Bach 181ML 1969-70 - Lacquer

Bach Stradivarius 181ML Long Cornet

Early Elkhart Era • Heritage Music Serviced • Serial #45469

DESCRIPTION

Up for sale is a vintage Bach Stradivarius 181ML Long Cornet from the desirable early Elkhart era. Serial number 45469 dates this instrument to approximately 1969-1970.

This horn was recently professionally serviced by Kevin at Heritage Music and is ready to play. As part of the service, Kevin professionally installed a first-valve slide U-hook, making intonation adjustments easier and improving overall playability.

This is an outstanding playing example with the dark, rich, colorful Bach cornet sound many players are searching for. The horn has excellent response, secure slotting, and a broad, warm sound that works beautifully in brass band, concert band, church, and solo settings.

In my opinion, this instrument plays better than many Bach 184 cornets I have encountered over the years. It has a fuller sound, excellent projection, and retains the classic Bach character that made these instruments so popular.

KEY FEATURES

• Bach Stradivarius 181ML Long Cornet
• Early Elkhart production
• Serial #45469 (circa 1969-1970)
• ML Bore (.459”)
• Professionally serviced by Heritage Music
• First-valve slide U-hook professionally added by Kevin at Heritage Music
• Excellent valve action
• Strong compression
• Smooth slide action
• Includes case

CONDITION

For a horn of this age, it presents quite well overall.

There is some lacquer loss on the bell along with additional lacquer wear and finish loss throughout the instrument consistent with normal use over more than five decades. There are also light scratches and cosmetic signs of age as expected on a vintage instrument.

Mechanically, the horn is excellent. The valves are fast and responsive, compression is strong, and the slides move freely.

Please Note: Some apparent waviness or distortion visible in a few of the photos is simply reflection from the photography light box and backdrop. The highly reflective brass surface mirrors the lighting setup and can create the illusion of dents or ripples that are not actually present on the instrument.

Overall, this is a very solid-playing vintage Bach with honest cosmetic wear and many years of life remaining.

WHY THIS HORN?

Vintage Bach long cornets are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially early Elkhart examples that have been professionally serviced and remain in excellent playing condition.

The long cornet design offers much of the feel and projection of a trumpet while retaining the warmth, richness, and tonal color that cornet players appreciate.

This horn would be an excellent choice for:

• Brass Band
• Concert Band
• Church Performance
• Solo Literature
• Community Band
• Vintage Bach Collectors

Whether you’re looking for a serious player or a collectible early Elkhart Bach, this horn delivers the classic dark Bach cornet sound that made these instruments so popular.

INCLUDED

• Bach Stradivarius 181ML Long Cornet
• Case

ABOUT ARCH CITY BRASS

Arch City Brass is a veteran-owned brass instrument company based in Columbus, Ohio. Every instrument is carefully inspected, play-tested, and honestly described so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Professional sound. Honest pricing. No hype.

SEARCH KEYWORDS

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