Bach Stradivarius Trumpets: A Comprehensive Overview for Students and Beyond

The Bach Stradivarius trumpet holds a revered position in the world of brass instruments, admired by musicians across various genres and skill levels. Understanding the nuances of these instruments, from student models to professional-grade options, requires a deep dive into their history, construction, and the factors that contribute to their exceptional reputation.

The Legacy of Vincent Bach

The story of the Bach Stradivarius begins with Vincent Bach, born Vincenz Schrotenbach in 1890 near Vienna. Initially trained as a violinist, Bach's musical journey took a turn when he was captivated by the sound of brass instruments at a Tonkünstler Orchestra concert. Despite facing familial disapproval after his father's death, Bach's passion for music persisted.

In 1914, he joined the Navy band as a soloist during his military service, further solidifying his reputation as a talented musician. World War I disrupted his tour in England, leading him to New York City with limited resources but a strong determination to pursue his musical career.

Bach's experience as a soloist at Loew's Theater proved challenging, prompting him to audition for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he became an associate soloist. However, his ambition led him to tour as a soloist again in 1915.

A turning point occurred during his military service in 1917 when he served as a bandmaster and bugle instructor. Recognizing the limitations of existing mouthpieces and brass instruments, Bach, with his engineering background, began experimenting with modifications and building his own mouthpieces.

Post-World War I, Bach dedicated himself to revolutionizing brass instruments. He started manufacturing mouthpieces in a back room at Selmer's store in New York City, establishing a logical numbering system based on measurements.

To enhance his brand's appeal, Bach named his trumpets and cornets "Stradivarius," drawing a parallel to the esteemed Stradivarius violins. By the early 1960s, facing health challenges, Bach sold his company to Selmer, ensuring the preservation of his legacy. He continued as a consulting engineer, contributing to the design of the "Model 180," the current iteration of the Stradivarius.

Construction and Design Elements

Understanding the construction characteristics of Stradivarius trumpets is crucial to appreciating their quality.

Bore Size

A common misconception is that the bore diameter significantly impacts the timbre of an instrument. While the bore size affects the volume an instrument can produce, with larger bores capable of greater volume, it is not the sole determinant of its sound.

Bach offered three bore options: S, M, and L, with the M being the most popular. The "Vindabona" dual bore features a medium-large valve section and a small inner diameter at the top of the main tuning slide, creating a warm, dark tone reminiscent of conical bore instruments.

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Bell and Leadpipe Numbering System

The intricate numbering system used by Bach to identify bells and leadpipes can be confusing. Initially, letters differentiated bell models based on the mandrel used for shaping. In the 1930s, numbers from 1 to 73 were assigned to bells of varying metal sheet thicknesses.

Bells and leadpipes have a conical shape, and the taper of the tube influences the instrument's timbre. Bach experimented extensively with new combinations, introducing the #229 bell for L-bore trumpets in C.

Bell Characteristics

#37: The #37 bell is known for its balanced and focused sound, making it a versatile option for various musical genres.
#43: This bell has a more sudden widening, resulting in greater projection and a brighter sound.
#72: With a more conical shape and a progressively wider opening, the #72 bell produces a bigger and darker sound.
#25: For L-bore trumpets, the #25 bell has the most abrupt opening, creating the brightest sound.
#1: This bell model, developed by Bach in 1925, blends the characteristics of the #37 and #72 bells.
#65: Vincent Bach designed this bell in 1958 during his time at Mt. Vernon.
#239: The #239 bell is considered the standard for these trumpets, with a conical and progressive opening that results in a sonorous and ample sound, making it a safe choice for symphony orchestras.
#229: Featuring a sharper opening than the #239, the #229 bell produces a more direct and powerful sound.

Leadpipe Characteristics

#25: Bach considered this leadpipe ideal for all types of work due to its ability to produce and center sound effectively.
#43: This leadpipe, used by Bach in his later years, has increased openness and reduced resistance compared to the #25 model.
#7: Bach designed this leadpipe during his early years.
#25-O: Specifically designed for XL-bore trumpets and lightweight trumpets with a #72 bell, this leadpipe offers even greater openness and reduced resistance than the #43 model.
#44: Made of lightweight nickel silver, this leadpipe has a distinct taper, resulting in a brighter sound quality.
#26: The Selmer team retrieved this original design by Vincent Bach for their 2023 19043 trumpet model.

For reverse leadpipes, the leadpipe number is suffixed with 'LR'. Leadpipe models for C trumpets are identical to those for B-flat trumpets, with the addition of 'C' to denote their shorter length.

Materials and Construction

Traditionally, trumpets are crafted from brass, an alloy of 70% copper and 30% zinc. Alloys with a higher percentage of copper, such as golden brass (75-80% copper and 20-25% zinc) and bronze (85% copper and 15% zinc), can enhance projection and strengthen sound. The weight of the trumpet bell also affects the instrument's response and sound character.

