Bach is one of the most premier trumpet brands in the world.
They’re best known for their Stradivarius models, but they also make a wide range of other trumpets.
In this post, we’ll go over pricing for Bach trumpets and how they compare to other trumpets on the market:
Here’s an Idea of How Much Bach Trumpets Cost:
Bach trumpets generally cost between $1,200 to $4,000 depending on the type of trumpet you are buying, whether you are buying new or used, and where you get it from. Bach trumpets are high quality and generally regarded as one of the best kinds of trumpets to buy.
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Are Bach Trumpets Thought of as Expensive Trumpets?
Bach trumpets usually cost more than other trumpets. This is because they’re hand-made using better materials, and they have higher quality control standards.
Another thing to consider is that most Bach trumpets are made in the United States, which generally drives up the price.
Let’s take a look at some direct competitors and see how Bach trumpets stack up:
How Does Bach Compare to Similar Trumpet Brands?
Bach vs. Yamaha Xeno
One of the most popular Bach Stradivarius models today is the 180S37. This is a professional Bb trumpet with silver-plating, standard-taper bell, and a .459” bore.
Now let’s compare this to the Yamaha Xeno series YTR-8335S. As far as specs go, they’re really similar. Both are heavier trumpets with Monel pistons, one-piece bells, and the same bore diameter.
As of this writing, the Bach 180S37 usually sells for around $3,000, and the Yamaha 8335S sells for about $2,715. So only a few hundred dollars difference.
Either one of these trumpets would be great for advancing and professional players.
If you want a full run-down of these two brands, check out our article comparing Bach vs. Yamaha trumpets!
Bach vs. Schilke
Schilke is another popular trumpet brand. Like Bach trumpets, they’re mostly made in America.
One of the most popular lines of Schilke trumpets is the Custom Series (also known as the B series). These trumpets are known for their lightweight design and minimal bracing.
Most Schilke trumpets also have a reverse lead pipe, making them a bit more free-blowing than many Bach trumpets.
While both brands make instruments that accommodate different playstyles, the consensus among players is that Bach trumpets are the standard for classical music. In contrast, Schilke trumpets are well-suited for jazz and commercial styles of playing.
Price-wise, they’re pretty comparable to Bach. Most Schilke professional trumpets sell for somewhere between $3,000 and $3,500.
Bach vs. S.E. Shires
S.E. Shires is another brand that, like Bach, hand-makes their trumpets in the United States.
Shires trumpets are known for their excellent tone and projection, as well as their response and flexibility. There’s a versatile line of Shires trumpets that are enjoyed by classical and jazz players alike.
If you’re curious, we have another article that takes a deeper dive into Shires trumpets, but in short, they are high-end instruments that can go toe-to-toe with the other brands.
As far as prices go, Shire’s trumpets tend to be a bit more pricey.
While the Q Series trumpets are competitively priced at around $2,500, the Custom and Artist series trumpets usually cost around $4,000 or more.
This makes them competitive with Bach’s more specialized trumpet line of Strads like the Artisan or Commercial series.
How Much Should you Pay for a Used Bach Trumpet?
Used Bach trumpets tend to hold their value really well.
If you do a quick search for Bach Stradivarius trumpets on sites like eBay and Reverb, you’ll easily find many used ones for somewhere around $2,000.
But if you’re lucky, you could even find some as low as $1,400.
They hold their value simply because they’re well-made trumpets that last a long time. Bach trumpets have a superior sound quality and craftsmanship and have proven to be incredibly durable.
Even vintage models have stood the test of time.
But as with any used instrument, they may not be in the best condition. If you plan to buy a used trumpet, be sure to budget for potential and unexpected repair costs.
The Mt. Vernon Models
Some vintage Bach trumpets are still really popular among collectors. The most popular ones are from the Mt. Vernon era of the company.
In 1953, Bach moved their base of operations from New York City to Mt. Vernon, New York. During this time, they standardized a lot of their manufacturing, creating a line of superb-sounding trumpets that were consistent and reliable.
They stayed there until 1964 when the Selmer Company purchased them. After that, they moved all their operations to Elkhart, Indiana, where they continue to make trumpets today.
Bach changed their designs after the Selmer buyout, but the Mt. Vernon trumpets still have their fans and remain popular to this day.
These trumpets can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,500 on the used market, but they’re highly regarded among professional trumpet players.
Why Are Bach Trumpets the Most Used Among Professionals?
Bach trumpets are known for their outstanding sound quality, intonation, and projection.
