Bach Apollo Trumpet, Cornet and Bugles
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Trademark
- Brand: Apollo
- First Use: 1925
- Status: Discontinued in the early 1940s
- 1st Serial Number: #72, #200
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Apollo Trumpet History
The first reference to the Bach Apollo trumpet was in December 1925, in the publication “International Musician.”
The original concept behind the Bach Apollo-branded trumpet was to use “left over” Bach Stradivarius parts that did not meet Vincent’s standards. This quickly changed, as Vincent used 3rd-party parts & assemblies, combined with Bach bells and Bach leadpipes, on Apollo-branded trumpets. Below are known examples of various Bach Apollo models.
Bach Apollo-branded trumpets remained in the Vincent Bach Corporation portfolio until the late 1930s, when they became redundant with Mercury- and Mercedes-branded models.
Below are known examples and historical details of various Apollo-branded Bach trumpets. We will continue to update as we find additional examples.
The Bach Apollo model was initially positioned between the STRADIVARIUS model ($125.00) and the MERCURY model ($45.00), as a “moderately priced” instrument at $75.00. The MERCURY brand was introduced for “semi-professionals and beginners.”
At this point in the Vincent Bach Corporation, Vincent had built fewer than 100 trumpets and had three (3) different brands, each aimed at different types of players at three distinct price points. ($45/$75/$125). Some parts of the Bach Stradivarius trumpets & cornets were used on these other brands of Vincent Bach Corporation.
The first instance of the Apollo trumpet appeared in the International Musician in December 1925.
” APOLLO MODEL
For the professional musician… $75.00
In the first Vincent Bach Corporation catalog (copyright 1925, believed to have been released early in 1926), Vincent greatly expanded the Apollo-branded line of trumpets to include vocal trumpets (C, Bb, A), cornets, bugles, and even an Apollo-branded Ludwig street drum.
Despite the catalog including numerous Apollo models, very few were manufactured and assembled. Below are the catalog listings and known examples of Bach Apollo-branded instruments.
Bach Apollo-branded instruments
1925 - 1926
Trumpets
- Bb trumpet
- C, Bb, A Vocal trumpet
- Bb Aida Trumpet
Cornet
- Bb cornet
Bugle
- Military trumpet (Bugle)
- Clarion Militaire in Bb
- Ludwig Street Drums “Apollo” model
BACH B-flat Trumpet
Apollo Model
- Total Length… 480mm (18 7/8″)
- Diameter of Bell… 120mm (4 3/4″)
- Weight… 1 kg. (2.2 lbs.)
- Valve Action… 15.8mm (5/8″)
- Medium bore… 11.5mm (0.453″)
” The Instrument for the Professional Musician
A solidly built trumpet, perfect in tune, with excellent intonation and a marvelous valve action. This instrument fills all the requirements for orchestra and band work. The “Apollo” Model Bach Trumpet needs but little effort to play upon as it is a scientifically constructed instrument. This trumpet is built all in brass, has nickel-silver pistons and is equipped with a two-piece bell made of special brass, treated accordingly to a secret formula. The tone is of a beautiful ringing quality, or a great carrying power, and responds readily to a crescendo or decrescendo.
The “Apollo Model” has a splendid appearance and is the highest grade “medium priced” instrument on the market, with quick change attachment to draw-out to A. One genuine Bach Mouthpiece furnished with instrument.
Quick change to A slide with a rotary valve quoted extra.
Notes:
The first Apollo-branded trumpets were assembled from 1925 to 1926 with H.N. White / King valve & slide assemblies and matched with Vincent Bach-manufactured bells (Both T and B bells), and mouthpipes (aka leadpipes). They were available in both lacquered brass and matte silver finish.
The first known Bach Apollo Bb trumpet, assembled with an H.N. White valve body/slides and a Bach “T” bell/#3 leadpipe, was serial number #200, followed by #201 through #250. This first batch (#200-250) of Apollo trumpets used these components:
- Bells
- Bach “T” bell (also known as the #1 bell)
- Bach “B” bell (also known as the #2 bell)
- Bach #3 bell
- Frank #4 bell (on a few Apollo trumpets, using a Frank Chicago bell)
- Mouthpipes
- Bach #2 mouthpipe
- Bach #3 mouthpipe
- Bach #4 mouthpipe
Known examples
- #201 – Silver, “B” bell. Restored by Robb Stewart Brass Instruments.
- #212 – Laquer, “B” bell. From the BachLoyalist collection.
- #224 – Matte Silver, “T” bell. From the BachLoyalist collection.
BACH Vocal Trumpets in C, Bb and A
Apollo Model
- Total Length… 446 mm (17 5/8″)
- Diameter of Bell… 120mm (4 3/4″)
- Weight… 1.055 kg. (2 1/3 lbs.)
- Medium bore… 11.5mm (0.453″)
” For Church, Symphony, and Light Solo Work, with Organ or Paino Accompaniment
It is built in C with a rotary quick change to B-flat and slide to pull out to A. If used in C, you can play any vocal or violin part, piano or organ part without transposing; if used in B-flat, the instrument is as perfect in tune as the Apollo Model B-flat trumpet. The Bach vocal trumpet is most used for symphony, church, or parlor work. One genuine Bach Mouthpiece furnished with instrument.
Notes:
Only a single example of a Bach Apollo Vocal trumpet, in C, Bb, and A, was manufactured in 1925. The serial number was #72, and it was built in 1925 and sold in December 1927. It was constructed from Vincent Bach Stradivarius components, including a Bach A-valve casing, a “B” bell, and a #3 mouthpiece. This was an example of Bach using Stradivarius components that may not have met his strict quality standards to produce an Apollo trumpet.
