Bach Stradivarius Trumpets - Vindobona / Vindabona Models
Vincent Bach introduced the concept of pairing the bell size (72, 65) of a German rotary trumpet with the valve block (ML) of a French-style instrument (Bach Stradivarius), which gave birth to a uniquely American trumpet sound in the early 1960s. The “Vindobono” bore was introduced on Bach trumpets and cornets. “Vindobono, ” refers to the “Viena” sound profile.
"Vindobona"
or
"Vindabona"?
While Vincent Bach referred to it as a “Vindobona” bore when it was designed in 1960 and introduced in the 1961 catalog, it was eventually renamed the “Vindabona” bore, which more closely matched the pronunciation of the name. Selmer/Conn Selmer later and currently use the spelling “Vindabona” bore trumpets.
Introduced in 1961, the “Vindobona” bore was a new option across Bach Stradivarius Bb, C, and other high-key trumpet models. This concept was developed by Vincent Bach, who had experimented with telescoping leadpipes on a small number of Bach Stradivarius C trumpets.
Below is an excerpt from the 1961 Vincent Bach Corporation instrument catalog. This was the last catalog published before the acquisition by the H. & A. Selmer Company in Sept. 1961.
Vindobona Bore - 1961 Description
” A brand new model trumpet of an amazing response and fascinating timbre of tone. The bell of this instrument is of a larger bore, and the tuning slide is telescopic, which combination results in a gorgeously rich, noble, majestic tone, resonant and compact. Very flexible throughout the entire compass, enormous in carrying power. Described by great symphony and orchestra conductors as the traditional “Teutonic” tone which is heard in famous European symphony and opera houses.”
– Vincent Bach Corporation, 1961, page 8
Vindabona Bore - 1986 Description
” I used to make trumpets of corresponding valve and bell bores: a small bore valve with a small bell, a medium bore valve with a larger bell (with some combinations in between). But I also made the Vindobona bore trumpet and cornet with a large bell, a medium-large bore valve (.459″), and a small mouthpipe to give resistance.”
Today’s preference for big tone is reflected in the popularity of in instruments with medium-large and large bores. But remember, to produce a large volume of tone requires the player to blow an equivalent volume of air into vibration. Those who have a more delicate embouchure or tire easily should choose medium bores that require less effort to fill. Medium bores produce greater resistance but less volume of tone and carrying power.
For a European-style Teutonic tone, choose the Vindobona bore. And, for more flexibility, select a medium-large bore trumpet and order an extra tuning slide of a smaller telescopic bore or a medium bore tuning slide offering the resistance of a medium bore trumpet, less volume, and carrying power.
– Bach Brass Catalog, 1986, page 3
Vindabona Bore - 2024 Description
” The new 19072V is the long-awaited successor to the classic Bach Vindabona trumpet models. We worked with our top artists to improve on Bach’s original design concepts of a large bell flare with a step bore design to create something special. A revised #44 leadpipe in lightweight nickel silver and MLV bore size that grows from .448″ – .459″ balances the large #72 bell. This instrument provides the player with a nearly unlimited color palate and breadth of sound while maintaining the agility of a much smaller bore instrument. Vincent Bach’s original idea of pairing the bore and bell size of a German rotary trumpet with the valve block of a French instrument gave birth to a uniquely American trumpet sound. Bach’s Research & Development team examined the most famous horns in Bach’s history to identify the optimal weight, construction, material, and assembly of Bach’s valve cluster. As a result of our efforts, we have produced a newly designed valve cluster, delivering a faster response and a more vibrant sound. Nothing beats the sound of Bach.”
– Conn Selmer, 2023
The tuning slide’s top leg diameter was 0.444 inches, and its bottom leg diameter was 0.453 inches. These measurements were included on Bach Mount Vernon Shop Cards of the earliest Vindabona models.
The earliest Vindabona models omitted an MLV on the 2nd valve casing and were only indicated by ML on the casing. Without examining the shop card or measuring the tuning slide, there is no method to determine if the trumpet is a Vindabona model.
