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Thanks for the post. Thanks for the opportunity to say, "Thank you," as I have consulted your site on occasion both to research my own King Silvertone cornet and how Reynolds came up with the underneath design of the tuning slide into the valve block, as well as to help friends figure out the model, age, and etc of their particular instruments. As far as I am concerned, Reynold's design of the King Master Model cornet, manufactured all the way through to the Super 20 cornet models, including the sterling bell versions, and then the Contempora and Argenta cornets, in the bringing of the tuning slide underneath the valve block to the back side of the third valve is unequalled genius. It is much more comfortable to my left hand, as the heel of my palm rests on the lead pipe, keeping me from pronating my left hand, and by getting both the tubing and the heel of the palm out of the way, the left hand fingers are not cramped in working the 1st & 3rd valve slides. It also feels more balanced and not bell heavy or top heavy as the center of gravity is lowered on the horn, making it easier to hold. Moreover, the common sense expediant of the little extra medallion of brass on the ferrule and knuckle going into the valve block as a protection against dents has the postive effect of damping non-harmonic vibrations, helping the cornet retain center of pitch better, and predating by at least a half-century the Cannonball "Stone" trumpet. I also prefer the three point brass valve guides, as even though I have to be a bit more careful in reinserting them after oiling, the extra tab makes them much more stable, and being stable there is less noise and play than with other designs. I'm sure I'd like the Contempora valve guides even better than that, but that will have to wait.

Thanks again!

Hey ElShaddai, welcome to the party
sit down, have a drink, make yourself at home

There's that beer tuba picture!

Based on photos, I have been wondering if the Olds tubas from Fullerton are direct descendants from the Reynolds "Contempora" tubas that were sold in the late 50s. There must be a story there.