Reynolds Contempora

[Jim Brewer]

I saw a listing for a Reynolds Contempora Bb with a serial number of 876574. The only serial number I could find it that range was for an Olds. I looks like a nice axe but was wondering about the numbers.

[Lee Stofer]

Jim,
By the early 1970's the Norlin company was making both labels, and so it probably inadvertently (or deliberately) was fitted with a valve cluster with an Olds serial number. My guess is that it was made in early 1974. At any rate, it is likely to be a good horn.

[Donn]

For that matter it would be identical to an Olds O-99, right?

[Lee Stofer]

Right, unless it was one of the large detachable-bell Olds/Reynolds instruments, which were virtually identical to each other, also. One of my favorite instruments to ever come through the shop was a big 1957 Reynolds 4-valve with an Olds upright recording bell. It was a really fine player.

[Donn]

My thought was that by that time, the big ones would already have been history.

[Jim Brewer]

Does not have a detachable bell. Was listed on EBay for $900 OBO . Must have went fast. I emailed the seller and when I received a reply it was already gone, but no bids were made. Must have sold it locally.

[edsel585960]

Whoever bought it locally must have got a good deal. $900 on ebay for that horn was really good. Hope it plays as good as it looked.