Vincent Bach Corporation - Master Mutes
The Vincent Bach Master Mutes would be between 1922 and October 1928, based upon the factory address above. Vincent Bach had these manufactured by Joseph Rapuano at 222 East 105th Street, New York City, NY. Rapuano was building mutes and also assembling French Besson “Fabrication” trumpets at this same time at this location.
Additionally, Joseph Rapuano, earlier in his career, was the 2nd trumpet at the Metropolitan Opera Company of Chicago. (reference)
These are some of the earliest Bach mutes that I have ever seen. The Bach Master mute was labeled as the following. Coincidently, the phrase “Master Mute” was used by other models of Joeseph Rapuano’s mutes from this same era.
MASTER MUTE
V.B.C.
TRADEMARK
Vincent Bach Corp.
237 East 41st Street New York
The “Master” Mute
“A mute especially designed for the artistic performance where the pitch of the muted tones must be perfect. The “MASTER” Mute is perfect in tune, practically damp-proof, carefully cemented and its appearance bespeaks perfect workmanship.
Both the high and low notes have excellent intonation when the “MASTER” Mute is used. This is unusual for most mutes make an instrument hard to blow and cause the low notes to “speak” indistinctly. The “MASTER” Mute thoroughly overcomes this difficulty and its use will not harm the embouchure. Many fine lips have been damaged through the use of a poorly contrcuted mute, which made it necessary to over-blow in order to get even fair results. The bottom part of the “MASTER” Mute is a disc of wood which vibrates like the sound-board of a violin. They are made to last indefinitely.”
Size comparison of a Bach MASTER Mute for trombone and trumpet.
Circa 1920 – 1930s
source: Chris Dankler, photo of Master Mute (trumpet);
BachLoyalist collection, Master Mute (trombone)
