Vincent Bach Trumpet Leadpipes
Vincent Bach’s first Bach trumpet has a number 2 (sn #14) leadpipe. I have seen different leadpipes on early New York Bach’s like 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9 (4 and 7 on Bb M bore) later in his experimentation the 6 and 7 leadpipes became more standard. For example the Bach Stradivarius Limited Edition model 198 has a 6 leadpipe.
6 leadpipe | 7 leadpipe |
At the end of the Bronx period and the beginning of the Mt. Vernon period the leadpipes (25,43) and bells (37,38 (M) and 43,72) became more the standard. The difficulty is that the markings on the bell and receiver are not there so it’s only possible to verify the exact leadpipe and bell by shop cards.
This list of lead pipes summarizes the different leadpipe components in a simple list for easier comparisons. We are always looking for your feedback on your experiences with each of the bell, and leadpipe combinations. Email us through our “contact us” link on the header of each page.
Trumpet Lead Pipes
Bb Trumpet Lead Pipes | ||
Lead Pipe | Model | Description |
25 | Std. |
Some resistance, effective in centering or tying together tone production. Standard; The right lead pipe for most people. Standard specification on the venturi is 0.345″ [2] |
25-O | Std. XL Std. LT |
More open and free-blowing, less restrictive than 25. Less resistance than the 25, but is not quite as free blowing as the 43. Standard specification on the venturi is 0.349″ (0.004″ different than lead pipe 25.) [2] |
6 |
Slightly more restrictive than 25. For those who want alot of resistance, the most restrictive leadpipe bach makes. Similar to the leadpipe found on the Yamaha “Z” trumpet. Helps with endurance. |
|
7 | Darker tone, more free-blowing than 25. Dark, similar to the 43, but not nearly as bright. | |
43 |
More open feeling with less resistance and more flexibility than 25. Brighter sound. A favorite for lead players. Very open and bright. Some people find that this “kills your chops” faster than the 25. |
|
44 |
Brighter sounding than 43 for more flexible tone placement. Basically the 43 but slightly brighter. Material used is nickel silver or german silver, unlike the common yellow brass used in the std. leadpipes. |
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25LR | Std. LR |
Reversed construction, longer form of 25 with less resistance. Because it’s reversed, its overall longer. Is is said to give little resistance, but alot players hate LR pipes. |
43LR |
Reversed construction, longer form of 43 with less resistance.Like the 25 LR but has even less resistance. |
C Trumpet Lead Pipes | ||
Lead Pipe | Model | Description |
25C | Std. |
Some resistance, effective in centering or tying together tone production. Standard; The right leadpipe for most people |
25H |
Bigger tone, more free-blowing and flexible than 25C. Herseth leadpipe-(hence the “H”…) Big, fat, sound. Takes air to play and can sound airy in the lower register. |
|
25A | Longer than 25C. Many people find this has slightly less resistance than the 25C…Not much of a difference at all… | |
25S |
Full length B mouthpipe (longer than 25A) with only 3.4″ pull on main tuning slide. “Full length Bb leadpipe, with only a “3/4 pull on main tuning slide.” In other words, it helps the C trumpet play more open. Schlueter leadpipe-(hence the “S”…) |
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25R |
Reversed construction, longer form of 25C. More open and free-blowing with darker sound. Additional length improves intonation of high register. |
|
7C |
Darker tone, more free-blowing than 25C. Darker, bolder, less resistance than the standard leadpipe |
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7R |
Reversed construction, longer form of 7C. Less resistant, free-blowing. Additional length improves intonation of high register. Like the 7C but it is a reversed pipe. Even less resistance than the 7C |
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6R |
Reversed construction, longer form of 6. Less resistant, free-blowing. Additional length improves intonation of high register. Because it’s reversed, its overall longer. Is is said to give little resistance, but alot players hate LR pipes. |
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43C |
More open feeling with less resistance and more flexibility than 25C. Very similar to the Bb 43…free blowing, little resistance, etc. Nice sound in upper register |
|
43R |
Reversed construction, longer form of 43C. Less resistant, free-blowing. Additional length improves intonation of high register. LR…Very similar to the 43C but can actually be a little stuffy in the lower register |
|
44C |
Brighter than 43C with more flexible tone placement. Bright sounding, too bright when combined with the 229 bell for most people. |
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44R |
Reversed construction, longer form of 44C. Less resistant, free-blowing. Additional length improves intonation of high register. You guessed it….LR…Very similar to the 43C but can actually be a little stuffy in the lower register |
For an additional reference of Bach C leadpipes / mouthpipes refer to a great article written by Bob Osmun Bach C Trumpet Mouthpipes.
Cornet Lead Pipes | ||
Lead Pipe | Model | Description |
106 | Std. 181 |
Some resistance, effective in centering or tying together tone production. |
184 | Std. 184 |
Some resistance, effective in centering or tying together tone production. |
112 |
Slightly tighter and more centered than 106. |
Sources:
© Conn Selmer, Inc.
[2] TrumpetHerald.com; various discussion threads