I purchased a Corporation 36 a couple years ago and absolutely love it! I use it mainly for jazz/commercial playing. The .525 bore makes the transition down from my orchestral Shires much easier than going to a more traditional jazz horn such as the 2B. I also love the more mellow sound that I can get out of the horn, while still being able to get zip and punch when needed! Great review, Keith!
Its nice that you also give opinions on horns that are not only super profesional quality trombones. I wish I was younger to see this review! Keep up the great work!
I am going to be trying to do more intermediate-level instrument reviews moving forward. The pro stuff is great but there are many players that are best served by a well-make, great-playing intermediate instrument!
I used to play Bach 36 on 1st trombone in brass band and dance band ,l loved the range and versatility in both settings. I now have Bach 16m and king 2b which are great for my solo work.
I love this horn. I played it for many years, but like a complete idiot, I sold it a few years ago. I used for jazz solos and for use in the orchestra when we played Berlioz, Brahms, Schubert, etc. As I am getting older, I may be in the market for another 36. Good review.
I played several different Bach 36 configurations. They are interesting. But the Straight Bb may be the one I buy. I has a wonderful sound. Thanks for the review. It has convinced me that this is a great horn, especially when new. Good review.
If you play in an opera orchestra, the 36 will probably give you the FF Bach sound sooner than the big 42? So you can have the sound of "loud Wagner Brass" in a smaller overall dynamic... It might fix a lot of balance problems and "in fights" in the modern workplace that is the orchestra....
That might depend on the specific setting (combo, big band, trad jazz, etc) and the overall sound and response you might be looking for. Medium bores can be a great option for someone looking for more breadth and weight of sound then a small bore, or looking for something provide a lot of power and projection without having to push a .547” airflow around. With that said it is not going to have quite the same lightness, focus and quickness of response of a small bore and may make some settings more challenging (for example, playing lead in a big band…)
Finding a mouthpiece that might provide more brightness, front, and projection (a shallower cup and/or a tighter throat or backbore) may help; with that said many players do find medium bore tenors to be a little hefty for lead playing, and will often use a smallbore tenor for these situations…
Good question; best guess is that there isn't a demand for it. We know that over the past century plus that instrument and mouthpiece size preferences have changed as playing needs and pedagogy have changed; while medium bore tenors used to be a viable option for many growing students and professionals alike tastes, to a large extent, have moved outward to either small or large bore tenors. Medium bores still have a place but I would guess that they are a fairly small percentage of any brass maker's output...
We unfortunately do not have this 36 in the shop at this time; we do have new and used 36BOs, as well as a Yamaha YSL-630 and a BAC Elliot Mason Artist model straight medium tenors in the shop at this time. Feel free to email the shop at tromboneshop@schmittmusic.com and we’d be happy to chat further :)
It may depend on your approach and what you are using it for. The difference in air support and overall effort needed will certainly be less then moving to a .547" large bore but it will still require a bit more. With that said, I think many players find that, depending on the setting, larger bore sizes can actually make certain things easier; for example, if one were trying to play in a modern classical ensemble with a small bore tenor they may have to work significantly harder to attempt to match the color and volume of the ensemble while moving to a larger (medium or large bore) instrument may be much easier to match the needs of the setting...
I purchased a Corporation 36 a couple years ago and absolutely love it! I use it mainly for jazz/commercial playing. The .525 bore makes the transition down from my orchestral Shires much easier than going to a more traditional jazz horn such as the 2B. I also love the more mellow sound that I can get out of the horn, while still being able to get zip and punch when needed!
Great review, Keith!
Its nice that you also give opinions on horns that are not only super profesional quality trombones. I wish I was younger to see this review! Keep up the great work!
I am going to be trying to do more intermediate-level instrument reviews moving forward. The pro stuff is great but there are many players that are best served by a well-make, great-playing intermediate instrument!
I used to play Bach 36 on 1st trombone in brass band and dance band ,l loved the range and versatility in both settings. I now have Bach 16m and king 2b which are great for my solo work.
My friend has a Bach 36 horn and loves it! He let me have a go on it ( obviously using my own mouthpiece) and it's a joy to play
I love this horn. I played it for many years, but like a complete idiot, I sold it a few years ago. I used for jazz solos and for use in the orchestra when we played Berlioz, Brahms, Schubert, etc. As I am getting older, I may be in the market for another 36. Good review.
It looks and sounds like a good horn! I play on a Yamaha 630
It sounds a lot like my Conn 50H they are similar bore too….
Nice play👍
I played several different Bach 36 configurations. They are interesting. But the Straight Bb may be the one I buy. I has a wonderful sound. Thanks for the review. It has convinced me that this is a great horn, especially when new. Good review.
Thanks for the comment! If I can help with your 36 journey let me know; I’m available at tromboneshop@schmittmusic.com if you’d ever like to chat :)
If you play in an opera orchestra, the 36 will probably give you the FF Bach sound sooner than the big 42? So you can have the sound of "loud Wagner Brass" in a smaller overall dynamic... It might fix a lot of balance problems and "in fights" in the modern workplace that is the orchestra....
Wondering why you go to the 6½ AL instead of the 5GS since your other standard choice is a 5? A comparison review would be instresting.
You sound good on the 36, Keith!
Thank you!
I play a 42BO but need something a little smaller for jazz groups. Wonder of a 36 would do, or if I should go right to a 16 or LT16?
That might depend on the specific setting (combo, big band, trad jazz, etc) and the overall sound and response you might be looking for. Medium bores can be a great option for someone looking for more breadth and weight of sound then a small bore, or looking for something provide a lot of power and projection without having to push a .547” airflow around. With that said it is not going to have quite the same lightness, focus and quickness of response of a small bore and may make some settings more challenging (for example, playing lead in a big band…)
I liked it but when I played lead I couldn't cut through like I would like to, any suggestions?
Finding a mouthpiece that might provide more brightness, front, and projection (a shallower cup and/or a tighter throat or backbore) may help; with that said many players do find medium bore tenors to be a little hefty for lead playing, and will often use a smallbore tenor for these situations…
I don't understand why Bach doesn't do a Hagmann or Infinity 36. It deserves it.
Good question; best guess is that there isn't a demand for it. We know that over the past century plus that instrument and mouthpiece size preferences have changed as playing needs and pedagogy have changed; while medium bore tenors used to be a viable option for many growing students and professionals alike tastes, to a large extent, have moved outward to either small or large bore tenors. Medium bores still have a place but I would guess that they are a fairly small percentage of any brass maker's output...
I had one in high school. It was from the early 80s. Is that trombone available?
We unfortunately do not have this 36 in the shop at this time; we do have new and used 36BOs, as well as a Yamaha YSL-630 and a BAC Elliot Mason Artist model straight medium tenors in the shop at this time. Feel free to email the shop at tromboneshop@schmittmusic.com and we’d be happy to chat further :)
I play a .495 bore now how much difficult is a .525 bore to play if any?
It may depend on your approach and what you are using it for. The difference in air support and overall effort needed will certainly be less then moving to a .547" large bore but it will still require a bit more. With that said, I think many players find that, depending on the setting, larger bore sizes can actually make certain things easier; for example, if one were trying to play in a modern classical ensemble with a small bore tenor they may have to work significantly harder to attempt to match the color and volume of the ensemble while moving to a larger (medium or large bore) instrument may be much easier to match the needs of the setting...