The finish of a trumpet can also influence its sound quality. A conventional leadpipe features a step inside that acts as a stop for the tuning slide, while a "reverse" leadpipe is entirely smooth, facilitating unobstructed airflow and a more open feel.

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The shape of the tuning slide also affects the sensation of openness. While most slides have a slightly quadrangular shape, some have fully rounded shapes for frictionless airflow.

Bach Stradivarius Models

The Stradivarius model has been the highlight of the Bach brand from the beginning. Vincent Bach also designed other models for various budgets, including the Mercury, Apollo, and Minerva models.

Selmer, after acquiring the Bach factory, maintained and enhanced the Stradivarius model while introducing trumpets in other ranges to offer the best performance at the best price through modern manufacturing technology.

Popular Models

Bach 180S37: This best-selling model features a medium-large bore size and delivers a balanced, focused sound, making it a favorite among trumpet teachers and professional musicians.
Bach 180ML37: With a medium-large bore, this model provides a compromise between warmth and agility and is known for its responsiveness and flexibility.
Bach 180S43: This model has a larger bore size, contributing to a broader and more open sound, making it ideal for orchestral performances, jazz concerts, and solo performances.
Bach LR180S43: Featuring a lightweight body construction, this specialty model enhances response and agility.

Student Trumpets: A Buying Guide

Selecting the right student trumpet is crucial for beginners. Here's a guide to some of the best student trumpet brands and models:

Factors to Consider

Budget: Student trumpets come in a range of prices, so set a budget before you start shopping.
Brand Reputation: Look for reputable brands known for producing quality instruments.
Teacher Recommendations: Consult with a band teacher or music instructor for recommendations.
Construction and Durability: Choose a trumpet that is well-constructed and durable enough to withstand the rigors of student use.
Playability: Select a trumpet that is easy to play and produces a good sound.

Recommended Brands and Models

LJ Hutchen #4218: This is a very affordable option known for its quality and playability.
Jupiter 600L: This model offers excellent quality and includes one of the best trumpet cases in the industry.
Bach TR-300H2: Made in the USA, this trumpet offers fantastic quality and is a popular choice among educators.
Yamaha YTR-2330: Yamaha trumpets are known for their ease of play, durability, and high resale value.
Yamaha YTR-200ADII: Similar to the YTR-2330, this model features a premium plush-lined plastic case.

Other Student Trumpets

Bach TR300H2: This American-made trumpet is a popular choice for young players.
Yamaha YTR-2335/YTR-200: Yamaha student models are known for their quality and affordability.
Blessing BTR Series: Blessing trumpets offer a range of options with different bell shapes, slide assemblies, and leadpipes.
King 601: This student model is based on the King professional trumpet made famous by Harry James.

Avoiding Counterfeit Instruments

It's essential to be cautious when purchasing a Bach Stradivarius trumpet online, as counterfeit instruments are prevalent. A very cursory online search should reveal to anyone having a pulse that a genuine Bach sells for very much more. One consequence I have found with fakes is the stigma. Once other students know and see a student playing a faked brand, the status issue arises, with rather detrimental effects on the youngster's psyche usually. But I am not against playable instruments selling for low prices, if the brand is not counterfeited. For beginners, the key issue is to have a horn and mouthpiece that are "playable": weight, grip, valves, intonation, medium bore, m/p of right size, etc.

Tips for Avoiding Counterfeits

Purchase from Authorized Dealers: Buy from reputable music stores or authorized online retailers.
Check the Price: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as genuine Bach trumpets sell for a premium price.
Examine the Instrument Closely: Look for inconsistencies in the engraving, finish, and construction.
Consult an Expert: If possible, have a knowledgeable trumpet player or repair technician examine the instrument before purchasing.

The "Bach Soloist" Trumpet

The "Bach Soloist" trumpets are somewhat mysterious. They appear to use some components that are the same as those produced at Bach Elkhart or King Eastlake by Conn-Selmer. However, they also use some parts that cannot be found on any Conn-Selmer US-made trumpet, and utilizing materials you won't find in either of those plants. China-made with good copies of US parts? US-made incorporating China parts? Conn-Selmer sources all of the Aristocrat and Prelude horns that used to be Bach labeled (TR-200, TR-500, etc. I have not seen any unfavorable comments about these horns regarding either durability or playing - in fact, the comments about playing are quite positive.

There appear to be a few different models:

One looks very similar to a TR300, as it is a re-badged tr-300, usually lacquered.
The second looks like a Bach a strad with one tuning slide brace and a movable 3rd ring. These are almost always silver-plated, sometimes have gold trim kits and are intermediate horns, similar to the bach tr-200 as it is a TR-200.
The third is the soloist stradivarius line, which are pretty rare. These have gold trim kits, fixed 3rd slide rings and come in the regular strad case but in all black. These tend to be really heavy horns and I have seen one come through with a factory rounded tuning slide. These are the "Bach soloists" that have the 25 leadpipe and the 6 (or 7) bell. The soloist line were horns that Conn-Selmer was able to give certain mom&pop music stores an exclusive line that the online retailers did not sell.

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