Bach 183 Flugelhorn Bottom Sprung vs Top Sprung

[JWagner]

Anyone here have experience playing on BOTH the Bach Stradivarius 183 Flugelhorn bottom-sprung and top-sprung versions? I know there are a lot of things including production periods that could be different but I’m curious if there was anything special about the older bottom-sprung version. I know they had a two-piece valve casing.
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Joshua Wagner
Director of Jazz Bands
Applied Trumpet and Music Appreciation Instructor
Northwestern Michigan College
Bach Artist & Clinician
joshuawagnermusic.com

[zaferis]

Yes, I have played both, but not side by side, so my comparison is based upon memory.

I had an old 183 which a USAF Band issued to me that had the bottom valve springs, I actually liked the action and the horn quite a lot - It was rather old (I don't recall the serial #) but it was also not well cared for. Played pretty darn well and the vavle action felt like my Bach trumpets.

A couple years ago, partly based on the memory of that instrument, I bought a new 183. Interestingly one issue I have with this one is the different "feel" of the valve action (though it has improved over time).. The spring size is not the same as most Bach trumpets, it's a shorter spring and carriage. The tension feels a bit stiffer, not firmer but less fluid.

I would like to see Bach build a Flugel based around a Strad two piece Strad ML valve casing, but that's for the R&D department the "wish list"
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Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman