Bach LR18072 Stradivarius Bb Trumpet

Vincent Bach combined his unique talents as both an accomplished musician and a talented engineer to create brass instruments of unequalled tonal quality. Often copied but never duplicated, Bach Stradivarius instruments today remain the sound choice of artists worldwide. The Bach 180 series Bb trumpets are the most versatile available offering more options that meet the demanding needs of today's most discriminating players.

FEATURES

The Bach 180 series trumpets are the number one selling professional trumpets in the world. The LR180 series feature lightweight bodies with standard weight one-piece hand-hammered professional bells and reversed #25LR leadpipes. This unique construction offers the quick response of a lightweight model with less resistance from the reverse leadpipe and the projection of a standard weight #72 bell. The clear lacquer finish provides a subtle warmth to the overall sound. The LR18072 gives a player a more open feel with a warm broad response resulting in an instrument that is well suited for all types of music.

TECH SPECS 

• .459" Medium-large bore
• Lightweight body
• Standard weight yellow brass one-piece hand-hammered #72 bell
• Reverse construction #25LR mouthpipe
• Monel pistons
• 1st slide thumb saddle
• Adjustable 3rd slide rod stop
• Clear lacquer finish
• Bach 7C mouthpiece
• C180 woodshell case

HISTORY

Born Vincent Shrotenbach in Vienna in 1890, he initially received training on violin, but subsequently switched to trumpet when he heard its majestic sound.  Although Vincent also displayed a strong aptitude for science and graduated with an engineering degree, he gave up a promising career to pursue his first love and an uncertain future as a musician.  Performing under the stage name, Vincent Bach, he established musical success as he toured throughout Europe. 

World War I forced Vincent’s move to New York City where he arrived with only $5.00 in his pocket.  A letter to the famous conductor Karl Muck procured Vincent an audition and a resulting position with the Boston Symphony.  By the following season, he was first trumpet in the Metropolitan Opera House.  While on tour in Pittsburgh, Vincent’s mouthpiece was ruined by a repairman.  Vincent had great difficulty in finding a suitable replacement.  While on furloughs, he spent time in the basement of the Selmer Music store remodeling old mouthpieces.

In 1918, with the investment of $300 for a foot-operated lathe, Vincent went into the business of making mouthpieces.  The business grew rapidly and in 1924, the first Bach trumpets were produced.  Musicians frequently referred to a Bach trumpet as a real ‘Stradivarius’, thus inspiring the name Bach Stradivarius.  Bach later added trombones to his line around 1928.

At the age of 71, Vincent sold his company.  Although he received twelve other offers, including some that were higher, Vincent chose to sell to the Selmer Company.  In 1964, the tooling and machinery for Bach instruments was moved from Mount Vernon to their current home in Elkhart, Indiana.  Today, these instruments continue to embody the highest standards of craftsmanship and adhere to Vincent’s original designs and blueprints.