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    BachLoyalist.com is the ultimate reference to everything related to Vincent Bach & Bach Stradivarius brass instruments. This site has grown through the contributions of fellow Bach loyalists and is one of the most complete references of Bach-related instruments.

    Vincent Bach Shield

    Early Bach Trumpet Evolution 1924 - 1928

    International Musician 1924-09: Vol 23 Iss 3

    There is no clear documentation of the very earliest of Vincent Bach Stradivarius trumpets, but this comparison should highlight some major differences between the different Bach pre-Stradivarius / Stradivarius trumpet models designed and manufactured before 1928.

    This page is continuously being updated based on historical documentation and published advertisements, newspaper clippings, and press coverage of the Vincent Bach Corporation.  If a fellow loyalist has examples to contribute, please get in touch with us through the website.

    Model 1924

    Sept. 1924 - Jan. 1925

    Model 1925

    Jan. 1925 - April 1925

    Stradivarius

    April 1925 - Nov. 1925

    Stradivarius Model 1926

    Dec 1925 - early 1927

    Stradivarius Model 1928

    1928

    Marketing / Advertisements
    Trumpet Model1924 InternationalMusician Sept1924 ZOOM
    Sept. 1924
    1924 model
    Trumpet Model1925 InternationalMusician Jan1925 ZOOM
    Jan. 1925
    1925 model
    Trumpet ModelStrad1925 InternationalMusician Sept1925 ZOOM
    Sept. 1925
    early Stradivarius
    Trumpet Model Stradivarius1926
    Dec. 1925
    early Stradivarius
    Trumpet ModelStrad1928 InternationalMusician Sept1928p9
    Sept. 1928
    early Stradivarius

    While no known Model 1924 Bach Trumpets exist, Vincent Bach / Vincent Bach Corporation continued actively advertising his Model 1924 and Model 1925 trumpets in multiple music industry publications. The columns below show examples of Model 1924 components and design strategies.

    USPTO Trademark

    —

    —

    BachBrands Strad USPTOFiling
    Aug. 14, 1925

    —

    n/a

    Vincent states the “Stradivarius” trademark was first used on May 1, 1925, on his US trademark application filed on August 14, 1925. With other Vincent Bach trademarks, the first use dates were always accurate and validated with shop cards of those other brand trademarks. The Stradivarius trumpet shop cards did not record the date, but we assume the 1st Stradivarius trumpet was manufactured on May 1, 1925, at the East 41st Street factory location.

    Design Characteristics (Visual)

    1924 Model

    • 1st Valve Slide
      – Single Hex Knob

    1925 Model

    • 1st Valve Slide
      – Single Hex Knob

    Stradivarius

    • 1st Valve Slide
      – Single Hex Knob

    Stradivarius (1926 Model)

    • 1st Valve Slide
      – Two Hex Knobs
      – Brace Added
      – Length Shortened
    • Bell Bracing
      – Forward Brace Back
    • Finger Hook
      – Moved Forward

    Stradivarius (1928 Model)

    • 3rd Valve Slide
      – Stop Rod Added
        (Facing Player)
    Design Characteristics (Specification)

    1924 model

    • Bore: 0.462″
    • Bell: T or 1 Bell
    • Mouthpipe: unknown
    • Date: August 28th, 1924.

    1925 model

    • Bore: 0.462″
    • Bell: T or 1 Bell
    • Mouthpipe: unknown
    • Date: August 28th, 1924.

    Stradivarius

    • Bore: 0.462″
    • Bell: T or 1 Bell
    • Mouthpipe: unknown

    Stradivarius (1926 Model)

    • Bore: 0.462″
    • Bell: #6
    • Mouthpipe: #6
    • Date: August 28th, 1924.

    Stradivarius (1928 Model)

    • Bore Advertised: 0.459″
    • Bore Actual: ML & L
    • Bell: Various
    • Mouthpipe: Various

    Based on Bach Stradivarius shop cards from this era, Vincent did not always follow this published intent in his industry advertisements. He continued experimenting with materials, thicknesses, and bell mandrels across various brands.  In 1928, Vincent was relocating his business to a much larger Bronx factory.  Based upon the variations of the bore, bell mandrels, thickness, and four active brands (Stradivarius, Apollo, Mercury, Mercedes), there is no doubt Vincent was considering simplifying the number of variations offered in 1928.  Only One bore (ML 0.459″) and  Light & Heavy bell thicknesses for the Bach Stradivarius 1928 model. Based on history, it appears Vincent was unsuccessful and continued introducing and experimenting with different combinations. 

    Model 1924 - Engineering Specification
    August 28, 1924
    Model 1926 - Engineering Specification
    August 14, 1924
    Early Bach Trumpet Examples
    Trumpet StradSerial2 view2 1

    Bach Stradivarius Trumpet, Serial #2

    Dillon Music auctioned the Bach Stradivarius serial #2 trumpet to an unknown vintage trumpet collector in 2019.  This trumpet is the earliest known Bach trumpet.  A few important facts about this trumpet compared to the known Vincent Bach documentation.

    • Stradivarius Bell stamp = after May 1, 1925
    • 1st valve slide added brace = 1925
    • Single Hex Pull Knobs = 1924
    source: Dillon Music auction listing (2019)
    Trumpet StradSerial22 view1 1 e1716419289426
    Bach #22, compared to Apollo #224
    source: Shared by a fellow Bach loyalist.

    Bach Stradivarius Trumpet, Serial #22

    BachLoyalist met a fellow loyalist to review and compare Bach Trumpet serial #22 and compare different design elements to other Bach trumpets from the 1925 era.  While there are multiple reasons the bell would not be stamped Stradivarius (forgot, another brand, etc.), it is interesting that this trumpet also did not have a 1st valve slide brace.

    It is important to note that Vincent experimented with each trumpet built in 1924- 1925, so the exact dates of these early Bach trumpets are difficult to determine.

    • No Stradivarius Bell stamp = before May 1, 1925
    • No 1st valve slide added brace = 1924
    • Single Hex Pull Knobs = 1924
    • Replacement (later NY-era) mouthpipe >1940s
    • 3rd slide lyre mount > 1930s
    Vincent Bach Corp 1935 New York Shield - Dark

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