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Argenta Cornets

Introduced in 1959, the Argenta cornet is essentially a solid nickel silver version of the large-bore Contempora cornet (model 20-L/CR-11), available with and without the first-valve tuning trigger.

Model History | Specifications

1959-1961 \| Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 46 \| No first-valve trigger \| Bore: .462" \| Bell: 4¾" nickel-silver bell \| Body: solid nickel silver \| Valves: TBD \| Finish: clear lacquer finish \| Length: 17½" 1959 catalog: "This cornet was an immediate and sensational success. Band directors and professionals admired its beauty from the start, have tried it and have changed to it everywhere. Never in the history of band instrument making has a better cornet been made and has found such immediate success and acceptance. Furnished in deluxe Gladstone style case." No image(s) available.
	Model 47 \| Same as Model 46 \| First-valve trigger Model 47 [SN 56139]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: algee2 (Lauderdale Wind).
1961-1963 \| RMC-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model CR-26 \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: TBD \| Bell: TBD nickel-silver bell \| Body: solid nickel silver \| Valves: TBD \| Finish: TBD Model CR-26 [SN 649xx]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: laundry05.
	Model CR-29 \| Same as Model CR-26 \| No first-valve trigger SN 78965. Photo source, eBay Member: kmweber
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model CR-26 \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: .468" \| Bell: 4¾" nickel-silver bell \| Body: solid nickel silver \| Valves: TBD \| Finish: epoxy coating \| Length: 17½" 1966 catalog: "The same features as the solid nickel-silver Argenta TU-26 Trumpet make this cornet the choice of accomplished artists. Available without first valve trigger." 1970 catalog: "The Argenta is designed for the cornet player who desires a 'dark', mellow tone. It has the same distinctive characteristics as that of the Contempora, except that it is solid nickel silver. Lightning-fast valve action affords quick response. Available without first valve trigger (CR-29) at lower cost." Model CR-26, SN 236763. Photos used with permission from Linda Townsend (eBay Member: lynntown54).
	Model CR-29 \| Same as Model CR-26 \| No first-valve trigger No image(s) available.
1971-1979 \| Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model CR-26 \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: TBD \| Bell: TBDl \| Body: TBD \| Valves: TBD \| Finish: TBD Note: Argenta models are listed in the 1973 price list, but do not appear in the 1977 catalog. No image(s) available.
	Model CR-29 \| Same as Model CR-26 \| No first-valve trigger No image(s) available.

Notes and Quotes

Tom Turner | "IMHO, the [large bore] Reynolds Contempora and Argenta totally BURY the [Olds] Operas I've played. The Reynolds has a very effortless, easy blow ... a nice, well-focused core to the sound ... and an obscenely easy upper register. The Argenta is basically a nickle-silver version of the Contempora ... and a horn probably designed to be a [Conn] "Connstellation killer" back in the '50s when both models were introduced. IMHO, it also "buries" the Connstellations I've played too ... and by an even greater amount. My Argenta virtually feels like it comes alive when I play it and has a rich, singing sound ... something I look for in ANY outstanding instrument."