1971-1979: The Final Years in California

1971: In an apparent effort to trim operating costs, Norlin consolidated all Reynolds and Olds production at the Olds plant in Fullerton and sold the Abilene plant to Conn*. In most cases, a basic horn would come off the production line and become either a Reynolds- or Olds-branded instrument based on detailing and finish [cf. the Olds Pinto and Reynolds Ranger trumpets made in the early 1970s]. Reynolds instruments made in Fullerton after this point are engraved with "Made in USA".

Mid 1970s: The Reynolds catalog in the 1970s featured a number of new and unique models as both Olds and Reynolds continued to merge all aspects of operations. In Fullerton, "the sales level of Reynolds instruments was maintained with emphasis on the established reputation for quality combined with strategic introduction of special features like high-register models [see ERA trumpets], 1st valve trigger and even an ebony lacquer finish option on trumpets [see Onyx models] at one time." [Richard Dundas, "Twentieth Century Brass Musical Instruments in the United States", p.59]

1978: The Olds/Reynolds business was placed up for sale, but Norlin was unable to attract any bidders.

1979: Finally unable to compete in the changing market dynamics of low-cost foreign competition and decreasing school budgets, production officially stopped at the Fullerton plant in July 1979 and all remaining equipment and parts were auctioned off in November.

At the auction, Allied Supply Corporation (now Getzen) purchased a ten year supply of all parts except for bugles - some parts remain available even today. Selmer/ Bach purchased tooling for all marching brass and large horns, e.g. baritones, tubas, etc. The Olds and Reynolds trade names were purchased and are marketed by their current owner (P.J. Laplaca Assoc., Ltd.) with manufacturing based in Elkhart (Blessing), Holland and other locations.

*Conn moved their professional brasswind production from Elkhart, Indiana to the fomer Reynolds plant in Abilene. Conn operated the Abilene plant until 1986 when production was moved to the former King plant in Eastlake, Ohio as part of the new United Musical Instruments (UMI) corporation (now Conn-Selmer). Conn historians are quite critical of the variable quality of the instruments produced during the Abilene operation.