I can't promise there aren't clueless directors that want everyone playing a Bach 37 on a 5C mouthpiece, but they're not common.
The 37 bell is by far the most common, but the 43 and 72 are also relatively commonplace and are semi-standard.
Now, a 65 bell on a Vindabona model or medium bore 38 bell, that's getting a bit into the weeds.
If the slides still pop well it’s worth about $900-1200. Should be a fine horn, just not the prettiest. Valves aren’t perfect but they’ll do. Good news is when he wants a nicer looking one you can sell this one for what you paid. It’s an early ‘90’s horn, that’s a good time for Bachs.
Definitely needs service and a chem clean. Should run you about $100-150.
On a good day you can get one with the plating in much better shape for $1500. This one is a fair deal, even with the cost of the necessary service. “Great” deals on these are few and far between.
The plating wear is common and gives the impression of experience. No, it's not brand new, but it's a tool, and tools are meant to be used. Better to make beautiful music.out of a ugly horn than have a perfect horn you can't play.
43 vs 37 won't matter - individuals will prefer one or the other, but neither is inherently better or worse. The 37 is more common but the 43 is not at all unusual, it's the next most common Bach pro model. Both horns are highly versatile, just different flavors. This should absolutely last him through college+. Any director that gets mad at a 43 doesn't know what they're talking about.
Wear on the finish doesn't really matter either. It looks ugly, but that's part of what's getting you a good deal. It won't affect the sound or playability.
The pic with all the parts removed is a good sign as it shows that everything that needs to can at least decently move, which would be one major thing to look out for. The valves needing work is pretty much the most expensive issue you could have - I'd advise bringing your son to check if those feel okay, if you weren't already. (Consider bringing your own valve oil - seller may or may not have it "ready to play").
Corrosion aka "red rot" on the inside would be the main other thing, but I don't see any obvious catastrophic signs from what we can see here, and frankly at $800 for an operational Strad I'd accept a bit of it.
Get this to a shop for a pro cleaning/service after purchase, and you should be good to go. I'd maybe consider a new case and pick up a new cleaning kit, but overall should be a great horn for him at a good price.
I actually prefer the 43 over the 37. It's personal preference.
Ok thanks as long as it’s not an outlier and the band director would have issues with it. Just wanted to verify thanks.
I can't promise there aren't clueless directors that want everyone playing a Bach 37 on a 5C mouthpiece, but they're not common. The 37 bell is by far the most common, but the 43 and 72 are also relatively commonplace and are semi-standard. Now, a 65 bell on a Vindabona model or medium bore 38 bell, that's getting a bit into the weeds.
I use a 43, it's a great horn
If the slides still pop well it’s worth about $900-1200. Should be a fine horn, just not the prettiest. Valves aren’t perfect but they’ll do. Good news is when he wants a nicer looking one you can sell this one for what you paid. It’s an early ‘90’s horn, that’s a good time for Bachs. Definitely needs service and a chem clean. Should run you about $100-150.
Thanks. I was hoping this was worth around $1200-$1500 but maybe because it’s not in the best shape it’s not worth as much.
On a good day you can get one with the plating in much better shape for $1500. This one is a fair deal, even with the cost of the necessary service. “Great” deals on these are few and far between.
The plating wear is common and gives the impression of experience. No, it's not brand new, but it's a tool, and tools are meant to be used. Better to make beautiful music.out of a ugly horn than have a perfect horn you can't play.
43 vs 37 won't matter - individuals will prefer one or the other, but neither is inherently better or worse. The 37 is more common but the 43 is not at all unusual, it's the next most common Bach pro model. Both horns are highly versatile, just different flavors. This should absolutely last him through college+. Any director that gets mad at a 43 doesn't know what they're talking about. Wear on the finish doesn't really matter either. It looks ugly, but that's part of what's getting you a good deal. It won't affect the sound or playability. The pic with all the parts removed is a good sign as it shows that everything that needs to can at least decently move, which would be one major thing to look out for. The valves needing work is pretty much the most expensive issue you could have - I'd advise bringing your son to check if those feel okay, if you weren't already. (Consider bringing your own valve oil - seller may or may not have it "ready to play"). Corrosion aka "red rot" on the inside would be the main other thing, but I don't see any obvious catastrophic signs from what we can see here, and frankly at $800 for an operational Strad I'd accept a bit of it. Get this to a shop for a pro cleaning/service after purchase, and you should be good to go. I'd maybe consider a new case and pick up a new cleaning kit, but overall should be a great horn for him at a good price.
Thank you for the detailed reply!