The Trombone That's Been Setting the Standard for Generations
There's a reason you see the Bach Stradivarius 42A on virtually every professional orchestral stage around the world. This isn't a matter of tradition for tradition's sake — it's a matter of what actually works. The 42A delivers a combination of projection, response, and tonal depth that serious trombonists keep coming back to, year after year.
At the heart of it is an 8-1/2" one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell — the kind of construction that takes real craftsmanship and produces a full, resonant sound with plenty of presence in a large hall. Pair that with a .547" large bore and you've got the airflow and dynamic range you need to cut through an orchestra or carry a solo line with confidence.
What really sets the 42A apart from its siblings in the Bach 42 family is the patented Hagmann valve. If you've ever fought back pressure when engaging the F attachment on a traditional rotor, you'll notice the difference immediately. The René Hagmann Free Flow™ system is designed to let air move more freely through the valve section, giving you a more balanced, open feel whether you're in Bb or F.
The Hagmann Valve: Why It Matters
The Hagmann valve isn't just a marketing point — it's a Swiss-engineered solution to one of the most common complaints trombonists have about F-attachment horns. Traditional rotary valves can create a noticeable resistance spike when engaged, disrupting the evenness of your airstream. The Hagmann Free Flow™ design addresses that directly, allowing for a more consistent, open response across all registers.
Combined with the open wrap F attachment, the tubing path stays less convoluted than a traditional closed wrap, which reduces resistance further. The result is an instrument that feels more consistent whether you're navigating the lower ranges or crossing between registers in fast passages.
Slide and Build Quality
The handslide is where you'll feel the day-to-day playability of any trombone. The 42A uses chrome-plated nickel silver inner handslide tubes paired with a yellow brass outer slide and nickel silver handgrip — a combination that balances smooth, responsive action with durability. It's the kind of slide setup that rewards good technique and doesn't fight you when you need speed.
The clear lacquer finish does more than protect the brass — it adds a subtle warmth to the overall sound, letting the natural character of the yellow brass come through without the brightness that a bare or silver-plated surface might introduce.
Who Is This Trombone For?
The Bach 42A is built for the serious player — the conservatory student stepping into their first professional-grade horn, the orchestral trombonist who needs to match section sound, or the versatile gigging player who wants one horn that can handle symphonic repertoire, solo work, and everything in between. If you've been playing on a student or intermediate horn and you're ready for a real step up, the 42A is the kind of instrument that will grow with you for years.
This is a professional trombone in every sense of the word, built by craftspeople who have been making these instruments the same way for a very long time — because what they've been doing works.
Product Features:
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Instrument Type: Tenor trombone with open wrap F attachment
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Key: Bb/F
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Bore Size: .547" large bore
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Bell: 8-1/2" one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell
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Valve System: Patented René Hagmann Free Flow™ rotary valve — reduces back pressure for an open, balanced feel
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F Attachment: Open wrap design for less resistance and more fluid slide movement
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Inner Handslide: Chrome-plated nickel silver tubes for smooth, quick action
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Outer Slide: Yellow brass with nickel silver handgrip
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Finish: Clear lacquer — adds subtle warmth to the overall sound
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Ideal For: Symphonic and solo performance
Brand: Bach
Model: Stradivarius 42A
SKU: 42A
Condition: New
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