Bach Stradivarius LT16M Professional Tenor Trombone in Bb, Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA— Ex-Display
The LT16M is one of the most distinctive professional trombones in the Bach Stradivarius lineup — a specialist instrument with a devoted following in jazz and commercial music circles. Built to the exacting standards of the Stradivarius series in Elkhart, Indiana, it was developed in close collaboration with the legendary Bill Watrous, widely regarded as one of the most technically accomplished jazz trombonists of the 20th century, and it remains the instrument most closely associated with his name.
What sets the LT16M apart from other small-bore Bach trombones is the combination of two defining features: the lightweight nickel silver outer handslide and the open gooseneck. The lightweight slide reduces physical resistance to almost nothing, giving the player exceptional speed and precision for fast jazz lines and commercial work, while delivering a degree of control that heavier slides simply cannot match. The open gooseneck design produces a noticeably more open, free-blowing feel with significantly less back-pressure.
The .509” single bore works in direct partnership with these features, providing a focused, characterful tone with the projection needed to cut through a band. The 7½” one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell yields a warm but penetrating sound with genuine tonal colour, whether in a jazz big band, small combo, or commercial ensemble. The clear lacquer finish adds a subtle warmth without colouring the instrument’s natural voice.
Supplied with a genuine Vincent Bach 7C mouthpiece and a zippered Cordura wood shell case.
Condition & Notes
In store @ Music Junction Camberwell
This is an ex-display instrument in excellent playing condition. The bell carries very minor surface scratches from display handling and a small cosmetic dent — neither affects playability or tone in any way. The slide action and mechanism are fully intact and functioning as new.
For the technically minded: the neckpipe on this instrument is stamped Model 13 while the bell is stamped 16M — a known Bach factory assembly configuration from the Elkhart era. The instrument plays as an LT16M in all respects. Serial number ~153802 dates production to the mid-to-late 1990s.
The cosmetic marks are reflected in the reduced price, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a professional Stradivarius instrument at a significant saving.
Key Specifications
• Key: Bb tenor trombone (straight, no F attachment)
• Bore: .509” single bore
• Bell: 7½” one-piece hand-hammered yellow brass, stamped 16M
• Neckpipe: Stamped Model 13 (Elkhart factory configuration)
• Gooseneck: Open gooseneck
• Outer slide: Lightweight nickel silver
• Inner slide: Chrome-plated nickel silver, seamless
• Handgrips: Nickel silver
• Body braces: Tubular nickel silver
• Finish: Clear lacquer
• Condition: Ex-display — minor cosmetic marks on bell
• Serial number: ~153802 (late 1990s Elkhart production)
• Includes: Vincent Bach 7C mouthpiece, zippered Cordura wood shell case
• Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA
