Olds Studio "Baritone"

[ParLawGod]

I recently purchased an Olds Studio "Baritone" (I use that name loosely) - a 3-valve Los Angeles (most likely better quality than a Fullerton horn). I have not received it in the mail yet, but was wondering if anyone here has played one and what their thoughts were. I've owned Olds Studio/Super/Recording trombones, and all were spectacular!

I'm sure this will not compare to my Yamaha 642, but I am mainly wondering how it compares to other 3-valve bell-front instruments.

Anyone use something other than an Olds mouthpiece on theirs? Did you have to do the "tape trick"?

Any input on the Olds Studio baritone would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Dan Schultz]

I've had a few of them come through the shop. They have all been fixed bell-front, front-action euphoniums. Lacquered brass body and silver-plated bells. Descent players and comparable to the Conn 14i euphoniums. I don't recall anything special about them that would account to studio use.

[imperialbari]

Only saw an Olds Studio live as a trumpet. From that I am fairly convinced that Studio in this context is a euphemism for student line.

Klaus

[iiipopes]

Along with similar models by Conn, Martin, Beuscher, King & Reynolds (and possibly others), these were the staples of school bands for at least a half-century. Being a 3-valve, 1 is set just a few cents flat, but not enough that a good centering can still make the pitch, 2 is set likewise, both so 1+2 is not so sharp, but can be lipped; then 3 is set long so that 2+3 is a hair flat and brought into pitch by raising the back of the tongue to accelerate the air; then this makes 1+3 lippable and 1+2+3, well, never mind.

I actually prefer these American hybrid horns for concert band. To my ears, the slightly smaller bore, yet still conical bugle profile, gives a singular tone to these instruments that full-blown comp euphs do not have, and which blends better with both woodwinds and brass, while still being able to step up for counter melodies and such as required. It's too bad that 4-valve front models were not routinely made, because if I played such in an American standard instrumentation concert band, this is the kind of horn I would play.

There is a good modern equivalent now. The Jupiter series have a similar bore and profile, and come in a selection of valve and bell configurations.

OK, it's a rant. Sorry. I also prefer "straight" cornets to trumpets in concert band as well.

[imperialbari]

Why would a nickel silver bell flare add to the value of s conical low brass instrument, which is supposed to have a warm sound? Nickel silver hardly is known to add warmth to an instrument’s sound.

Klaus

[imperialbari]

Wouldn’t it rather be the angle of the bell than the alloy determining the amount of collected rain?

K

[ParLawGod]

Thank you for the responses so far! I have played many 3-valve "baritones" in my life (Conn, King, Holton, etc.) but never an Olds. IF it is the best one I have played, I would definitely be in search of a 4-valve model. I should receive it sometime the end of this week, and will make a point to post and let you know my thoughts on it.

Thanks!