Peter Gunn

Any opinions on the sound, playability, etc. on this horn? Was there a major difference between the Mercedes and the Mercedes II? I understand that the Mercedes was a pretty fair horn in its day and I have the opprtunity to look on over for purchase.

Bucaneer61

I have a Mercedes II cornet and, although it was obviously marketed as a "step-up" instrument when it was new, I have found that it plays as well as any "pro" horn I've played. Nice open feel, plays well in tune, etc. I do miss the first valve saddle, (I've never been able to use the third valve throw for tuning - something about the way I hold the little beasties) but I've never had any problems matching any section I've played in with it. Good valves too.

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Selmer Paris Radial Bb ML circa 1972 - Bach 3C
Selmer Paris Radial C XL circa 1972 - Bach 3C 24 thrt 24 bkbore
Selmer Invicta Cornet - Bach 3C
Bach Mercedes II Cornet - Bach 3C

Siegtrmpt

The Mercedes models that were made in NY and Mt. Vernon were professional instruments. The Mercedes models made in the 70's and 80's were students/intermediate quality instruments.

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Bill S.- NY Bach 6, 38 Mt. Vernon 43 Bach "C" cornet, NY Bach trombone 6vii Monette mouthpieces

Brass crusader

The Mercedes of NY and Mt. Vernon were built from Strad parts, but simply lacked frills such as nickel trim, etc. I've been dying to get my hands on one. If I were you, I'd pick it up if the price is decent.

Good Luck

__________________
~Brass Crusader

Yamaha Xeno Custom w/ reverse leadpipe
Conn "Vintage One" C tpt, raw brass prototype
1947 Olds Super Recording trumpet
1947 Olds Special trumpet
1952 Olds Ambassador cornet
1967 Olds Special cornet
1970's Yamaha 631 Flugel w/ Rose brass bell
1970's Conn 17b Coprion director
Other assorted Conns and Olds
Yamaha and Bach Mouthpieces
1929 Martin Handcraft "The New Master"
1935 Conn 22B NY Symphony Special tpt
'83 Callet New York Super Large Bore trpt.
'35 Conn 32H trombone

Peter Gunn

It was built in 1970 and more than likely in Elkhart. It just has USA on the bell. The valve action is great and the valve body looks similar to the upper end Strad type. If some of the differences are that it has a two piece bell, it may be worth the money. I still would like to know the brass material of the horn components. I called Conn-Selmer and there was very little information that I did not know from reading on line. I would like to discover some new items from some old advertizing. Perhaps I can go to a library and look through some old magazines or the like.

MFfan

I'm confused, which one are you referring to in your last post? Do you have the serial? from Allexperts.com "the Mercedes was made from Strad parts with a different bell and a few different extras. They play about like a modern intermediated model, but some actually play as well as the strad. I like their sound and have one in my collection. The newer Merecedes II is a different story. they pyed about like the current TR300 and weren't close to the Strad." by Mike Pawul. The Mercedes has a 2 piece bell.
I tried the Bachloyalist. site but it wasn't working. On a thread on Trumpetherald in April 08, one former owner said she had a new II model in 72 equated it in quality with a Mercedes I model she also played, said it was not a student trumpet in her opinion. Others in the thread said the II was junk.

Looks like Dillons has a mercedes New York for sale for $995, medium bore in lacquer ( from google) maybe you could get in touch with them for construction details.
Check out old TM thread "old Bach mercedes same as a Strad?" for more interesting impressions.

__________________
Dave Rafferty
07 Barrington Trumpet,
1972 Reynolds Medalist
55 Besson 8-10 trumpet
55 Roth by Reynolds Cornet
73 Olds Ambassador Cornet
30's Czech small bore Trumpet
Getzen 80 cornet,
33 American Standard cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

Peter Gunn

This is a Bach Mercedes that sold for $900 in January 1971. I wonder where there may be a price list for older Bach instruments over the years to compare.

Peter Gunn

The trumpet serial # is 5600x.

MFfan

The Bach Loyalist site's data base lists a Silver Mercedes sn. 6823 on ebay 1/19/2007.
Another : ser. 8415 bell marking CBRPCP and New York 67 2006

The Merecedes name was registered in 1927. The serial number checks out to 71.

I could'nt find a site with old price lists or cataloges. Maybe someone else knows.

__________________
Dave Rafferty
07 Barrington Trumpet,
1972 Reynolds Medalist
55 Besson 8-10 trumpet
55 Roth by Reynolds Cornet
73 Olds Ambassador Cornet
30's Czech small bore Trumpet
Getzen 80 cornet,
33 American Standard cornet
www.kalamazooconcertband.org

CaptBilly

Hi Guys,

I just jumped in here. It is all very interesting. There is a 1972 Mercedes for sale in my area that I am contemplating. It is in good condition with some lacquer missing. They want $200 for it? Hey Peter Gunn, what kind of price is on the one you are looking at? If this was a NY horn, it would be a great deal, but I am not positive on the Elkhart horns.....

Thoughts????