Emil Bundschu
Emil Bundschu (also known as Ernst Emil Bunschu) was a crucial member of Vincent Bach’s key leadership team throughout his tenure at the company, spanning more than 30 years from 1925 to 1957. Emil’s last role was as Vice President and Sales Manager of Vincent Bach Corporation, from which he left due to health issues.
We are continuing to develop a more complete biography of Emil Bundschu. Please contact us through our website for additional historical information on Emil and his role at the Vincent Bach Corporation.
Emil Bundschu arrived in the United States of America on the ship “Albert Ballin” from Germany on March 6, 1925, at age 18. [1]
It is unknown if Emil or his family knew Vincent Bach, but he started working for the Vincent Bach Corporation in 1925, the same year he arrived in the United States. On Emil’s petition application for US Citizenship in 1934, Vincent Bach was his witness.
Vincent Bach witnessed
Emil originally came to work for Bach in 1925 as a shipping clerk. Became a naturalized US citizen in 1931. In the 1940 census, he was described as a bookkeeper for the Vincent Bach Corporation.
There are different references to Emil Bundschu and when he left the Vincent Bach Corporation. Some references state he worked there through his death in 1961, while other sources reference he left with medical issues in 1957. Regardless, Emil played an essential part in the success of the Vincent Bach Corporation.
- 1925 = Shipping Clerk for Vincent Bach Corporation
- 1940 = Bookkeeper of the Vincent Bach Corporation (1940 US Census)
- 1950 = Bookkeeper of the Vincent Bach Corporation (1950 US Census)
- 1956 = Vice President & Sales Manager of Vincent Bach Corporation
- Feb. 1957 = General Manager of the Vincent Bach Corporation (The Herald Statesman)
Bronx Factory era
Bronx factory era; 1952
Emil Bundschu’s death at a young age (54) was a surprise for many in the music instrument industry. These obituaries were included in music industry publications over the following months of his death.
- Born: 30 DEC 1906 – Goeppingen, Germany
- Death: 10 JUN 1961 – New Windsor, Orange, New York
Instrumentalist
August 1961
” Emil Bundschu, 54, Sales Manager of the Vincent Bach Corporation of Mount Vernon, New York, died June 10 in the Mount Vernon Hospital. In his 34 years of service with the Bach Company, he rose from shipping clerk to Vice President. He was a close friend of many professional brass players with whom he shared his great knowledge of brass instruments.
The Music Trades
July 1961
” Emil Bundschu, sales manager of the Vincent Bach Corporation of Mount Vernon, New York, died June 10 in the Mount Vernon Hospital at the age of 54.
He was born in Goeppingen, Germany, and came to the United States during 1925, and shortly afterwards started to work for Vincent Bach as shipping clerk, bookkeeper, and finally became vice-president.
In his 34 years of service, he proved himself to a very capable, loyal and conscientious assistant. He was well-liked by all Bach employees and was very popular among the professional musicians who appreciated his expert guidance in the choice of Bach instruments and mouthpieces.
Mr. Bunschu had his own farm in upstate New York, where he raised choice livestock. His bereaved wife, Martha Schneider Bundschu, and son, Paul Bundschu, live at Drury Lane, Rock Tavern, New York.
Emil Bundschu, who was a renowned figure in the music industry, passed away at a tragically young age. To honor his memory and pay tribute to his incredible contributions during his life, the employees at Vincent Bach Corporation took it upon themselves to enroll him in the Franciscan Benefactors Association in June 1961. [2]
source: [1] Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York,
1897-1957, Declaration of Intention index 1927-1952 B-C, Line 13
source: [2] From the collection of Jeffrey Dacks
