The Soundboard

[KBCobra]

Thanks again for all of the great advice here. Having played my 1974 180S43 horn for a few weeks now after a 30 year layoff, I was wondering if people had ideas on service needs. Specifically, does the factory offer service/reconditioning services?

Overall the horn is in great shape other than a few small dings (which I can live with of course),. The one area that has always bothered me is that the silver has worn??? off a bit on the mouthpiece receiver part of the mouthpipe. I had this fixed under warranty in ~ 1975, but when it came back the 2nd time, I simply ignored it. It maybe a chemical reaction to me???, but I was wondering if I should even bother with getting it replated again? Any ideas are appreciated. Also, is a Valve alignment needed or is that more for the professional players?

Finally, I love the look of the old hard cases with leather around the edges. Sadly, I did not take care of the case and the leather is all ripped and torn. Does anyone know of someone who reconditions these? I know that is all cosmetic and has nothing to do with the horn, but was just curious?

Thanks,

Keith

[ksievers]

Keith, shhhh, it's a secret, but Bach is coming out with some very elegant retro cases next week at a trade show. I have seen them, and they actually protect (!!!) the trumpet. Genius design, and they are very handsome cosmetically too. So if you like that look get one of those.

Valve alignments are for anyone, any level, who wants his/her horn dialed in. Esp if it's old the pads are compressed, guaranteed. I personally favor the work done by Bob Reeves in LA. Horns always come back playing better when his crew does the job. I can not say that is true for other alignments I've paid for or witnessed that students and friends have had done elsewhere. Certainly other technicians may have it figured too, but I know Reeves does so he gets my business.

Horn cosmetics: in the eye of the beholder. If you can afford it and want it plated, go for it. If it doesn't bother you, it matters not in terms of the performance of the horn.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[Siegtrmpt]

I'm curious to see how the new cases turned out. They used a case I own from the 1960's that is in pristine condition as a starting point for fit and finish aspects and I understand have made some internal design changes to make them more practical for modern daily use.
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Bill S. Little River Brass/Reunion Music Society Virginia Grand Military Band BME Indiana U. 1983

[sskibbey]

Would this be at the TMEA conference in San Antonio? That would be great to see some new Bach equipment at it...Also, the Air Force Band of the West will be performing at the opening concert with guest artist Dave Stahl. It should be a great show!

[ksievers]

yes, TMEA, and YES go see/hear Shane play! the new case is retro in style, but nicer. Rich looking. there is a suspension system inside that really holds the trumpet, so if the case gets bumped the shock won't transfer to a dented bell or 3rd slide or whatever used to happen with the other cases.. this one is NICE. Elegant like the old ones, but better internal design. Pretty cool.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[KBCobra]

Thanks for the info Dr. Sievers. I look forward to seeing the new cases when they become available. Appreciate all of the great info.

[t.whitcombe@comcast.net]

Back in the day(around 1962) I bought my first Bach Strad as a college freshman and was really loving it. The day before my first jury exam, I set the closed case on a chair and it fell about 2 1/2 feet to the floor. When I opened the case, I found a huge dent right a the crook of the bell. At least I had something to blame for the way juries went the next day. I wrote to the company to complain(they answered promptly, by the way), got the horn fixed, and learned to be a LOT more careful. I hope these new cases will save future students from this sort of frustration.
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Tom W.
3C model 43

[ksievers]

cases have come a LONG way. for instance, why did it take decades to discover wheels? those of us who carry 3 or more horns to gigs routinely, who used to use a shoulder gig bag back in the day (ouch) now love wheels.

Showing up looking like Igor from Young Frankenstein is a tough way to start the gig.

also, NO case will protect against everything, unless you get an Anvil case or something really heavy (and pricey). So there is always a trade-off.