Vindobona Specifications (1961)
- Tuning Slide Spec.
- 0.444″ top leg
- 0.448″ slide bow
- 0.453″ bottom leg
- Valve Stamp (varied)
- ML only (1962 SN# 23108 example)
- MLV (1965 example)
- Bell
- 65G
- 72 (0.020″ thickness)
In addition to the tuning slide design, 0.453-inch filler tubes are installed until you reach the 0.459-inch valve block casing and slides. The #72 standard-weight bell has a 0.462-inch diameter at the bell tail, where it enters the valve casing.
– attributed to Tedd Waggoner (2013) through the Bach Vindabona MLV Trumpet Guild / Richard.
Vindabona Specifications (1990s)
- Tuning Slide Spec.
- 0.444″ top leg
- 0.448″ slide bow
- 0.453″ bottom leg
- Lower tuning slide 0.453″ filler tubes
- 0.462″ at the end of Bell tail
Conn Selmer reintroduced the Bach Stradivarius 19072V in 2023 as the long-awaited successor to the classic Bach Vindabona trumpet models.
Vindabona Specifications (2024)
19072V Model
- Tuning Slide Spec.
- 0.448″ top leg
- 0.459″ bottom leg
- #44 Leadpipe, revised
- #72 Bell
190L65GVModel
- Tuning Slide Spec.
- 0.459″ top leg
- 0.462″ bottom leg
- #43 Leadpipe, revised
- #65 Gold Brass Bell
The earliest versions of the Vindobon Bb trumpets used a Vindobona shield engraved onto the bell. During the 1962 to 1963 era, Vindobona models were not marked differently on the trumpets, and players may have an example and not know what they have.
Finally, as the Vindobona models were being transitioned to Elkhart, the bore size valve stamp was changed to include a “V” in the size. For example, MLV represents a Vindobona model.
A separate bell shield was applied to a Vindobona, Rotary C trumpet prototype.
Summer 1961 – Jan. 1962
- Bell Engraving: Shield
- Valve Stamp: ML
- Bell: Mt. Vernon 65
- Model: Mt. Vernon
- Example: SN#22206
Special thanks to Jens Lindemann for sharing detailed photos of the Bach Vindobona Bb trumpet, serial number #22206.
1962 – 1963
- Bell Engraving: None
- Valve Stamp: ML
- Bell: Mt. Vernon 72
- Model: 180
- Example: SN#: 23106
1964 – 1965
- Bell Engraving: None
- Valve Stamp: MLV
- Bell: Mt. Vernon
- Model: 180
- Example: SN#xxxxx
Vincent Bach built his first Vondobona Bb trumpet models with BOTH 72 and 65 bells about the same time as Vincent sold his business to H. & A. Selmer, Inc.
Vindobona, 72 Bell
- The earliest known Vindobona trumpet, 72 bell, was serial #21734, probably mfg. around June/July 1961 and sold in early August 1961.
Vindobona, 65 Bell
- The earliest serial number, Vindobona Bb trumpet, 65 bell, was serial #21900, built on Sept. 4th, 1961, a few weeks before H. A. Selmer bought the company.
1962 Bach Stradivarius Vindobona, Bb model
- Serial Number#: 23108
- Model: 180 series
- Bell: 72 (0.020″) / Leadpipe: 43
- Tuning Slide Spec.
- 0.444″ top leg
- 0.448″ slide
- 0.453″ bottom leg
- Valve Stamp
- ML (No MLV stamp)
This example was an early 180-series Vindobona model manufactured in the Mount Vernon factory in August 1962. This example included the warranty card and documentation from The Selmer Company in November 1962.
Note:
The 180 series was first introduced in February 1962 by Vincent Bach Corporation, part of the H. & A. Selmer Company.
source: shared from the Chris Edman collection
source: various information shared by fellow Bach loyalists
