Horns touted as "TRUE BACH"

[connedbyselmer]

Horns touted as 'True Bach'
Instruments manufactured by replacement workers debut
Published: Friday, January 19, 2007 -- The Truth, C1
Last updated: 1/18/2007 11:37:59 PMBy Marilyn Odendahl
Truth Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- With thousands of music industry professionals attending the 2007 National Association of Music Manufacturers trade show, Conn-Selmer is unveiling the horns being built by the replacement workers at its Vincent Bach facility.

In April 2006, the members of United Auto Workers Local 364 went on strike at the Vincent Bach plant in Elkhart, Ind. The union walked out after rejecting a contract that, among other things, called for wage cuts, insurance rate hikes, mandatory overtime and did not clearly state shop rules.

When the strike began, Conn-Selmer reviewed every process and procedure used to make the Bach trumpet, explained Rich Breske, spokesman for the musical instrument maker. By comparing how the Vincent Bach facility made the horns with the way the instrument's namesake actually built the trumpets in the early 20th century, changes were made and the company is now touting the new construction methods and new Stradivarius horns as "True Bach."

"We had an opportunity" with the strike to look at how the Bach horns were being made, Breske said. "We really didn't want the opportunity but we took it."

A press release about the new horns said production supervisors in the Vincent Bach facility took over all operations when the strike started and used the "large amount" of work-in-process inventory to "help meet much of the demand on the first half of 2006."

By July, when the replacement workers were starting to be hired, the company introduced what it calls the "corrected methods."

In the release, the company acknowledged it has not been able to fulfill dealer orders but, it contended, this is not the first time demand has outstripped supply for Bach Stradivarius instruments and that dealers are receiving shipments daily.

"We're very, very proud of the product quality," Breske said.

Along with the new Bach horns, Conn-Selmer is using the NAMM show to introduce its new Leblanc by Backun clarinets. In particular, the instruments feature redesigned keywork to allow the musicians to do more musically.

The annual NAMM convention is the premiere show bringing together a wealth of professionals from the world of music, including manufacturers, retailers, repair persons, music publishers, recording studio technicians, distributors and performers. The 2007 show opened Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Contact Marilyn Odendahl at modendahl@etruth.com.
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Horns touted as 'True Bach'
Instruments manufactured by replacement workers debut
Published: Friday, January 19, 2007 -- The Truth, C1
Last updated: 1/18/2007 11:37:59 PMBy Marilyn Odendahl
Truth Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- With thousands of music industry professionals attending the 2007 National Association of Music Manufacturers trade show, Conn-Selmer is unveiling the horns being built by the replacement workers at its Vincent Bach facility.

In April 2006, the members of United Auto Workers Local 364 went on strike at the Vincent Bach plant in Elkhart, Ind. The union walked out after rejecting a contract that, among other things, called for wage cuts, insurance rate hikes, mandatory overtime and did not clearly state shop rules.

When the strike began, Conn-Selmer reviewed every process and procedure used to make the Bach trumpet, explained Rich Breske, spokesman for the musical instrument maker. By comparing how the Vincent Bach facility made the horns with the way the instrument's namesake actually built the trumpets in the early 20th century, changes were made and the company is now touting the new construction methods and new Stradivarius horns as "True Bach."

"We had an opportunity" with the strike to look at how the Bach horns were being made, Breske said. "We really didn't want the opportunity but we took it."

A press release about the new horns said production supervisors in the Vincent Bach facility took over all operations when the strike started and used the "large amount" of work-in-process inventory to "help meet much of the demand on the first half of 2006."

By July, when the replacement workers were starting to be hired, the company introduced what it calls the "corrected methods."

In the release, the company acknowledged it has not been able to fulfill dealer orders but, it contended, this is not the first time demand has outstripped supply for Bach Stradivarius instruments and that dealers are receiving shipments daily.

"We're very, very proud of the product quality," Breske said.

Along with the new Bach horns, Conn-Selmer is using the NAMM show to introduce its new Leblanc by Backun clarinets. In particular, the instruments feature redesigned keywork to allow the musicians to do more musically.

The annual NAMM convention is the premiere show bringing together a wealth of professionals from the world of music, including manufacturers, retailers, repair persons, music publishers, recording studio technicians, distributors and performers. The 2007 show opened Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Contact Marilyn Odendahl at modendahl@etruth.com.
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Replies From eTruth Readers

ronald czarnecki
[18 total posts]

1/19/2007 8:32:41 AM
Strange that the Elkhart Truth would put this statement right next to the article of an uncaring Elkhart manufacturing facility. "I've learned from each of you what makes Elkhart work," Neat said, elaborating that it's not the machinery in the factories but the "caring people," said outgoing chair Dr. Thomas Neat, assistant superintendent of Elkhart Community Schools.
Report this post to a moderator

H. Smith
[201 total posts]

1/19/2007 8:56:57 AM


Just another example of how bad the union screwed their workers. After April, this dog and pony show will be over.

