Where is the Bach Stradivarius 12 manufactured?

The Bach Stradivarius 12 is handmade in the United States to the highest professional standards.

What is the bore size of the Bach 12?

It features a .500" bore handslide design, which provides a light and responsive feel for the player.

What material is used for the bell?

The bell is made from premium yellow brass and is hand-hammered from a single piece of metal.

Is the Bach 12 suitable for jazz music?

Yes, its .500" bore and responsive slide make it highly suitable for jazz soloing and lead playing.

What is the typical price for a Bach Stradivarius 12?

The typical price range for this professional instrument is approximately GBP 3365.

Does this model include a trigger or F-attachment?

No, the Bach Stradivarius 12 is a straight tenor trombone designed for simplicity and light weight.

How does the finish affect the sound of the trombone?

The clear lacquer finish provides a subtle layer of warmth to the tone and helps preserve the instrument's sound over time.

What is the benefit of a hand-hammered bell?

A hand-hammered one-piece bell allows for excellent resonance and projection compared to machine-made or two-piece bells.

Can this trombone be used in a concert band?

Yes, the yellow brass construction provides a warm sound that blends nicely with other brass and woodwind instruments.

Is this instrument suitable for beginners?

While it is easy to play, it is a professional-grade instrument; students might alternatively consider the Grassi STB850 School Series.

What type of mouthpiece is recommended for Bach trombones?

While it varies by player, Bach offers various options such as the Bach Classic series, though players also use third-party options like Denis Wick.

How does the Bach 12 compare to the Conn 52H?

The Bach 12 is a small-bore straight trombone for soloing, while the Conn 52H is a larger dual-bore model with an F-attachment for symphonic use.

Gear article

Bach Stradivarius 12 Tenor Trombone

The Bach Stradivarius 12 is a premium tenor trombone designed for professional performance, specifically tailored for soloists and jazz settings. Handmade in the United States, it features a .500" bore and a one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell to provide high-quality resonance and projection.

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Overview

The Bach Stradivarius 12 Tenor Trombone is a high-end instrument part of the renowned Stradivarius series. It is manufactured in America to exacting standards, targeting musicians who require a responsive and versatile instrument. The model is particularly noted for its small .500" bore, which categorises it as a small-bore tenor trombone, a design choice that prioritises agility and a bright, focused projection suitable for commercial and solo repertoire.

Design and Key Features

Central to the construction of the Model 12 is the one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell. Unlike two-piece bells, the single-piece construction allows for more uniform vibrations, enhancing the instrument's resonance.

The handslide is a .500" bore design, which is intended to offer a light response. This technical specification ensures that the slide action is smooth, allowing the player to execute rapid technical passages with ease and add subtle musical expression. The use of yellow brass for both the bell and the outerslide contributes to a classic tonal foundation.

Tonal Character

The Stradivarius 12 is described as having a versatile sound profile. While it possesses the projection required for solo work, the yellow brass construction provides a warmth that allows it to blend effectively within a larger ensemble or band. The instrument is finished in a clear lacquer; this coating is intended to add a subtle layer of warmth to the overall timbre while protecting the brass from oxidisation and preserving its tonal qualities over time.

Target Player

Due to its specific bore size and responsive nature, the Bach 12 is ideal for soloists and lead players in jazz or commercial settings. Its ability to blend makes it equally suitable for orchestral musicians who require a smaller instrument for specific repertoire. However, its premium price point and professional specifications position it primarily as an instrument for advanced students and professional performers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Bach catalogue, the Model 12 offers a more compact feel compared to larger-bore symphonic models like the Bach 42. When compared to student-oriented options such as the Grassi STB850 School Series, the Stradivarius 12 offers superior hand-hammered craftsmanship and materials. It also differs from dual-bore designs like the Conn 52H, which incorporates a trigger system and larger bore for a heavier symphonic sound, whereas the Model 12 remains a straight tenor trombone focused on agility.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bach Stradivarius 12 manufactured?: The Bach Stradivarius 12 is handmade in the United States to the highest professional standards.
What is the bore size of the Bach 12?: It features a .500" bore handslide design, which provides a light and responsive feel for the player.
What material is used for the bell?: The bell is made from premium yellow brass and is hand-hammered from a single piece of metal.
Is the Bach 12 suitable for jazz music?: Yes, its .500" bore and responsive slide make it highly suitable for jazz soloing and lead playing.
What is the typical price for a Bach Stradivarius 12?: The typical price range for this professional instrument is approximately GBP 3365.
Does this model include a trigger or F-attachment?: No, the Bach Stradivarius 12 is a straight tenor trombone designed for simplicity and light weight.
How does the finish affect the sound of the trombone?: The clear lacquer finish provides a subtle layer of warmth to the tone and helps preserve the instrument's sound over time.
What is the benefit of a hand-hammered bell?: A hand-hammered one-piece bell allows for excellent resonance and projection compared to machine-made or two-piece bells.
Can this trombone be used in a concert band?: Yes, the yellow brass construction provides a warm sound that blends nicely with other brass and woodwind instruments.
Is this instrument suitable for beginners?: While it is easy to play, it is a professional-grade instrument; students might alternatively consider the Grassi STB850 School Series.
What type of mouthpiece is recommended for Bach trombones?: While it varies by player, Bach offers various options such as the Bach Classic series, though players also use third-party options like Denis Wick.
How does the Bach 12 compare to the Conn 52H?: The Bach 12 is a small-bore straight trombone for soloing, while the Conn 52H is a larger dual-bore model with an F-attachment for symphonic use.