Bach Stradivarius Model 37 Bb Trumpet | Early Elkhart | Corporation Bell | c.1972–73

Bach Stradivarius Model 37 Bb Trumpet | Early Elkhart | Corporation Bell | c.1972–73

DESCRIPTION

Up for sale is an exceptionally well-preserved early-Elkhart Vincent Bach Stradivarius Model 37 Bb trumpet, serial #67113, dating approximately to 1972–73.

For a Bach that’s more than 50 years old, this one is an absolute closet queen. It appears to retain approximately 98% of its original lacquer, has excellent compression, beautifully preserved engraving, and comes with its original vintage Bach case in very good condition.

What makes #67113 particularly interesting is its place in Bach history. It was produced during a transitional period in early Elkhart production and retains the desirable earlier “CORPORATION” #37 bell.

This is not a refinished horn made to look new. It’s an unusually well-preserved original vintage Bach that also happens to be a great-playing trumpet.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• Vincent Bach Stradivarius Model 37 Bb trumpet
• Serial #67113
• Approximately 1972–73
• Early Elkhart production
• Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA
• “CORPORATION” #37 bell
• ML medium-large bore
• Reversed first-valve slide configuration
• U-shaped first-valve saddle
• Excellent valve compression
• Approximately 98% original lacquer
• Original vintage Bach case in very good condition

EARLY ELKHART / “CORPORATION” BELL

The bell carries the earlier Bach engraving:

Stradivarius Model 37
Vincent Bach
CORPORATION
ELKHART, IND. U.S.A.

These earlier “CORPORATION” bells are sought after by many vintage Bach players and collectors.

Published Bach serial references place #56,831 in 1971 and #68,199 in 1973, putting #67113 approximately in the 1972–73 period and very close to the documented 1973 range.

The construction also fits this transitional period. Earlier Mount Vernon and earliest Elkhart Bachs commonly had the full instrument serial number stamped on the individual pistons. Bach phased out that practice around the beginning of the 1970s. The pistons on #67113 are correctly numbered 1, 2 and 3, without the full instrument serial number.

It also has Bach’s newer reversed first-valve slide arrangement and directly mounted U-shaped saddle, a design that replaced the earlier double-male first-slide configuration.

Together, these details make #67113 an interesting example from the transition between the earliest Mount Vernon-influenced Elkhart horns and later Bach production.

CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition / closet queen.

This trumpet appears to retain approximately 98% of its original lacquer. Overall lacquer wear is extremely minimal for a horn of this age.

There is some minor localized lacquer wear/spotting around portions of the valve casings. There is also localized finish deterioration around part of the bell wire rim, which appears consistent with lacquer wear and/or possible age-related acid bleed. Both areas are shown clearly in the photographs.

Mechanically, the horn is excellent. Compression is excellent, the valves operate smoothly, the slides work properly, and everything functions exactly as it should.

There are no major dents. I noticed one small ping on the bell stem near the valve section. It’s very minor and an easy correction for a brass technician, but I’ve left it alone rather than unnecessarily working on such an original horn.

The “CORPORATION” #37 bell engraving remains deep, crisp and beautifully preserved, and the pistons and internal valve components are remarkably clean for their age.

The original vintage Bach case is included and is in very good condition, which is another nice part of finding an early-Elkhart Bach preserved like this.

IMPORTANT PHOTO NOTE

This instrument was photographed in a professional LED light box. Bright reflections can sometimes make the bell or tubing appear wavy or distorted. Unless specifically noted above, these reflections are not damage.

PLAYABILITY

This horn has that classic early Bach 37 sound.

To my ear, it even has some of that older Mount Vernon-era Bach character. Played normally, it’s dark, rich, warm and centered with that unmistakable Bach core. Push it, especially into the upper register, and it brightens up without losing the center of the sound.

That’s what makes this 37 so versatile. It can handle jazz, big band, lead, classical, concert band, brass quintet, commercial, church and solo work.

I’ve played a lot of Bach trumpets over the years, and they simply don’t make them quite like these early Elkhart horns anymore. This one has the sound and character that make the older Bachs special.

As with every instrument I sell, I personally inspected and play-tested this horn before listing it.

WHY THIS HORN

#67113 combines a five-digit early-Elkhart serial number, desirable “CORPORATION” #37 bell, approximately 98% original lacquer, excellent compression, remarkably clean internal condition and its original Bach case in very good condition.

It’s collectible, unusually well preserved and, most importantly, a great-playing trumpet.

For someone looking for the character of an earlier Bach without buying a worn-out vintage horn, this is a particularly nice example.

INCLUDED

• Vincent Bach Stradivarius Model 37 Bb trumpet, serial #67113
• Original vintage Bach case in very good condition

ABOUT ARCH CITY BRASS

Arch City Brass is a veteran-owned small business based in Columbus, Ohio.

Every instrument I sell is personally inspected, play-tested and honestly represented. I’m a lifelong trumpet player, and my goal is simple: offer great-playing instruments at fair prices and describe them accurately so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Exceptional Instruments. Unmatched Value.

MESSAGE ME ANYTIME

Questions, additional photographs, measurements or questions about how the horn plays are always welcome.

I’m always happy to talk trumpets and help determine whether this is the right instrument for you.

SEARCH KEYWORDS / SEO

Vincent Bach, Bach Stradivarius, Bach Model 37, Bach 37 trumpet, Bach Corporation bell, early Elkhart Bach, vintage Bach trumpet, Elkhart Bach, Model 37 trumpet, ML Bach, vintage Stradivarius, 1970s Bach, five digit Bach, collectible Bach, original Bach case, Mount Vernon Bach sound, early Bach Stradivarius