I wonder, after the union is voted out in a few months, how many union people will re-apply for their old jobs.
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Horns touted as 'True Bach'
Instruments manufactured by replacement workers debut
Published: Friday, January 19, 2007 -- The Truth, C1
Last updated: 1/18/2007 11:37:59 PMBy Marilyn Odendahl
Truth Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- With thousands of music industry professionals attending the 2007 National Association of Music Manufacturers trade show, Conn-Selmer is unveiling the horns being built by the replacement workers at its Vincent Bach facility.

In April 2006, the members of United Auto Workers Local 364 went on strike at the Vincent Bach plant in Elkhart, Ind. The union walked out after rejecting a contract that, among other things, called for wage cuts, insurance rate hikes, mandatory overtime and did not clearly state shop rules.

When the strike began, Conn-Selmer reviewed every process and procedure used to make the Bach trumpet, explained Rich Breske, spokesman for the musical instrument maker. By comparing how the Vincent Bach facility made the horns with the way the instrument's namesake actually built the trumpets in the early 20th century, changes were made and the company is now touting the new construction methods and new Stradivarius horns as "True Bach."

"We had an opportunity" with the strike to look at how the Bach horns were being made, Breske said. "We really didn't want the opportunity but we took it."

A press release about the new horns said production supervisors in the Vincent Bach facility took over all operations when the strike started and used the "large amount" of work-in-process inventory to "help meet much of the demand on the first half of 2006."

By July, when the replacement workers were starting to be hired, the company introduced what it calls the "corrected methods."

In the release, the company acknowledged it has not been able to fulfill dealer orders but, it contended, this is not the first time demand has outstripped supply for Bach Stradivarius instruments and that dealers are receiving shipments daily.

"We're very, very proud of the product quality," Breske said.

Along with the new Bach horns, Conn-Selmer is using the NAMM show to introduce its new Leblanc by Backun clarinets. In particular, the instruments feature redesigned keywork to allow the musicians to do more musically.

The annual NAMM convention is the premiere show bringing together a wealth of professionals from the world of music, including manufacturers, retailers, repair persons, music publishers, recording studio technicians, distributors and performers.

Yahoo! Message Boards > Business & Finance > Investments > Stocks (A to Z) > Stocks S > Steinway Musical Instrum. (LVB)
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Horns touted as "True Bach" (Not rated) 20-Jan-07 11:52 am
Now for the "REST OF THE STORY", what you weren't told.
According to an article in the Elkhart Truth titled, Horns touted as "True Bach". What you were not told by company spokesman Rich Breske.Breske failed to mentioned that quality began to fail immediately when Dana Messina appointed an inexperienced president of conn- selmer, along with a plant manager that elinimated most inspection procedures.
President Stoner tried to implement a Japanese style of production, (kizam), which not only eliminated "HAND CRAFTSMSHIP" it also eliminated quality.
According to the lie of trying to duplicate the construction methods of the early 20th century by Vincent Bach,Breske faild to mentioned that Vincent Bach "NEVER OUTSOURCED" his parts to 2nd rate job shops, never had CNC MACHINES",producing in house parts, never had a "VERSON MACHINE" forming bells , and sure as hell never would have his name associated with a communist country producing a horn with his name on it, let alone having workers assembling horns in a Japanese style of manufacturing, and in some cases using inferior quality brass, do to lack of quality control.
Mr Bach would surely turn over in his grave if he could see how Steinway and Dana Messina are prostituting his company, and his name, in the name of shareholder profit and "CORPORATE GREED"
Having worked for "THE SELMER COMPANY" for over 40 years I feel obligated to give my opinion as to misleading statments and out & out lies by Steinwaymusical in a effort by them, to repair their tarnished image in the musical profession.

[_dcstep]

Is there a point??

[connedbyselmer]

Only if you can figure it out. TRY RANT

[Luke6335J]

dc_step - connedbyselmer was one of the bach factory workers. He's just pointing out that they are scum!
_________________
Yamaha YTR 6335J
Monette B6 - put her aways for a bit.
Bach 10 1/2DW - gathering some dust, but maybe in the future.
Bach 7C - Love
America was a bit of fun - learnt not to ever talk about religion or politics LOL

[_dcstep]

[LittleRusty]

[_dcstep]

Well, the proof will be in the pudding, soon enough. If the quality is gone, it'll be obvious to the players.
Dave
_________________
Schilke '60 B1 -- 229 Bach-C/19-350 Blackburn -- Lawler TL Cornet -- Conn V1 Flugel -- Stomvi Master Bb/A/G picc -- GR mpcs
[url=http://www.pitpops.com] The PitPops[/url]
Rocky Mountain Trumpet Fest

