sistertrumpetdoc

Can someone tell me when the Bach Mercedes II was discontinued, approximately?

Thanks.

screamingmorris

"Mercedes II (1970's)
...
from Bach Publication; AV6021 (4/81)"

- quoted from Bach Loyalist at
BachLoyalist.com - Trumpet Brands

I keep seeing sources on the Internet referring to the Mercedes II as being a 1970's instrument, just as is stated at that Web page at Bach Loyalist above.
But that same page above gives a quote from a 1981 Bach publication indicating that the Mercedes II was stilling being made in 1981.
Since every source I have seen refers to the Mercedes II as a 1970's instrument and not as also a 1980's instrument, and that Bach source says it was still made in 1981, the implication is that it was discontinued in the early 1980's?

- Morris

keyfamily1

I am sitting here right now holding a Mercedes II Cornet with a serial number of 775XXX and a Mercedes II Trumpet with a serial number of 477XXX. Horn-U-Copia serial number guide would place these as being after 1994 instruments. Surely that serial number guide is not right as it relates to the Mercedes II Instruments. I believe I read somewhere that the Bach 200 and 300 took the place of the Mercedes II --- not sure however about this. At any rate, I love my two Mercedes instruments and would not part with them. My Mercedes II trumpet has had the Gold Treatment with all gold trim and inside the bell. It is a a showpiece and I love to show it off. It does not have a scratch nor a ding on it anywhere.

screamingmorris

"VINCENT BACH Mercedes II Bb trumpet old student model, perfect for any beginner. Serial number is 477XXX, putting its manufacturing date in the 1970-1974."
- quoted from
pHing Classified: VINCENT BACH Mercedes II Bb Trumpet

On the other hand:

"Question
I have a Vincent Bach Mercedes 2 trumpet serial # 68503. I would like to know the date it was made, the value and anything else.
Answer
Daniel, It was made about 1972."
- quoted from
Trumpet: vincent bach mercedes 2

So who is right?
Is either right?

Two points:

"At times, the numerical order of Bach's serial numbers varies. This may be due in part to some models (Mercury, for example) using valve clusters and other components outsourced from other manufacturers. These outsourced parts had their own unique series of serial numbers."
- quoted from
Dave's Bach Trumpet Page

It is well-known that Bach Bundy trumpets have a serial number list separate from regular Bach trumpets because the Bundy was made by Buescher for Bach.
Should the Mercedes serial number be read from the Bundy list, was the Mercedes II model made by Buescher for Bach?
I don't know.
The Bundy serial number list at
Lars Kirmser's Music Trader - Buescher / Bundy Serial Number List
would show your 2 serial numbers as being from the late 60's and the late 70's.



- Morris

MFfan

Here is an old post on trumpetplayeronline 6/3/03
In answer to a question about his MercedesII:
"Andrew, your Mercedes II is the student model below the Mercedes, which I play. According to the Bach guys, the Mercedes is the equivalent of the TR200 intermediate and the Merc II is probably like the TR300. When I got my Mercedes in 1972 as a HS Senior, Bach made a Strad, Mercedes and Mercedes II. Here is a cool site for Bach info by Dave Miller, where I got some feedback on my Mercedes: Dave's Bach Trumpet Page "

The next reply post by Kit_Carson_Montana on 3/4/04
"The Bach Mercedes II may have been sold as a student trumpet.. However it's not a student trumpet. It is an intermediate and I actually believe it was sold that way as well. The trouble is, people rate these things without trying them. I've had my hands on the Bach Mercedes and II. I tell you the difference is about zip. i did compare it to a Bundy as well at the sametime. You could tell the Mercedes II is a step up right away. Now I velieve one thing is possible here. The Mercedes I tested was not one of their better Mercedes, but doubtful. Now that Mercedes II does have a crystal dark sound to it. If it were to push the sound anymore in this direction it would start having a tinny sound. Practically produces it's own studio. It's unique. It's design doesn't lend itself easily to be a great contender in a Jazz festival but in orchestra it will definitely hold it's own even against (snob) Strads."

Someone else contributed" If you can't afford a Strad then a Mercedes or Mer.II is a good choice . These instruments used to cause fights in band because everyone wanted to play them over any of the other choices. Excellent tone quality and intonation to rival many more expensive instruments."

An opinion by Mike Pawul or allexperts on 9.9/07.
" The Mercedes was made from Strad parts with a different bell and a few different extras. They play about like a modern intermediate model, but some actually play as well as the STrad. I like their sound and have one in my collection. The newer Mercedes II is a different story. Thy played about like the current TR300 and weren't close to the Strad. Look on this website for more information on Bach" BachLoyalist.com - Home Page "

Note, I tried that site and it wasn't working. Interesting info.

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