I like a case that is light but well padded and has wheels and an extension handle. I work out at the gym, not carrying a horn around

If you are going to travel via airplane much, you better invest in a really heavy-duty travel case. Mine can be checked if needed (the only problem there is if the baggage folks open the case and dump the horns out or force them back in wrong), but the case will protect the horns from weather, squishing, everything. To keep prying hands out of my business I always take my heavy case through security and gate check it. So it still goes under the plane but nobody opens it w/o me being there.

If you say you can ask to be present when it's searched if you check it at the ticket counter, yes, in theory, but try that sometime when the airport is crowded and/or you encounter an authority figure with a bad attitude...

So I have a "pro" case and I gate check.

For day-to-day use, I use a lighter one with a pocket for mutes and junk. It works great too.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[Brad H]

Hi Doc S. Lovin' my new 239/25H. I still have to be aware of intonation adjustments typical of any C trumpet...but it is so superior to my old (non-Bach) C trumpet. And I love the sound I get out of it. It compliments my 180s72 extremely well. I have been looking for a triple or maybe a quad case with wheels. Also looking for a flugel/trumpet case with wheels. Any suggestions? If you can't post it here I understand. By the way...you preached "stay loose" enough that it really sank in a while back. Improved my upper register exponentially. Due to a vision problem from many mini strokes (I have permanent vertigo so my eyes don't work together real well....kind of jerky) I have been working on retraining my eyes and brain to read phrases and not notes. Kind of like a touch bypist. This has actually been a big help to my fluency. This is probably the way you're supposed to do it anyway...just had to discover it for myself. You can't always teach an old dog new tricks, but sometimes this old dog picks up a few on his own! As always thanks for everything.
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Brad Hersch
Bugler-Assistant State Director, PA
Bugles Across America

[ksievers]

old dogs CAN learn new tricks thank God. I did Shostakovich Piano Concerto last week with our orchestra and had to wood shed some fast single tonguing things and it got better.. whew... I wasn't so sure for a while. but things came along just fine.

good luck with the visual thing..

as for cases, unless I get spanked for saying so, I own a Fanfare case that holds 2.5 or 3 (the .5 is picc). It is bullet-proof, has a long handle for taller guys (I am just tall enough that some cases have me stooped over to pull them), good wheels, and it can be man-handled and still protect the horns inside. It is pricey and clunky tho. But it's my "go-to" for air travel.

For day-to-day I have worn out my GARD Allora bag, and I mean literally worn it out. The handle is not telescoping anymore. I am looking at the ProTec triple with wheels. It is not pricey, has a "junk" pocket, and will hold 3 or 2.5 well padded...

I own nice leather gig bags but I never use the big one any more. Puts a kink in my neck/shoulder.. I use the single when I only need the one horn and no mutes, etc.. (rare).
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[t.whitcombe@comcast.net]

A friend of mine found the perfect carrying case for mutes and other stuff that won't fit into your horn case--a bowling bag. It has plenty of space, is easy to carry and doesn't take up too much room.
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Tom W.
3C model 43

[trumpetesque]

Wow, I can't wait to see the new case, I've been looking at a lot of cases. I need one for my New York Bach that was recently fixed and gold plated (plays great, I'm so happy with it) and i really like the look of the old cases. Where can I order one from?

Tim

[ksievers]

the new cases are to be unveiled this week. I "presume" you can order them from any Bach dealer. K.
_________________
Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[KBCobra]

Ok - I pulled the trigger and bought a new Back Artisan double case - should be received in about a week. I have been researching and watching eBay etc, for a vintage case to replace my Elkhart Blue case, but was never really satisfied with the overall case condition, which isn't too surprising for 40+ year old cases I suppose.

I let y'all know my impression after I receive it. By the specs and pix, they look great. Since both Dr. Sievers and Bill S. have seen them, I already know they are winners.

Regards,

Keith
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Keith Brown- 1974 180S43

Just a rusty 2nd rate high school trumpet player trapped in a 48 year old body after a 30+ year layoff looking to improve