The Bach 37 vs the Bach 43: What’s the Real Difference?

The Bach Stradivarius is an excellent trumpet that is often recommended for advanced or professional trumpet players. Let’s look at the differences between the Bach 37 and the 43 trumpet models in detail.

What is the difference between a Bach 37 and 43?

The difference between the Bach 37 and the 43 is in the taper of the bell. The 43 produces a brighter, bigger sound ideal for lead trumpet players, whereas the 37 with its medium-large bore is better as an all around horn.

The Bach Strad 37 was the original model and is known for its versatility. It can cope with jazz just as well as with playing in an orchestra or band.

Bach Trumpet-Standard, Silver (180S37)

Where are the Bach 37 and 43 the same?

Other than the taper of the bell, it’s worth knowing that the bell size of the Bach Strad 37 and the 43 is exactly the same. The numbers do not refer to the size of the bell.

What is the Bach 72?

The Bach 72 is yet another model of the Bach Stradivarius and produces a very dark orchestral sound. The Bach 72 is less commonly sold and more suited to orchestras. If you want more versatility, the Bach 37 is most likely better for you.

Are Bach Stradivarius trumpets good?

The Bach Stradivarius is one of the most popular professional trumpets on the market. The brand is known for producing instruments of excellent build quality that can last players a very long time.

The company itself has earned its good reputation throughout its long history: The Vincent Bach Corporation was initially founded in 1918 and began as a company manufacturing trumpet mouthpieces.

Bach trumpets are American made and nowadays are produced in Elkhart, Indiana.

What’s the difference between Standard vs Reverse Leadpipe?

Where in a standard trumpet, the tuning slide slides into the leadpipe, in the reverse leadpipe the leadpipe slides into the tuning slide. The standard trumpet thus will have a slight bump and narrowing if you go down the leadpipe, whereas in the reverse leadpipe the leadpipe widens after the bump.

Strads with a reverse leapipe are also lighter than standard trumpets, which additionally leads to a brighter, more open sound.

Should I buy the Bach Stradivarius 37 or 43?

Which trumpet is best for you depends on which sound you prefer and what you want to play. If you play lead trumpet or a lot of solos, the brighter sound of the 43 can be right for you. Otherwise, the Bach Strad 37 is a solid choice.

If you have a chance to try out both instruments and you prefer the sound of one over the other, don’t overthink it and get the one that sounds nicer to your ears.

Save Money By Buying Used

If you’re serious about getting a Bach Stradivarius, it can be worth looking into used models as well. You can often find those on Sam Ash (see Bach 37* or Bach 43*). Sam Ash is a trusted seller with a 45-day money back guarantee, so a good seller to the risk-averse.

Should I get a silver or gold plated trumpet?

The silver-plated trumpet resonates better and produces a slightly brighter sound, and the plating is slightly thicker and therefore more durable. The gold-plated Bach Stradivarius has a very thin plating to not influence the sound negatively, so it is more prone to wear off over time.

In the end, whether you want to choose the silver or gold-plated trumpet depends on if you prefer the slightly brighter sound and if worn off lacquer is something that would bother you in the long term.

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The Conclusion

Bach Trumpet-Standard, Silver (180S37)*
Bach 180S43 Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet, Silver-Plated*
Versatile and great as an all around instrument.
Brighter, more open sound. Great for soloists or lead trumpet players.
Bach Trumpet-Standard, Silver (180S37)*
Versatile and great as an all around instrument.
Bach 180S43 Stradivarius Series Bb Trumpet, Silver-Plated*
Brighter, more open sound. Great for soloists or lead trumpet players.

Both the Bach 43 and the Bach 37 are excellent, durable instruments that are versatile and will bring advanced to professional players much joy in the long run. Which of the two to choose depends on personal preference of the sound. Lead players might prefer the brighter sound of the Bach 43, everyone else can’t go wrong with the Bach 37.

If you want to see a particular gem, check out our review of the 50th Anniversary special edition Bach 190S37 trumpet – and learn how to spot a fake!

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