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Contempora Baritones

The Contempora baritones were introduced in 1949 and replaced the F.A. Reynolds models in the catalog; the instruments were the same, simply rebranded under new Roth ownership. In the 1960s, the Contempora baritones were produced at the Abilene plant and were similar if not identical to the Olds Studio baritone models.

Model History | Specifications

1949-1961 \| F.A. Reynolds/Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
1953, 1958, 1959: "The beauty and individuality of the counter-melodic baritone parts demands a superlative instrument ... the Reynolds Contempora Baritone. Full rich tone; and, most important, an ease of playing that allows the performer tremendous freedom with difficult passages. The Contempora Baritone can speak above the entire band, yet execute pianissimo passages that blend perfectly in ensemble playing."
	Contempora, Model 110 \| Bore: .560" \| Bell: 11¼" removeable upright bell \| Valves: three side-action piston valves \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost 1953 catalog
	Contempora, Model 120 \| Bore: .560" \| Bell: 11¼" removeable bell front \| Valves: three side-action piston valves \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost 1958 catalog
1961-1963 \| F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland)
	Models TBD No image(s) available.
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Abilene)
1966 catalog: "[Non-Diatonic Models are] outstanding concert baritones, remarkable for producing tremedous power and tonal color with relatively little effort. Removeable bell front."
	Contempora, Model BR-05 \| Bore: .560" \| Bell: removeable 11¼" bell front \| Valves: three side-action piston valves \| Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating Contempora, Model BR-06 \| same as model BR-05 with fourth valve Model BR-05. Photo source: eBay
	Contempora, Model BR-07 \| Bore: .560" \| Bell: removeable 11¼" upright bell \| Valves: three side-action piston valves \| Finish: highly polished brass with epoxy coating Contempora, Model BR-08 \| same as model BR-07 with fourth valve Model BR-07. Photo source: eBay
1971-1979 \| Reynolds (Fullerton)
1977 catalog: "Mellow tone quality, quiet valve action and flawless response make this baritone an instrument for the advanced student musician. Features hand-lapped valves and rapid response. [BR-061] features four valves for increased range and flexibility. Free blowing with a mellow tone quality, high response and excellent intonation. Hand-lapped valves for smooth action."
	Contempora, Models BR-051, BR-061 \| same as models BR-05 and BR-06 above 1977 catalog

Notes | Quotes

Jim Rieker (Band Director, Baritone Soloist): "Fine intonation, dynamic big tone and excellent playing characteristics are the Reynolds features that distinguish this instrument [Reynolds Bell Front Contempora Baritone] as the finest I have every played." [1953]