Bach Stradivarius 43* Lightweight Bb Trumpet | 1980 Elkhart | #43 Leadpipe | Raw Brass
DESCRIPTION
Up for sale is a 1980 Bach Stradivarius Model 43 Lightweight Bb trumpet*, serial #175037, made in Elkhart, Indiana.
This is definitely a player’s horn. It has had a few modifications over the years to make it lighter and more free resonating, and most importantly, it plays excellent and has great compression.
It has the 43 lightweight bell and #43 leadpipe*. The #43 leadpipe is Bach’s more open leadpipe compared with the standard #25 and is known for a freer blowing feel. Combined with the lightweight 43* bell, this is a very lively setup.
The horn is raw brass and has aftermarket lightweight rounded top and bottom valve caps and lightweight finger buttons.
I especially like this horn for lead playing. It is also very mouthpiece sensitive. Different mouthpieces noticeably change the response, resistance and character of the horn.
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS
- Vincent Bach Stradivarius Model 43*
- Bb trumpet
- Serial #175037
- Circa 1980
- Elkhart, Indiana, USA
- ML .459” bore
- Bach #43 leadpipe
- Bach #43* lightweight bell
- Raw brass
- Aftermarket lightweight rounded top and bottom valve caps
- Aftermarket lightweight finger buttons
- Great compression
- Excellent playing condition
CONDITION
Good cosmetic condition / Excellent playing condition
This is a vintage player’s horn, so the raw brass has normal patina, discoloration, scratches and wear from age and use.
There is a repair patch on the second valve slide, clearly shown in the photos. The slide works fine and does not affect how the horn plays. It could easily be replaced with another lightweight second valve slide if someone wanted to. I haven’t bothered because it would be a relatively inexpensive fix and the horn plays great the way it is.
The valves have great compression and everything is functioning as it should.
There are also several intentional modifications:
- One of the main tuning slide cross braces was removed to reduce weight and allow the horn to resonate more freely.
- The original first valve slide U-hook was replaced with a round finger ring.
- Lightweight rounded top and bottom valve caps and lightweight finger buttons were added.
- The horn has been stripped to raw brass.
Please look closely at the photos for the exact cosmetic condition.
IMPORTANT PHOTO NOTE
Some of the photos were taken in a professional LED light box. The opening and interior of the light box can create reflections that make the bell appear wavy or distorted.
I have included comparison photos showing that these apparent lines and waves are reflections and not damage to the bell.
PLAYABILITY
This horn plays great.
It has an open, lively feel and I particularly like it as a lead horn. With the right mouthpiece, it can really light up.
It’s also very mouthpiece sensitive. Different mouthpieces noticeably change the resistance, response and overall character, so you can do quite a bit with the setup.
Between the #43 leadpipe, 43 lightweight bell, lightweight caps and buttons, removed tuning slide brace and raw brass*, this horn has really been set up as a lightweight, free-resonating player’s Bach.
WHY THIS HORN
If you’re looking for an untouched collector Bach, this isn’t it.
If you’re looking for a 1980 Elkhart Bach 43 Lightweight that has great compression, plays excellent and has already been set up as a player’s horn*, this is a really good one.
The cosmetic condition is Good, but the playing condition is excellent.
INCLUDED
- Bach Stradivarius 43* Lightweight Bb trumpet
- Older Selmer trumpet case
ABOUT ARCH CITY BRASS
Arch City Brass is a veteran-owned small business based in Columbus, Ohio.
As a lifelong trumpet player, I personally inspect and play-test the instruments I sell. My goal is simple: accurately represent each horn, disclose anything a buyer should know, and offer quality instruments that I would be comfortable playing myself.
Exceptional Instruments. Unmatched Value.
MESSAGE ME ANYTIME
Questions about the horn, condition, additional photos, measurements or playing characteristics are always welcome.
Thanks for looking!
SEARCH KEYWORDS
Bach 43*, Bach 43 star, Bach 43 leadpipe, Bach lightweight trumpet, Bach Stradivarius, Vincent Bach, Elkhart Bach, 1980 Bach trumpet, raw brass Bach, vintage Bach trumpet, lead trumpet, commercial trumpet, ML Bach, .459 trumpet, professional Bb trumpet
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| Condition | Good (Used) Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more |
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