TromboneChat

I've been looking for an inexpensive bass trombone for 6 months and finally one has popped up, and I was hoping to get some feedback

It's a Bach 50BL. Serial number puts it in the early 2000's. It has twin axial (unknown brand) valves. I can't tell if they're dependent or not. Will find out from the seller.

Here are a couple photos: What do you all think about this horn for $1,500 assuming it plays well and slide is in good condition? Anything to look out for?

Looks like a stock 50T3L. For $1500, hard to go wrong- the valve are the scariest part, but with cleaning and lube they should be fine. Don't be scared off by the L bell, they can be really great sounding and should be a good match for the aluminum Thayers as well.

It may not be the easiest horn on the planet to play, is the only thing. But Try it and find out!

Edit: I do see a missing linkage from the Gb lever to the Gb valve- some parts missing may mean some more work.

Burgerbob wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 3:43 pmEdit: I do see a missing linkage from the Gb lever to the Gb valve- some parts missing may mean some more work.

It looks like both the F and Gb linkages are missing, probably originally were the plastic linkages that came with the early 2000s Bachs with Aluminum core Thayers.

https://www.amazon.com/White-Nylon-Ball ... 82&sr=8-11

And a section of all thread rod to connect them together.

It’s Indy from what I can tell, I agree Aidan that horn won’t be the easiest player but that’s a great price.

If you can try it before buying I would, even blowing on the Bb open horn with no thayers can give you a good idea of if you like it

Thanks everyone for your feedback. It was very helpful.

I ended up buying the horn and talked him down a bit given the missing linkages. In the end, this was half the price of the cheapest used bass I could find.

Obviously I couldn’t test the valves thoroughly, but I did activate them individually. All in all, I thought it played really well. The bell was very resonant and had a nice round sound with what I think was an acceptable amount of core. It slotted similarly to my Bach 42BO, but maybe with a little less stability in the upper registers. I was playing it outside in their driveway (a little odd); so some of my thoughts will change once I get to play it at home or in a section.

One question I have is about the valve section. There are three connection points that can be unscrewed and is removable. Is this a standard feature of all Bach basses? What valve sections work with it?

glenp wrote: ↑Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:02 pm

One question I have is about the valve section. There are three connection points that can be unscrewed and is removable. Is this a standard feature of all Bach basses? What valve sections work with it?

This is simply so the valves can be taken apart and cleaned.

Gotcha. Thanks!

brassmedic wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:03 pm https://www.amazon.com/White-Nylon-Ball ... 82&sr=8-11

And a section of all thread rod to connect them together.

Thanks Brad! Definitely needed this. Seems no one manufactures the linkages anymore.

Congrats, Glen! That's an excellent price! Enjoy!

glenp wrote: ↑Tue Aug 15, 2023 10:46 pm

brassmedic wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:03 pm https://www.amazon.com/White-Nylon-Ball ... 82&sr=8-11

And a section of all thread rod to connect them together.

Thanks Brad! Definitely needed this. Seems no one manufactures the linkages anymore.

I don't think Conn Selmer ever manufactured those. They are actually r/c helicopter parts. They are sold at most hobby stores.

I got a bunch some years back... one of the things keeping me from upgrading the valve on my Bach 42T is that I don't want to waste the "linkages".

That said they are really cheap, really light, and pretty close to noiseless, so I can see why OE thayer and Orla Ed Thayer used them.