Alan Dismukes

A friend gave me his old Bundy that he had played in school band, probably in the early to mid-70s. I remember back in high school me and my Bach-owning buddies looked down on the kids playing 3rd trumpet on Bundys, but I have developed new respect 'cause this horn plays surprisingly well. I know it is student horn and was designed by Vincent Bach, but I am confused about how Bundy trumpets fit into trumpet manufacturing history. Was Bundy at one time an independent trumpet maker and bought out by Selmer like Bach? Also, I would like to date this horn, but the only list of serial numbers I can find for Bundy are combined with Buescher and seems useless for dating this horn. The serial number is 123608. Engraving on the bell reads:

DESIGNED BY VINCENT BACH
B U N D Y
H. & A. SELMER, INC.

Can anybody steer me to info on the Bundy brand?

MFfan

The Bundy serial number question is a difficult one, as I would agree the Kirmser ones are relevant to too many. Go to ebay guides-History of the Selmer company, for a good history on the various players. George Bundy was an employee of the American operation of the Selmer (Paris)co and operated the business after the French rep went back to France. He then carried other brands for sale. Bundy bought out the operation in 28 or so and started building Bundy horns in 1941 for the student market. You might email Conn-Selmer to see if they have an authoritative serial list.

Toobz

Here's an interesting link with Selmer and George M. Bundy timelines.

The Selmer Corporation

Using Selmer France serial number lists won't work, and the few attempts I've seen for a Bundy list are all over the place.

Alan Dismukes

Thanks, Toobz. Now I understand the Buescher/Bundy link. And since Bach began working on designs for the Bundy horns in 1961 at least I know my Bundy is no older than that. Based on my friend's age and the probable age that he started taking band, and presuming that his parents bought the horn new, I suspect an early '70s date of manufacture is pretty close.