Vincent Bach Trombone Shop Cards - New York & Mt. Vernon era
Vincent Bach began using simple note cards for the shop card records of each Bach trombone manufactured during the New York and Mt. Vernon eras. In about 1926, Bach started to standardize the information on each trumpet shop card, and he continued that same practice on bach Trombone shop cards. The same basic information was recorded; however, the format slightly changed during the years.
Trombone shop cards are generally available through the 6,5XX serial number range.
Requesting a New York / Mt. Vernon Shop Card copy
Bach trumpet shop cards are generally available for trumpets manufactured in the New York & Mt. Vernon eras. Do NOT request shop cards for bach instruments stamped Elkhart.
Trombone shop cards are generally available through the 6,5XX serial number range from Conn Selmer.
Bach Shop Card - Trombone Fields
Vincent Bach’s Trombone shop cards varied with the fields used by Vincent and the factory. This is a summary of trombone shop card fields and instructions on reading the different variables on each shop card. Not all fields were complete for each serial number, but this general guide should help with the variations.
Field Field | Description examples |
|---|---|
Serial Number | The serial number of the instrument. 1234 |
Slide Model | The slide model of the trombone. Examples include 42, etc. |
Bell Diameter | The bell diameter of the trombone. Examples include 7", 7.5", etc. |
Bell Mandril Number | The bell model used on the trombone. Examples include 401, 414, etc. |
Bell Model Number est. 1960 | The bell model number. Examples include 42 |
Tuning Slide Bow | The bell tuning slide bow. Examples include 401C, 414, etc. |
Goose Neck | The goose neck size & material. Examples include 401D Brass, 401D Nickel Silver |
Neckpiece Tube est. 1960 | The neck piece tube. Examples include 401D Brass, 401D Nickel Silver |
Slide Bore | The bore of the trombone slide. Examples include 0.500/0.514", 0.547" |
Slide Width | The width of the trombone slide. Examples include 3 3/16", etc. |
Tightness est. 1960 | The pressure holding capabilities. (similar to Trumpets) Examples include E. T. (Extra Tight), etc. |
Material Outer Tube est. 1960 | The material used for the outer slide tube. Examples include E. Q. Brass (Extra Quality?) |
(Material) Inner Tube est. 1960 | The material used for the inner slide tube. Examples include 18% N.S. (Nickel Silver) |
Date Completed | The date the instrument was completed. |
Date Sold | The date the instrument was sold. |
Customer | The name of the customer / dealer. It was not uncommon for early Bach instruments to be bought & re-sold multiple times. |
Bach Shop Card - Trombone examples
Below are examples of Bach trombone shop cards.
0006
9/12/(1930)
4/21/1931
8/31/1935
0013
8/7/(1930)
10/18/(1930)
11/27/(1930)
4/16/1931
10/19/(1931)
0074
1/30/1930
4/13/1932
3624
12/19/1952
(Sold)
5758
2/3/1960
(Sold)
source: shared by various Bach loyalists
