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Bach 239 Eb / D vs the 304 model



 
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alty62244
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Joined: 17 May 2014
Posts: 22

PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 9:00 pm    Post subject: Bach 239 Eb / D vs the 304 model Reply with quote

Other than "size", what is the difference both playing-wise and regarding the history of the Bach Stradivarius. the 239 vs. the 304 Bell (and design) Eb / D trumpets? Thanks to all who can help.
Alan Altman
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huntman10
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Joined: 30 Aug 2017
Posts: 672
Location: Texas South Plains

PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2021 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The model 189 Eb/D trumpet with 239 or 229 bell is available in 0.459" (EL) or 0.462" (EXL) bore. It is basically a C trumpet with a cut down bell and reverse Eb leadpipe. It is a big sounding instrument suitable for large ensembles or Symphony orchestra. It usually comes with a complete set of 4 slides for Eb and 4 for D.

The (old designation) 190 Eb/D with 304 bell is a very small bore instrument with a tiny 0.401" bore. It is quite brilliant, and well suited for small ensembles, chamber music and solo work. This model has bottom sprung valves, and comes with a single extra slide to tune to D.

I do know that the 239 large bore was not in the standard Bach catalogue until the 1970's but the 304 (there were several optional bells, too) was much older. I do find the 239 to be more demanding of endurance than the 304, but they really are TOTALLY DIFFERENT animals. You might say the 304 performs more like piccolo trumpet. I put horns like the Schilke E3L sort of between the 2 Bachs.

I was playing in a municipal band in the 1990's and we got a march arrangement with an Eb part, so I dug out my 304 and played it. My friend seemed to enjoy the addition, although he said it was so bright that it made the band "sound like a calliope!"

I heard David Hickman in the late 1970's perform the Hummel on the small 304, and he made it sound absolutely magnificent. Kind of a seminal moment in my concept of playing.
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huntman10
Collector/Player of Fine (and not so fine) Brass Instruments including
Various Strads, Yammies, Al Hirt Courtois, Schilkes,
Selmer 25, Getzen Eternas, Kanstuls (920 Pic, CG)
Martin Custom Large Bore, Lots Olds!, Conns, etc.
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