:hi: she’s a Bach Stradivarius Model 42b. Been in the family since the mid 70’s when my uncle found it at an estate sale. Lore is the widow didn’t know what she had, and he got it for cheap. She apparently did say that her husband bought it new though, so assumed the Bell and slide go together.

I’m having a hard time figuring out how to date it.. the serial number says 1650 3, with the 3 spaced off a bit.. bell says Elkhart Corp. and the bead wire is magnetic, which someone on another thread said that it was likely a 70s era Elkhart corp. model.

Anyway, I’ve always been curious about her origins. We’ve been through a lot in our 20-odd years together, and with my uncle 30-some years before that, and (imo) she still plays beautifully! <EMOJI seq="1f972" tseq="1f972">🥲</EMOJI>



<Edit: Fixed image cite for one of 3 images - BG>

That serial would put it pretty squarely between 1970 and 1975, probably more towards the latter end:

[url]https://www.connselmer.eu/resources/serial-numbers/bach

If the case is original, that is also a clue. Even the vintage french-style cases have variations.

The latest ones, probably around '74-'75, had a molded plastic fabric-covered bell section holder with a velcro strap.

...try Bachloyalist you should find it

My 90's 42 also has the serial number stamped on the end of the handslide, covered by the lower cork barrel when in 1st. Is the same number stamped there? Maybe without a gap between the last 2 numbers?