Known examples
- None
BACH Aida Trumpet
Apollo Model
- Total Length… 850 mm (33 1/2″)
- Diameter of Bell… 120mm (4 3/4″)
- Weight… 1 kg. (2 1/4 lbs.)
- Large bore… 11.75mm (0.462″)
” For Opera Performances, Vaudeville and Triumphal Affairs
The “Apollo Model” Aida Trumpets distinguish themselves through their individuality in design. They have a heroic, martial character of tone, tremendous volume, and carrying power. They are exceptionally well-balanced, which is very unusual among similar instruments on the market. The general workmanship is of the same high grade as the regular “Apollo” B-flat trumpets. Made in B-flat, equipped with a genuine Bach Mouhtpoeice. Aida Trumpets never fail to make a picturesque impression upon the audience, especially if played by three or more players. Quick change slide with rotary valve quoted separately.
Notes:
- EK Blessing Valve/Slide Section
- Frank (Chicago) Bell
- Bach Mouthpipe
Known examples
- #61 Bach Aida trumpet – Stradivarius model. From the BachLoyalist collection.
BACH Bb Cornet, Apollo Model
- Total Length… 372 mm (14 5/8″)
- Diameter of Bell… 120mm (4 3/4″)
- Weight… 1 kg. (2.2 lbs.)
- Valve Action… 15.8mm (5/8″)
- Medium bore… 11.5mm (0.453″)
” The Ideal Instrument for 1st Chair Bandsmen
A marvelous intonation, excellent tone quality, and perfect tuning are the features of the “Apollo Model” Cornet. The instrument is simply and substantially constructed. It is not a long model, nor a short model, but of medium length, well balanced, and of beautiful design. It has a two-piece bell made of special brass, treated according to a secret formula.
The Apollo Model Bach Cornet is highly recommended for solo cornetists of professional bands, also for church work and solo playing with piano. With quick change attachment to draw out to A. Genuine Bach mouthpiece furnished with instrument.
Quick change to A slide with a rotary valve quoted extra.
Notes:
- xxx
Known examples
- xxx
BACH Apollo Military Trumpet (Bugle)
U.S. Regulation Trumpet in G & F
Vincent Bach Corporation also manufactured a series of Bach Apollo bugles.
- Clarion xxx
” BACH MILITARY TRUMPETS, like all Bach products, are in a class by themselves, not only without superiors but without equals. They are scientifically built by expert mechanics under the direct supervision of thorough musicians. They have the qualities that most bugles lack, including the perfection of tuning, clear and brilliant tone, and wonderful carrying power. They are clean cut in appearance and substantial in construction, with airtight tuning slides and equipped with a genuine BACH BUUGLE MOUTHPIECE. These military trumpets have remarkable intonation and great flexibility of tone, and the most difficult bugle calls, marches, and fanfares can be rendered on them with surprising ease. The high and low notes respond without exertion on the premiemnt BACH BUGLE.
BUGLES AS HEALTH BUILDERS. It is a well-established fact that playing a wind instrument strengthens the lungs, chest, and abdominal muscles. The healthiest boys in town are those in the band of bugle corps. Playing the bugle teaches the player to breathe deeply, to expand the chest, and stand upright.
ORGANIZE A BUGLE CORPS: Three or more bugles will form an excellent combination for march or fanfare music, especially if combined with drums. Numerous duets, trios, and quartets are published for bugles. A trained Bugle Corps offers a most effective addition to a band and numerous marhc compositions for bugle corps and band never fail to thrill the listener: a few well know composotion for band, F trumpets and drum corps are: (see graphic)
PRICES
BACH MILITARY TRUMPET (Bugle) in G and F, including silver plated BACH BUGLE MOUTHPIECE
, in brass… $12.50
, Heavility Silver Plated … $20.00
Notes:
- xxx
Known examples
- xxx
APOLLO MODEL Bach Trumpet
” Here is a moderately priced instrument that will measure up to your highest expectations. It performs as does no other instrument of this type. Many professionals who follow music only as an avocation cannot afford the price of a STRADIVARIUS or MERCEDES Bach Trumpet, so we have designed the APOLLO model for them.
It embodies all the desirable features essential for perfect performance. All the experience gained in the development of Bach STRADIVARIUS and MERCEDES trumpets has been fully utilized in creating the APOLLO trumpet. Thus you have the assurance of securing an instrument of excellent playing qualities at a price far below the amount you would expect to pay for such quality. The simplicity of design, the well-balanced proportions, and sturdy construction enable you to have an instrument you will enjoy playing upon and one which will last indefinitely. ”
- Finish 1 – Including a genuine Bach mouthpiece, 1 bottle of valve oil, valve cleaner, Bach Mute, lyre, and an elegant French-style case.
- $87.00 (Cash), $91.35 (Installments)
- Finish 2 – Heavily silverplated velvet finish, inside of bell burnished, including the above special equipment.
- $97.00 (Cash), $101.85 (Installments)
- Finish 2 1/2 – Heavily silverplated, velvet finish, inside of bell gold plated, and burnished, including the above equipment.
- $102.00 (Cash), $107.10 (Installments)
- Finish 5 – A heavily gold-plated on silver base, velvet finish, inside of bell burnished, rich appearance, includes the above equipment.
- $162.00 (Cash), $170.10 (Installments)
If no case and mute are desired, deduct $12.00 from the above prices.
