Bach Stradivarius -86 Model 72 L

salojarm · Regular Member Joined: 18 May 2019 Posts: 15

Hello,

new to the forums, but I have a question about this particular Bach trumpet in the topic title.
I would hav e chance to buy one of these in quite ok condition but I have no way of trying it out because it is like a 6-7h drive away from where I live.

The serial number for the horn is 255180. Don't know if that tells anything, kinda new to Bach trumpets, looking to updgrade from my B&S challenger from early 2000.

The asking price for this particular Bach Strad is around 800 dollars.

Any advice on what are the right questions to find out and what sort of price is appropriate for a Model 72 L ?

JeffM729 · Posted: Sat May 18, 2019 6:50 am Post subject:

You need to think of used trumpets like one would think about used cars. Some might operate very well, almost like new. Others have significant wear and tear and are like the old grey mare, she ain't what they used to be.

You really need to play it to see what it is like and how it works for you.

Crazy Finn · Posted: Sat May 18, 2019 9:54 am Post subject:

The used car analogy is good as is the corresponding comments in the post above.

A couple of points:

- The Bach is from 1986-ish
- The 72L is likely a 72 bell, which is a bit more open and spread than the ubiquitous 37 bell. L is probably large bore. Whether those are characteristics you are looking for or would like only you can answer.
- Your B&S Challenger is essentially a B&S take on a Bach - probably a 37, though they also did a 43 and maybe a 72 version, but I don't remember the latter for sure. What about it do you feel is holding you back?
- $800 is a good deal on a used Bach, assuming it's in good condition and working order. Even a cleaning and minor fix up of $150 still puts it in a good deal as most sell used for $1200-1500 or so and up.
- The low price indicates that either the seller is desperate to sell now, hasn't gauged market value, or has had to drop the price because of it's condition.
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salojarm · Regular Member Joined: 18 May 2019 Posts: 15

I think the only thing holding me back on this is the fact I cant try it for myself before buying, 800 dollars is alot of money for a trumpet if it doesnt play well.

https://ibb.co/P52dvR0
https://ibb.co/HD2K7dK
https://ibb.co/XZxLD6B
https://ibb.co/y8m2nL4
https://ibb.co/wSYqqZ4
https://ibb.co/pQgHsmn
https://ibb.co/YLW9h89
https://ibb.co/gWNj4h3
https://ibb.co/TwZQvTf

Here are a few photos of it.

MrOlds · Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 6:03 am Post subject:

What kind of music do you play and what sound are you looking for? This horn is a large bore. And the 72 bell is one of the bigger bells Bach makes.

If you mostly need to play from low F# to the top of the staff with a fat, dark, powerful sound, this might be a good choice.

Large bore Bachs also play more open in the upper register. So do 72 bells. The combination of the two could be too much of a good thing if you’re playing up there a lot.

The pictures look like it’s in reasonably good condition for a lacquer horn that’s 30+ years old.

You could spend an additional $0-$1000 depending on what needs work. If the large bore 72 has the sound you’re after it could be a sweet deal even if you need to spend the extra $.

Irving · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 1887

That's a very big horn. Unless you are a very strong player with a bright sound, I would go for an ML Bachwith a 37 or 43 bell. You will be working hard to be heard, and won't be happy with such a big horn, IMHO.

Brad361 · Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 7:13 am Post subject:

Off topic a bit, but I think some of you guys are drawing conclusions as to how large bore horns will play based only on the bore and bell sizes. It might in fact be too open (FOR THE PERSON WHO STARTED THIS THREAD) in the upper register, or it might in fact play better up there because it doesn’t “shut down.” I happen to believe (I think Schilke did as well) that bore and bell sizes are just a part of the equation. I play a horn that I’m pretty sure is larger than that Bach, most of what I do is “lead/commercial”, and I certainly don’t consider myself a monster player.

Brad
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