Bach 50B Mount Vernon NY – Gold Brass, Mid-1950s, Pristine Condition
This is a true gem for collectors and serious players alike—a Bach 50B bass trombone made in the Mt. Vernon, New York factory during the mid-1950s, in pristine, original condition. Often considered by bass trombonists to be the “Holy Grail” of vintage low brass, the Mt. Vernon 50B stands apart for its craftsmanship, tonal depth, and classic build quality that many believe has never been replicated in modern production.
This horn has been closet-kept since approximately 1960 and is without a doubt one of the finest examples we’ve ever had at The Brass Exchange. It has never been damaged or repaired. The instrument plays with elegance—producing rich, dark chocolate overtones, ideal resistance, and incredible color and complexity across all dynamic levels. The horn slots perfectly, yet remains flexible and open enough to allow the player expressive control in all registers.
It features a 9.5" gold brass bell, standard weight handslide with gold brass outer tubes and a yellow brass end crook. The slide action is exceptional—both inner and outer tubes are completely straight and show no signs of dezincification. The tuning slides fit precisely and operate smoothly. The rotor valve is quick, quiet, and has perfect compression.
The lacquer is remarkably well preserved, among the best we’ve seen on a horn of this age, with no major blemishes and only minimal signs of handling. Even the grip areas on the slide show minimal wear. No service is needed to improve either appearance or playability.
Included is the original alligator French-style case, which is in stunning condition—clean, odor-free, and structurally sound, which is rare for a vintage case of this era.
This instrument is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the serious buyer looking for a true vintage Mt. Vernon 50B in collector-grade condition.
24 detailed images are displayed with this listing, which now resides on the Archive section of sold instruments at The Brass Exchange.
