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Vincent Bach 45 Trumpet

The story behind Vincent Bach Trumpet serial number '45' begins over 80 years ago. In the early 1920's a young cornet playing immigrant by the name of Vincent Bach became involved in the musical instrument manufacturing industry, making highly desirable trumpet and cornet mouthpieces. Vincent's passion for crafting high quality equipment did not end with mouthpieces. It's not known exactly when Vincent Bach began prototyping a trumpet. However it is speculated that in the last few months of 1924, Vincent crafted the first production instrument. It was in the second month of 1925 that serial number '45' was crafted. Created in the early months of the company's ultimately iconic history, this instrument has a very interesting history, and displays the highest quality workmanship.

To touch briefly on early Bach trumpets let us address a few things. For an instrument this age of any make or model it is extremely rare to find one in as exquisite condition as Bach trumpet number '45'. When you consider an instrument made by such a reputed trumpet maker as Vincent Bach one can understand how rare it is to find such an early horn that was not played to the extent the instrument would show considerable wear from playing. To increase the matter Vincent Bach was very particular about the quality of his product. There were many instruments that he himself actually modified after completion, and horns that never left the shop. Those significantly modified or changed would receive a new serial number. In fact serial number '1' was modified and re-stamped '14'. With this in mind it is a safe assumption that while the instrument this article is written about is stamped '45' it is not even the 45th instrument manufactured.

Let us further describe the condition of the instrument. It is very clear from the crispness of the stamps and the finish of the instrument that this instrument has never been overhauled (meaning being completely polished and lacquered) and that it is in fact in original condition. The instrument shows no signs of ever being modified or having parts replaced. It does show signs of minor solder work, and while the bell flare does show slight signs of the bell dent repair it is in fantastic condition. The pistons are in such exceptional condition it is nearly hard to describe. They have not ever been rebuilt, and while the tolerances are not necessarily as tight as modern expectations, they do hold good compression and work very well. It is our observation that this instrument likely displays as close as the original state of the valves as one could imagine.

Now we've touched on the rarity of such an impeccable piece, and the condition of such, let us discuss briefly the unique history of this instrument. One thing Vincent Bach did with his early instruments was keep shop cards that contain certain bits of information. Some pieces of information are easily found on the instrument such as the Bell mandrel and leadpipe mandrel that are stamped on the instruments. Certain things are not made clear however and remain a mystery. Bach '45' shop card indicates as does the stamp on the bell the designation 'TK'. The letter 'T' is known as the mandrel Bach used frequently and is common. The meaning of 'K' however is not exactly known. It is our assumed this 'K' is to designate the material used for the bell. Leading us up to one very unique feature of this instrument. As seen in photographs it can be noticed that the bell is made of some sort of bronze or gold brass material as opposed to the yellow brass found on the majority of the rest of the instrument and on most other early Bach instruments. As for the bore size it measures (.462"). The shop card further noted the gentleman (A.A. Staab) who received this instrument with the name of a Theater and address in Wichita, KS. The name Staab is what originally connected this instrument to the personal life of Vincent Bach, thus bringing even more intrigue to the past of this instrument. The horn was noted as being completed on Feb. 3rd of 1925. In April of 1925 Vincent Bach married Esther Staab from Wichita, Kansas. In an effort do discover who A.A. Staab was we came across Esther's maiden name to make the connection. With the timing of the wedding corresponding with the date of manufacture, the fact that Esther's fathers name was Adam Staab, him living in Wichita, KS, and finally the fact that Adam is in the National Census records as officially being a trumpet/cornet player employed by a theatre in Wichita made it easy for us to decide this was in fact owned by Vincent Bach's father-in-law. We're not sure if this instrument was given to his father-in-law, or if Adam Staab decided to make an investment to help out his new son-in-law with his new business ventures. Either scenario would have demonstrated a tremendous sacrifice considering the life styles of both gentleman and the times they were currently living in.

In conclusion I think it is worth mentioning this instrument plays quite well. The tone and sound is magnificent. It is free blowing and slots very well. It is so nice to not only have a genuinely unique early Bach instrument that is in nice condition, and with a very inspiring history, but one that plays well! This is an absolute gem. We hate to part with this instrument, however much like Vincent Bach in the beginning of his company, having some capitol to put into our own company will make a huge impact in what we will be able to provide our customers in the future. You have the opportunity to own a fantastic piece of history that could easily fit into the finest museum collections around the world. Thanks so much for checking out this page!