[connedbyselmer]

[quot
e="connedbyselmer"]Only if you can figure it out. TRY RANT[/quote]
Next time I will try to make myself more understandable for all people that suffer from comprehension issues, I actually thought I was quite obivious. Please forgive me . CBS

[connedbyselmer]

[quote="_dcstep"]Well, the proof will be in the pudding, soon enough. If the quality is gone, it'll be obvious to the players.
Dave[/quote

DC let me try to explain this to you. It is not about any quality issue as to weather the horns were better before or now. It is about being lied to by a company that touts the "NEW BACH", recapturing the manufacturing process by Vincent Bach himself in the early 20 century. That is just a plain ,simple, lie. Anyone who is ignorant enought to believe that lie, is in my opinion a fool. O well I have been call a fool many times myself and it really doesn't bother me either. So for all you fools that like to believe in Steinway, Conn- Selmer lies go ahead and buy into their propaganda while Dana Messina stuffs his pockets full of your money and laughs all the way to the bank.

[_dcstep]

[HoldingStrong]

Steinway plans to hike hiring
Published: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 -- The Truth, C1
Last updated: 8/9/2006 12:05:08 AM

By Marilyn Odendahl

…."The quality of the work is better than we anticipated so ... regardless of the outcome with this union, six months from now we're going to be in great shape in this plant one way or another."…. "I think you guys will like the way the business looks" at the start of 2007, Messina told the analysts….

…9/9/2006
…10/9/2006
…11/9/2006
…12/9/2006
…1/9/2007
…2/9/2007 Six months

Well do you like the way the business looks?
Don’t forget Dave the replacement workers were offered at hiring top $24 the first time and then top pay of $18, our last contract was top pay of $16. Union Scabs crossing the line are getting paid their last quarter’s average. Seems if they had that much money to throw around it would have made smart business sense to continue the contract and phase out slowly over time until they knew the customers would buy a Bach horn made in China.

Don’t expect all the skilled labor to still be there when Messina discovers he was wrong.

[308WIN]

I find it funny how the one poster made it sound as if using CNC machines was bad. You can bet your derriere that Vinny (or any other manufacture) would have used CNC machines had he had access to them.
_________________
كافر

9/11/01 Never forget those who died. Never forget those who killed them.

[connedbyselmer]

I didn't say useing CNC'S was a bad thing, I said steinwaymusical was lying when they said they were going back to '"THE OLD WAY OF DOING THINGS". Since you seem to have comprehension issues may I suggest you invest heavy in Steinway (lvb). You apear as you like to be to be lied to by your posting of a old newspaper article lie by Dana Messina. Get up to date son and see what people think of conn-selmer horns that were at the namm show "BRIGHT BOY".

[LittleRusty]

[308WIN]

[connedbyselmer]

Yes son I am an old fart and proud of it. And although I am a old disgruntled conn- selmer factory worker that they have thrown out the door , you should feel privileged that we have permitted your ears to hear the great sound of Bach, OLD , NEW, & INBETWEEN . You see we hear at STEINWAY MUSICAL, management and rank& file alike realize that we are number 1 in the industry and all the" LITTLE PEOPLE" have a very limitted choice except to buy one of "OUR HORNS", regardless of the name stamped on it.That is just a simple fact. Although we may disagree at times, like the present, we will rebound and all the dealers and musicians will be begging for our great horns again like they always have. Till then stand in line until we see fit to give you the honor of purchasing and playing a legend .
By the way son. your check brand of horn and do a little history, you may be playing a STEINWAY PRODUCT and not even know it.

[mafields627]

Well, my non-Steinway Bach was certainly not a privilage to play....more like a pain in the butt! The pinky ring was soldered on crooked, the tuning slide leaks like a water sprinkler, and the third slide was misaligned. Not to mention the whole thing was just stuffy. It was only after having Charlie Melk install a new leadpipe, and having the 80+ year old local repairman unsolder the third slide and realign it, plus having the bell resoldered, that it finally plays acceptably. Too bad I was conn-ed back in high school into thinking that a Bach is the best there is. I know this, I recommend that my students get something other than Bach.
_________________
--Matt--

No representation is made that the quality of this post is greater than the quality of that of any other poster. Oh, and get a teacher!

[308WIN]

[connedbyselmer]

I am so glad that ALL your horns are pre slimeway. since I have worked for selmer-VINCENT BACH for over 40 years there is a good chance I assembled one of your jewels. ENJOY

[308WIN]

Well, I have a four digit NYC Bach cornet, but then again you're typing here so you probably didn't build that one
_________________
كافر

9/11/01 Never forget those who died. Never forget those who killed them.