Vintage Bach Stradivarius 180S37 Silver Trumpet W/ Gold Trim
One of several professional trumpets we are offering for sale. This is a vintage Bach Stradivarius 180S37 Bb trumpet in silver plate. S/n 393XX makes this approximately 1968—a sought-after Early Elkhart horn with the Corporation bell and serialized valves. It is in excellent condition: plating about 92% with some wear along the first part of the leadpipe as seen in the photos and another small spot on the bell tubing near the first valve. Small scratches and imperfections left over from past dent work over its fifty-year life, but no current significant dents. No signs of red rot, repairs, or modifications. Plating appears to be original. Hard case is likely original as well, and also in good condition with just moderate wear.
Top caps and stop rod are gold plate, and the bottom caps appear to be as well, though those are quite faded. One of them was somewhat cross threaded, and screws snugly but not quite all the way. If you do try to force it on, the valve hangs up a bit at the bottom and you’ll have difficulty getting it back off. It does protect the bottom threads which is its only purpose, so you can have your local tech look at it or just leave it the way it is with no issues at all.
Just through the shop in January 2026 where it was disassembled, chem cleaned, detergent cleaned, lubed, polished, and had all new tuning slide O-rings, piston felts and water key cork installed. Valves are fast and free with no problems and were apparently rebuilt not long ago: compression on the magnehelic measures a flat zero, which is what a brand-new, off-the-shelf Strad would be and unheard of on a horn of this vintage. All tuning slides are free including the third-valve dump slide. Plays delightfully all the way to the sky with exceptional slotting and projection.
One of the most sought-after Strads ever, and in the best condition you’ll find available!
