How to Identify a Fake Bach Stradivarius Trumpet
There continue to be a number of ‘FAKE‘ or ‘COUNTERFEIT‘ Bach Stradivarius Trumpets for sale weekly in various online marketplaces. This guide is a starting place for a potential buyer to identify a fake Bach Stradivarius Trumpet.
While a fake Bach Stradivarius trumpet can never be 100% sure without being closely inspected in person, below are common areas a potential purchaser should check before buying. Ask the seller for the history of the trumpet, receipt, or other provenance of the trumpet for sale.
Lastly, report a ‘fake’ trumpet to the online marketplace where the trumpet is listed for sale.
Check List for Investigation
- Serial Number
- Bell Engraving
- Leadpipe Marking
- Water Keys
- Valve Engraving
- Valve Caps
- Instrument Case
Note: The list below does NOT guarantee a ‘real’ or ‘fake’ Bach Stradivarius trumpet; it is just a visual example so trumpet layers can make an informed purchasing decision.
We are always looking for examples of fake Bach Stradivarius trumpets, contact us on the website.
Serial Numbers
Official Bach Stradivarius serial number are 6 or less digits (< xxxxxx) long, and are deeply marked onto the 2nd valve casing. Fake Bach Stradivarius serial numbers are often 8 or 10 characters long (xxxxxxxx) and visible look laser engraved. There are even 6 digit serial numbers, but use the wrong font style.
Both examples are shown below, including one currently for sale on eBay.
Bell Engraving
Bell engraving is a more difficult area to look closely at, as Bach Stradivarius trumpets have experienced different variations over the years. Below is a known fake Bach Stradivarius Trumpet.
Few examples on this example include:
- Missing period on the U.S.A
Leadpipe Marking
Original Bach Stradivarius Trumpets do NOT include the full model number engraved on the leadpipe. While some markings are present on an official Bach Stradivarius trumpet, they are ONLY shorter markings such as 25, 25-0, etc.
Water Keys
Bach Stradivarius Trumpet waterkeys are not mounted with a circular mount brazed to the tuning and third valve slides.
Valve Engraving
Modern Bach Stradivarius Trumpet valves do NOT include the engraving numbers on the 1st or 3rd valves.
Valve Caps
Original Bach Stradivarius Trumpet valve caps are not faceted or hexagonal in shape.
Instrument Case
xxx
source: various online auctions & marketplace examples.
source: eBay, etc.
