Contempora

"Created as the instrument of tomorrow for the musician of today. Truly an 'artist' instrument, Contempora band instruments with their distinctive bells of rich bronze, stand out in any musical organization as the finest. Made by master craftsmen according to new designs developed for this line, Contempora is the choice of the serious performer who demands the ultimate in an instrument." (1959 catalog)

The Contempora line was the premium brand in the Reynolds catalog for 30 years. Early models were designed and produced in collaboration with local musicians from the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. According to the trademark application filed with the U.S. Patent Office, the name "Contempora" and original stylized script were first used on May 5, 1949 and designated for "cornets, trumpets, trombones, altos, baritones, basses, french horns, clarinets, oboes, piccolos, flutes, bassoons [and] euphoniums." Registered in 1951, the trademark registration was renewed once in 1971 before being allowed to expire by the current owners.

The majority of Reynolds instruments apparently switched from being branded "F.A. Reynolds" to "Contempora". This includes all horns, background brass, baritones, low brass and bass trombones. Trumpets, cornets and tenor trombones, however, introduced new model designs for the Contempora line, generally to add larger (bore size) instruments to the catalog.

In contrast to the earlier F.A. Reynolds "Professional" models, Contempora instruments featured larger bore sizes and bronze-alloy bells with nickel-silver tone rings. The small brass featured Monel valve pistons and tuning slide triggers for improved intonation control. Compensating tuning mechanisms were available for piston-valve brass, including trumpets, cornets, baritones and basses.

Model Engraving styles

The photos and notes below describe the different engraving styles that were used on Contempora instruments over different periods of the Reynolds Company's history.