweak the valve section?

[tbonesullivan]

I have a 42BOF, and it is a fine horn, but as with yours it also had some issues from the factory. I got it as a demo discount horn because of this. The tuning slide itself is off by about 1.5mm, so when fully pushed in one side still has a bit of the inner slide visible. The valve tuning slide is sprung inward just a bit, and also both of the valve tuning outer slides were barely soldered onto the ends of the wrap.

However in spite of those issues, it is a great horn, with a great valve, once it is put together correctly. Mine is all yellow brass.

[Tomnormann]

I'm very happy you have a Bach that you're happy with! Its a shame that you had to get all that stuff done to a new horn. If Bach would focus on building it right and maybe lowering the price I have a feeling they would dominate again.

Did they have to tweak the valve section?

He possibly tightened the trigger, as he always do when service a horn, but as far as I know not the valve in itself.

Regarding the quality control, I think this is a sign of bigger challenge in this business. I heard about loose rotors on Getzen, scratchy slides on Schmelzer, acid bleed on K&H, Alex bass trumpet that plays poorly, Adams euphs leak, B&S and Hirsbrunner pistons need lapping, etc. I was also told that Courtois strugles to attract amployees for the production. Its like spinning brass bells is unfortunately not the coolest thing to do for young people at the moment. To lower the price I think is not a good idea, since it seems both difficult to earn money (for example, Shires was bankrupt when sold), as well as the salery is already low for the workers, which for sure is a part of the recruitment problem.

Anyway, for me it ended well, because the tech did all this as a part of his full service and ultrasonic cleaning.

[JoeAumann]

I had really taken an interest in this model in the past. I have owned 3 42BOFs. In each case, there was something disappointing about it. It is the single most attractive Bach 42B build that's ever existed. The wrap, the valve, it's really attractive, but looks can be deceiving...

There were build issues with each one. 2 out of the 3 slides were not good. Had to be re-built. End crook taken off, etc. One had a crooked tuning slide, I never did fix that. The best one I had, was one of the Centennial versions. In the end, they were just not as precise, consistent, nor as easy to play as my rebuilt Bach 42B with M&W rotary valve. It's superior in every way. C-S just can't compete with the likes of Matthew Walker at M&W. Don't hold your breath for improved quality control at C-S. It's a failing corporation.

[Osteoblast]

I just sold the Centennial that (I presume) Joe mentions above. My thoughts are essentially the same on these horns as mentioned previously though. I’ve played a few of these horns with varying experiences. The one I had I liked the best, but still had some funky QC things that I’m surprised (or maybe not) passed like a tuning slide that didn’t quiiiite line up, acid bleed near the valve, and a less-than-stellar braze/solder job on the bracing for the F-attachment. Still a lovely playing instrument that was a great daily-driver despite those few quirks. That being said, some of the others I’ve played have been complete dogs which is a bummer. Some fine tuning and these horns could be very, very special. I likely would’ve kept it but an old Greenhoe optimized Bach came my way and, as one can expect, blew it away.

[JoeAumann]

I just sold the Centennial that (I presume) Joe mentions above.

Yep. That one had a good slide, smooth valve, and was not the crooked tuning slide I mentioned either. I don't recall those imperfections, but I don't doubt it one bit. Somebody needs to have a Centennial rebuilt with an M&W valve or something...