Reynolds=Conn

[Heavy_Metal]

at least with this one. There have been conversations regarding Olds, Reynolds and Conn regarding who actually made what, and here is one example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REYNOLDS-BBb-TU ... 4ac43861d5" target="_blank

[EdFirth]

This is just a standard big Reynolds with a Conn raincatcher fitted to it. The original Reynolds bell would be quite a bit longer.BUT I have been under the impression that Reynolds/Olds DID make the 2 and 4J's for Conn. Conn later changed them somewhat and made the 3 and 5J's. I know there are some who think they know better but that's the story I heard. Ed

[EdFirth]

Sorry guys, my computer was telling me the message was not sent. Ed

[pjv]

Valves? You use the valves when you play?

[sousaphone68]

I know you can't play a picture but the photo of the rere tubing really looks pretty.
Any body here play one and care to comment on intonation and sound?

[Tom Eshelman]

This is just a standard big Reynolds with a Conn raincatcher fitted to it. The original Reynolds bell would be quite a bit longer.BUT I have been under the impression that Reynolds/Olds DID make the 2 and 4J's for Conn. Conn later changed them somewhat and made the 3 and 5J's. I know there are some who think they know better but that's the story I heard. Ed

The reynolds contempora I played in the 60's had a much longer bell as you say. Wouldn't the shorter bell have a big affect on intonation?

[sticky_valve]

Anyone know what model Reynolds it is?

The body does not look much like the Reynolds TB-11 I own. Mine only has 3-valves but the wrap on 1st is completely different, and the one on ebay does not have the spring loaded slide on #1?

Maybe only the Recording Bell is from a Reynolds?

I'd be keen to know what other bells fit Reynolds? I'd like to track down an upright bell for mine sometime as I only have the recording bell?

A Conn bell might work, however the question on intonation with a shorter bell asked by the previous poster is a good one too.

[Dan Schultz]

.... I'd be keen to know what other bells fit Reynolds? I'd like to track down an upright bell for mine sometime as I only have the recording bell? ....

Cruising through some of my notes, I found the following:

Reynolds 'contempora' detachable recording bell
bell tenon is 20 11/16" circumference (6.585" dia)
23" bell flare

Olds sousaphone bell
bell tenon is 20 11/16" circumference (6.585" dia)
26 3/8" diameter flare

Martin sousaphone bell
bell tenon is 20 5/8" circumference (6.565" dia)
24" bell diameter

Once you locate a tenon from an old sousaphone... it should be fairly easy to match it to a bell.

It looks like the Reynolds/Olds detachable bells may have had similar characteristics to some of the Martins but didn't share dimensions with any of the Conns.

[EdFirth]

The tuba player in the old Orlando Symphony used one. He put an Alexander bell on it so it was a little shorter, kind of like the one on Ebay. I later owned it and it was a GFREAT playing/sounding tuba. The only problem was that the garland thing had come off the bell, and the edge was very sharp and weak. That aside it was almost like a King on steroids. And much more open blowing. I think it was the super tall bell that took them out of the running once the ministers of culture decreed bell fronts to be unacceptable. Today I would have Mr Kanstul make me a bell similar to the Conn one in the picture and lengthen the inner main tuning slides as needed. They(the big ones) also usually had a factory tuning thing on the first valve. In fact, I'm going back to look at it again. Mine was silver and I sold it to Mike Marois and I don't know what became of it. Ed PS Thanks Schleppy!