Bach 181 L cornet with 25G bell - advice needed

[dirkurt]

Hi everyone,

I have the opportunity to buy a Bach Stradivarius Cornet (long model + 181), L-version with a 25G bell.
I wonder if it is normal that the '181' is not stamped on the bell, instead it displays '25G' besides the word 'Model'?
Furthermore, I wonder if someone could explain to me what the difference is between a L version and a ML version. Is there a big difference in tone quality, amount of air needed, ...
I know, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but any thoughts about this type of cornet would be very welcome.
Thanks,
Kurt

[Dale Proctor]

The bell model it what's always stamped on the bell, not the instrument model. In my experience, a large bore horn is capable of being played at higher volume, but in the case of Bachs, the difference between ML and L is tiny - about .003".
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"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham