Evolution of the Bach Mercedes and Mercedes II models
This article, published in 1973, explains the differences between the existing Bach Stradivarius and Bach Mercedes trumpets and the newly updated Mercedes II model.
It is unknown why The Selmer Company kept the Mercedes & Mercedes II lines for a few years of overlap in the 1970s.
Bach Stradivarius, Mercedes, Mercedes 2 Specifications
This table is based on a feature comparison of the Bach Stardivarius, Mercedes, and Mercedes 2 trumpets in approximately 1973-1975. During this time, both the Mercedes & Mercedes 2 models were in production and actively marketed to the student instrument segment. There was a clear overlap in features and specifications, with both Mercedes models overlapping for more than 10 years.
Mercedes - Mercedes II - Bach Trumpets
1973-1975
Features & Specifications Features & Specifications | Stradivarius 180 series | Mercedes 880 | Mercedes II 850 |
|---|---|---|---|
Key | Bb | Bb | Bb |
Bore Size | 0.459" also M, L | 0.459" | 0.459" |
BELL | |||
Bell Size | 4 13/16 | 4 3/4 | 4 3/4 |
1-piece Bell | Y | - | - |
2-piece Bell | - | Y | - |
2-piece Gold Brass | - | - | Y |
VALVES | |||
Top Sprung Monel Valves | Y | Y | - |
Top Sprung, Nickel-Silver Plated Valves | - | - | Y |
Bronze Valve Springs | Y | Y | Y |
Valve Guides, Metal, 2 Point | Y | - | - |
Valve Guides, Nylon, 2 Point | - | Y | - |
Valve Guides, Metal, 1 Point | - | - | Y |
SLIDES | |||
Brass Tuning Slides | Y | Y | Y |
Slide Receivers; Nickel Silver | Y | ||
Slide Receivers; Brass | - | Y | Y |
Water Key Seals; Cork | Y | - | - |
Water Key Seals; Neoprene | - | Y | Y |
1st Valve Thumb Hook | Y | Y | - |
3rd Valve; Fixed Ring | Y | - | - |
3rd Valve; Adjustable Ring | - | Y | Y |
3rd Valve Stop Rod | Y | - | - |
FINISH | |||
Clear Lacquer Finish | Y | Y | Y |
Silver Plated | Y | - | - |
source: Selmer Bandwagon, Issue 69, page 22
