Alto Bach 39 vs 39G

AstralAria · by **AstralAria** » 2025-05-30 2:31 p.m.

Hi all,

When I was in undergrad I played a Bach 39 (no G) that my university had, and really enjoyed playing it (weirdly, I didn't notice any intonation quirks that I see people mention a lot). After undergrad, I picked up a Weril alto (GG31) but didn't play it much for some years. I've recently pulled it out and realized that the TIS makes it unusably front-heavy for me. I saw a Bach 39G for sale and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on yellow vs gold brass on the 39.

Thanks!

tbonesullivan · by **tbonesullivan** » 2025-05-30 4:26 p.m.

Might be a little bit darker in sound. What type of slide does it have? Nickel or Brass?

MStarke · by **MStarke** » 2025-05-31 2:50 a.m.

If you want to make the Weril work - which is quite a usable alto from my experience, but different from the Bach - you can just put a counterweight on it.

AstralAria · by **AstralAria** » 2025-05-31 3:48 p.m.

Yeah it has a nickel slide.

Do you know of an easy way to add a counterweight? I was thinking that the standard generic “counterweight kit” that I’ve seen online won’t fit the brace, and I’m not sure how much a custom one would be.

MStarke · by **MStarke** » 2025-05-31 4:57 p.m.

I also got some generic counterweight for the Weril and simply put some paper "inside" until it fit. not very professional, but it works and is invisible if you don't look too close.

As said, that's an easy fix if the balance issue is the actual problem you want to solve.

dukesboneman · by **dukesboneman** » 2025-05-31 5:55 p.m.

I just sold a Weril Alto, I put a 3pc King Counterweight on it and it balanced out perfectly

Leanit · by **Leanit** » 2025-06-14 1:45 a.m.

My somewhat limited experience says that the G on a Bach deadens it a little.

Quick Links

Instruments

Marketplace

Alto Bach 39 vs 39G