Bach or Blessing

[Tom Stroud]

I am weighing the purchase of a net horn for a promising 8th grade student.

I can by a used Bach 42B in very good condition for $750, or a new Blessing
B88 for $665.

Your pro/con suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom Stroud

[cdmmcnamara]

I can't say anything about Blessing but I have played different Bach bones
and have not been happy with any of them i.e.: F attachment too cramped,
mechanical linkage hanging up, not consistent (some 42's play much
differently than others) and so on.

[Bruce A Wilcoxon]

In article <722f3f$8cd$1...@camel29.mindspring.com>, "Tom Stroud"
<five7...@mindspring.com> wrote:

Bachs tend to be very varied in their quality, if it is a good horn with
good mechanicals then I would go with it, but in my experience the good
ones are far and few between. I once personally tested eight different
42B horns and mixed and matched the parts to get one that was decent.
Also, IMHO, Bach horns tend to sound very heavy and don't blend well with
other brands of horns, while the Blessing is a copy of the Conn 88H which
is a great all around horn that tends to blend easier withing a section.
I have a student who plays on a B88 and he sounds great both in solo and
sectional playing.

bruce

[EDM5970]

If the Bach is really in V.G.C. with a good slide and rotor, I would go with
that. New ones cost double that price, so it should hold it's value or even
appreciate. However, the student should play both horns and have a say in the
decision, too.

[Zemry]

>I am weighing the purchase of a net horn for a promising 8th grade student.
>
>I can by a used Bach 42B in very good condition for $750, or a new Blessing
>B88 for $665.

I have a Bach 42 that was given to me by my father. It is 70's vintage. It is
an outstanding hor.

And remember....The toads march off to war at noon.

[Raptor3X]

Do the Blessing B88s have a slide spring like the Conns

[bob]

yes

I've been playing on a Blessing B-88 for 5 years. I never thought I'd see
the day when they were being compared to Bach's.

The Blessing works well for me, but the quality can also vary, just like on
the Bach.

Play both before you buy. Consider trying a Conn 88H or the Yamaha 681 (?)
as well if you get a chance. They may cost more than you are able to spend,
but will help you decide what works best for you.

Raptor3X wrote in message <19981108121707...@ng119.aol.com>...

[Pete Eiden]

I have a Blessing B88. I have had it for about 3 or 4 years. I've played a
couple of 42B's and I really can't tell much difference. I feel more
comfortable with the Blessing but that might just be because it's mine. I do
think that there more consistancy in the making of the B88. I would try both
first but I would probably go with the Blessing. I don't think there is that
much difference in the horns but I do think breaking a horn in yourself
makes you feel more comfortable on it.

[Joseph Paguio]

interesting...

compared to my 42, i've found most other large bore horns stuffier-B88
included.

Joe

[WBean999]

The B88 does have slide springs. Its an attempt to copy the Conn 88H. Notice
I said - an attempt. Ive played a B88 - sounds ok, not very durable.
The 42B isnt good for me. Its cramped and its too stuffy...
I play a Holton TR160 - I love it.
If I had to choose, like you said, between the 42B and the B88, Id o with the
B88, but take REALLY good care of it.....

Brian Dupuis
Undergraduate Trombonist
Louisiana State University