What is the primary purpose of the Bach 1691 lyre?

The Bach 1691 is designed to hold sheet music cards in place for trumpet and cornet players while they are marching. It provides a stable platform that prevents music from falling during movement.

What type of mount does this lyre require?

It is designed to attach to a horizontal lyre holder that is already fixed to the instrument. The stem fits into a small square socket typically tightened by a thumb screw.

Is the Bach 1691 compatible with all trumpets?

It is only compatible with trumpets and cornets that feature a horizontal lyre box or holder. If an instrument lacks this specific attachment point, the lyre cannot be mounted without an additional clamp.

What is the significance of the 'bent stem'?

The bent stem allows the music to be positioned at a better viewing angle for the player. This is particularly useful for cornets and trumpets where a straight stem might place the music too close or too low.

What material is the Bach 1691 made from?

The lyre is made of brass and features a lacquered finish. This ensures durability and helps the accessory match the appearance of most brass instruments.

Can this lyre hold a full-sized folder of music?

No, it is specifically designed for small 'marching band' size cards, often referred to as flip-books or lyre cards. Larger sheets of paper would be too heavy and unstable for this device.

Does the Bach 1691 come with a lyre holder?

No, it does not. The 1691 is the lyre itself; the holder must be a part of the instrument or purchased and soldered/clamped on separately.

How does the spring mechanism work?

The lyre features a heavy-duty spring-loaded clamp on the faceplate. The performer pulls back the clamp, inserts the music, and the spring tension holds the cards firmly against the backplate.

Will this lyre fit a Bach Stradivarius trumpet?

Yes, provided the Bach Stradivarius (such as the 180S43) is equipped with a standard lyre box. Many professional trumpets do not come with these by default, so it is important to check the instrument first.

How much does the Bach 1691 typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific Bach lyre is approximately £10.00. It is considered an affordable, essential accessory for marching brass players.

Can I use this on a cornet and a trumpet?

Yes, the Bach 1691 is cross-compatible between trumpets and cornets as long as both instruments use a standard horizontal lyre mounting system.

Does the lacquer prevent the lyre from rusting?

Brass does not rust, but it can tarnish or develop corrosion. The lacquer coating acts as a protective barrier to keep the metal looking polished and to prevent oxidation from outdoor moisture.

Gear article

Bach 1691 Bent Stem Lyre

The Bach 1691 is a bent-stem music lyre designed for use with trumpets and cornets, primarily intended for marching band and outdoor performances. Manufactured by Bach, this lacquered brass accessory provides a secure mechanism for holding sheet music directly to an instrument's horizontal lyre holder.

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Overview

The Bach 1691 Bent Stem Lyre is a functional accessory specifically engineered for brass players who require sheet music access during mobile performances. It serves as a bridge between the performer's vision and their instrument, ensuring that music cards remain stable even during rhythmic movement. The device is constructed from durable materials to withstand the rigours of outdoor use.

Design and Functionality

The 1691 model features a bent-stem design, which is essential for positioning the music at an ergonomic viewing angle relative to the player's line of sight. It is designed to interface with a pre-existing horizontal lyre holder, a common fitting found on many professional and intermediate trumpets, such as the Yamaha YTR-5335G or the Bach Stradivarius 180S43.

Key features include: * Spring-Loaded Clamp: A sturdy mechanism that applies sufficient pressure to hold multiple sheets of music without causing damage. * Lacquered Finish: The brass is coated in a protective lacquer to prevent tarnishing and to match the aesthetics of traditional brass instruments. * Bent Stem Geometry: Specifically angled to clear the leadpipe and valves of a standard trumpet or cornet.

Intended Use Case

This accessory is primarily used in marching bands, parade units, and military bands. While a stationary performer might use a traditional music stand, the 1691 allows for complete mobility. By securing the music directly to the instrument, the player is free to move, march, and navigate complex formations without the risk of dropping their repertoire.

Compatibility and Alternatives

The Bach 1691 is highly specialised for instruments equipped with a horizontal square-socket lyre holder. Players using instruments without this specific mount may need to look for clamp-on alternatives. When compared to basic straight-stem lyres, the 1691 offers a specific offset that many cornet players find more comfortable for maintaining proper posture. It is often paired with other brass essentials, such as the Protec L203 mouthpiece pouch for storage or the Wallace Eb Trumpet/Soprano Cornet practice mute for warm-ups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Bach 1691 lyre?: The Bach 1691 is designed to hold sheet music cards in place for trumpet and cornet players while they are marching. It provides a stable platform that prevents music from falling during movement.
What type of mount does this lyre require?: It is designed to attach to a horizontal lyre holder that is already fixed to the instrument. The stem fits into a small square socket typically tightened by a thumb screw.
Is the Bach 1691 compatible with all trumpets?: It is only compatible with trumpets and cornets that feature a horizontal lyre box or holder. If an instrument lacks this specific attachment point, the lyre cannot be mounted without an additional clamp.
What is the significance of the 'bent stem'?: The bent stem allows the music to be positioned at a better viewing angle for the player. This is particularly useful for cornets and trumpets where a straight stem might place the music too close or too low.
What material is the Bach 1691 made from?: The lyre is made of brass and features a lacquered finish. This ensures durability and helps the accessory match the appearance of most brass instruments.
Can this lyre hold a full-sized folder of music?: No, it is specifically designed for small 'marching band' size cards, often referred to as flip-books or lyre cards. Larger sheets of paper would be too heavy and unstable for this device.
Does the Bach 1691 come with a lyre holder?: No, it does not. The 1691 is the lyre itself; the holder must be a part of the instrument or purchased and soldered/clamped on separately.
How does the spring mechanism work?: The lyre features a heavy-duty spring-loaded clamp on the faceplate. The performer pulls back the clamp, inserts the music, and the spring tension holds the cards firmly against the backplate.
Will this lyre fit a Bach Stradivarius trumpet?: Yes, provided the Bach Stradivarius (such as the 180S43) is equipped with a standard lyre box. Many professional trumpets do not come with these by default, so it is important to check the instrument first.
How much does the Bach 1691 typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific Bach lyre is approximately £10.00. It is considered an affordable, essential accessory for marching brass players.
Can I use this on a cornet and a trumpet?: Yes, the Bach 1691 is cross-compatible between trumpets and cornets as long as both instruments use a standard horizontal lyre mounting system.
Does the lacquer prevent the lyre from rusting?: Brass does not rust, but it can tarnish or develop corrosion. The lacquer coating acts as a protective barrier to keep the metal looking polished and to prevent oxidation from outdoor moisture.