They’re also really rugged instruments made with tough, hand-hammered metals and sturdy bracing. Many older Bach trumpets hold up to this day, giving them incredible longevity.
It’s clear that a lot of hard labor and love goes into making these trumpets, and the quality shows.
Bach trumpets are often seen as a safe choice for advancing and professional trumpet players. They’re fantastic classical instruments great for symphony orchestras and brass bands, but they’re also versatile enough to play contemporary music like jazz, pop, and rock.
They can easily be your forever instrument, and you wouldn’t have to get a better trumpet later on.
One professional teacher I’ve spoken to says he likes Bach trumpets because you can push them to their limits, and they won’t hold you back or crack the sound.
Norbert Haas from the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra also said that with his trumpet, “the vibration is simply better transferred, and the overall resonance is better.”
He also said that his Bach trumpet is “really cool to play and is a lot of fun to play in a big hall, but also a smaller venue.”
Which Bach Trumpets Are the Most Popular?
Bach makes many different models of trumpets, but here are the ones that stand out the most:
Bach Stradivarius – 180S37
This classic model is arguably the highest-selling professional trumpet in the world.
This trumpet features a one-piece hand-hammered bell and a standard medium-large bore. Most people would say it produces a brilliant warm sound, making it ideal for concert bands, brass bands, and symphony orchestras.
You can also slap on a good jazz mouthpiece, and it’s perfect for more commercial playing styles.
There are many variations of the 180 series, including models with different finishes, bell tapers, and bell materials.
Bach Stradivarius “50th Anniversary” Edition – 190S37
The designs for these trumpets go back to 1965, when Bach first started making trumpets in Elkhart, Indiana.
The 190 series were introduced as the 50th Anniversary models and incorporate older designs different from the 180 series.
For one, the valve casings are made from two pieces instead of one.
The bell seam is also placed on the side, running along with the bracing. This is opposed to other Bach models where the bell seam runs along the bottom.
Depending on who you ask, these design changes fundamentally change how the trumpet sounds. They add to the trumpet’s overall brilliance and resonance.
Bach Stradivarius Commercial Series – LT190L1B
As the name suggests, these trumpets were designed with more commercial use in mind.
There are quite a few notable differences between this model and the standard 180 series trumpets:
- Larger lead pipe (.462”)
- Minimal bracing to maximize vibration
- The bronze bell for different tone colors
- Push-button water key
If you’re more into contemporary styles of music like jazz, pop, funk, and Latin, this could be a great option for you.
Bach Stradivarius Aritsan Series – AB190S
The Artisan trumpets are Bach’s premiere line of professional trumpets.
In many ways, these trumpets are a throwback to the ones Bach made in the New York City and Mt. Vernon eras.
They undergo a special acoustical treatment process, giving them a higher level of craftsmanship and quality control.
The result is a trumpet with a sound that’s shimmering, brilliant, and capable of playing in any musical setting.
Bach Student Trumpets – BTR301 & BTR201
In 2020, Bach introduced the latest versions of their student trumpets.
These instruments are designed with easy playability and durability in mind.
All Bach student trumpets come in a molded ABS plastic case that’s incredibly durable. You won’t have to worry about your trumpet being protected.
Both student trumpets are nearly identical. So what’s the difference between these two models?
- The BTR301 is the premiere student model that’s made in America.
- The BTR201 is the standard student model. It’s made overseas in another factory.
Either one of these trumpets is going to be great for beginners. They’ll sound good and be easy enough to play while helping you develop fundamental skills.
Previous versions of these trumpets were the TR300H2 and the TR500. Both of those are being phased out in favor of the BTR301 and BTR201.
How Much is my Bach Trumpet Worth?
All these trumpets come at different price points.
Here’s a list of the more popular Bach trumpets and how much they would cost if you bought them new today:
| MODELS | PRICE |
| 18037, 18043 (lacquer) | $2,879 |
| 180S37, 180S43 (silver) | $2,999 |
| 180S37G (silver, gold-brass bell) | $3,479 |
| 19037 (lacquer) | $3,499 |
| 190S37 (silver) | $3,669 |
| LR180S37 (reverse lead, silver-plated) | $3,319 |
| LT1901B, LT190L1B (lacquer) | $3,819 |
| LT190S1B, LT190SL1B (silver) | $3,959 |
| AB190 (lacquer) | $4,019 |
| AB190S (silver) | $4,169 |
| BTR301, TR300H2 (lacquer) | $1,379 |
| BTR201, TR500 (lacquer) | $1,189 |
Sources:
Conn & Selmer Trumpets | Bachbrass.com