Stradivarius Philly C

Bach Stradivarius trumpets are famous for their fullness of sound and projection. This is achieved by the use of one-piece construction, allowing for unrestricted vibration of the bell. The shape of the tapered surface, or rate of bell flare, determines the characteristic sound of the instrument. Bells with fast tapers produce dark, warm sounds, while slow tapers yield bright tones. Bach offers many bell options. The number designation on a Bach bell refers to the mandrel (tooling used to shape the flare) number, not to any diameter or measurement (for example, all Bb trumpet bells have the same diameter). The type and thickness of the bell material also affect the sound. Gold brass, softer and more red than the standard yellow brass due to a higher copper content (85% as opposed to 70%), results in a warm tone. Sterling Plus bells (99.9% pure silver, seamless construction) create a full complement of partials (overtones) in the tonal spectrum, for a focused sound with great projection. Lightweight bells respond quickly for a lively sound. For situations involving high dynamic levels without distortion or dark qualities, choose a heavy-weight bell (in either yellow or gold brass).

C Trumpet Bells:

Available in standard weight, lightweight, gold brass, heavyweight, lightweight

gold brass, heavyweight gold brass, and Sterling Plus.

239: Rich, big, dark sound.

229: Tends to be slightly broader than 239.

Other bells are available as special order.

The venturi (constriction) and rate of taper in the mouthpipe affect the trumpet’s characteristic sound. Like the bell, mouthpipes with fast tapers result in warm tones, while slow tapers produce bright sounds. Bach offers several mouthpipe options. Musicians desiring a more open, less resistant instrument should consider the reversed construction. By eliminating a step where the pipe connects to the main tuning slide, the air moves more freely. Reversed construction results in a longer pipe maintaining constant taper for improved intonation. The rounded main tuning slide crook option, in eliminating tight bends, moves the air more freely for an open feel.

C Trumpet Mouthpipes

25C (Standard): Some resistance, effective in centering tone production.

25H: Bigger tone, more free-blowing and flexible than 25C.

25R: Reversed construction, longer form of 25C. More open and free-blowing with darker sound. Additional length improves intonation of high register.

25CC: Based on Vincent Bach’s 1955 design.

Other mouthpipes are available as special order.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the bore size determines an instrument’s tone quality. While the bore does play a role, primarily the rate of taper in the mouthpipe and bell section influence whether the sound is dark or bright. A trumpet bore is measured at the inside diameter of the second valve slide. Bach Stradivarius trumpets are offered in a number of bore sizes. While large bore instruments may have greater volume of sound and carrying power, they require more effort to play. Most musicians will prefer a medium-large bore Bach. The Vindabona dual bore is a medium-large valve section and a small inner diameter on the top of the main tuning slide with the transition actually occurring in the main tuning slide crook, creating the effect of a more conical bore instrument with a dark, warm sound.

.453”: Medium

.459”: Medium Large

.462”: Large

.468”: Extra Large (only available on the Standard series)

.453”/.459”: Vindabona dual bore (only available on the Standard series)