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Contempora Cornets

Introduced in 1949, Reynolds Contempora cornets featured a larger bore size, bronze alloy bell and distinctive first-valve tuning "trigger" mechanism compared to the earlier F.A. Reynolds models. Many believe that the Contempora was among the most outstanding cornets available in the 1950's and that the large-bore model compares favorably even with the best cornets on the market today.

Model History | Specifications

1949-1952 \| F.A. Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 20-L \| first-valve "trigger" \| same as Model 20-L below Model 20-L [SN 26784]. Source: eBay.
	Model 21-L \| same as Model 20-L \| no first-valve "trigger" mechanism No image(s) available.
1952-1961 \| Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 20-L \| first-valve "trigger" \| Bore: .462" \| Bell: 4¾" Bronz-o-lyte bell with nickel-silver tone ring, or "kranz" \| Body: brass with nickel-silver upper valve casings (balusters) and trim \| Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring Monel valve pistons \| Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate with bright bell or gold bell finish \| Length: 17½" Model 20-L [SN 49149]. Photos used with permission from Gary Stoner (eBay Member: prof5). 1953 catalog: "Contempora Cornets produce that true cornet tone, round and full, yet with the sparkling brilliance needed for solo work. Built with amazing precision, they are effortless to play. Their intonation is enthusiastically endorsed by leading artists. Famous Contempora features -- monel valves and Bronz-o-lyte bell. Also available with first valve slide 'trigger' mechanism for accurate pitch control. Complete with genuine leather Gladstone style case." 1958, 1959 catalog: "Chosen, endorsed and exclusively played by America's greatest cornetists and cornet teachers. A truly exciting instrument of great range and true cornet tone, round and full, yet with the sparkling brilliance needed for solo work. Built with amazing precision, playable with the least amount of effort. Superb intonation, Famous Contempora features - Monel valves and Bronz-o-lyte bell. Also available with first valve slide "trigger" mechanism for accurate pitch control. Complete with genuine leather, Gladstone style case."
	Model 20-M \| same as Model 20-L \| Bore: .458" \| Note: introduced in the mid-1950s (appears in 1958 catalog, but not the 1953 catalog) Model 20-M [SN 46360]. Photos used with permission from Jack Laperriere (trumpetherald: The Royal Lancer).
	Model 21-L \| same as Model 20-L \| no first-valve "trigger" mechanism Model 21-L [SN 32189]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: larry2174.
	Model 21-M \| same as Model 21-L \| Bore: .458" \| Note: introduced in the mid-1950s (appears in 1958 catalog, but not the 1953 catalog) Model 21-M [SN 328xx]. Photos used with permission from vintagecornets.com.
1961-1963 \| RMC-Reynolds (Cleveland)
Production of the Contempora cornets continued after Richards Music bought Reynolds in 1961. In 1962/63, the design was tweaked to include nickel-silver valve slides and the model designation was changed to CR-11.
	Model 20-L \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: .464" \| Bell: 4¾" Bronz-o-lyte bell with nickel-silver tone ring \| Body: brass with nickel-silver valve casings and trim \| Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons \| Finish: TBD SN 66368. Photos used with permission from G. Scott Hansen (ebay Member: nicenative).
	Model CR-11 \| same as Model 20-S "Leonard Smith Model" (Model 20-L with nickel-silver valve tuning slides) SN 76735. Photo courtesy of eBay Member: cd-sniper!
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model CR-11 \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: .468" \| Bell: 4¾" Lubaloy bell with nickel-silver tone ring \| Body: brass with nickel-silver upper valve casings (balusters), slides and trim \| Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons \| Finish: color-buffed brass finish with epoxy coating Model CR-11 [SN 222311]. Photo source: eBay. 1966 catalog: "In the class of the professional Contempora TU-11 Trumpet, with all the same features: easy-action solid monel-nickel valve pistons; nickel-silver slides, trim and tone ring; bronze alloy bell; 1st valve trigger. A marvel for freedom of interpretation and control!" 1970 catalog: "Contempora's features combine to give you the finest cornet made today. This outstanding professional instrument is handcrafted and precision engineered for greater agility and tone performance. The tone ring insures a bright and incisive tone, and eliminates vibration-roughness. Lightning-fast valve action affords quick response for added versatility. Finish is highly color-buffed brass with long-lasting epoxy coating."
1971-1979 \| Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model CR-11 \| First-valve trigger \| Bore: TBD \| Bell: red-brass bell (no tone ring) \| Body: brass with nickel-silver upper valve casings (balusters), slides and trim \| Valves: TBD \| Finish: TBD \| Listed in 1973 price list, but not 1977 catalog Model CR-11 [SN 296663]. Photo source: eBay.
Model Notes
	Contempora, Argenta and some Professional trumpets and cornets featured a first-valve slide "trigger" that allowed the musician to selectively adjust the intonation of notes using the first valve. A third-valve slide "trigger" was available as well for all these models at an additional cost. SN 54734; photos used with permission from Leroy Duncan. Shown with optional third-valve "trigger".
	A variant of Contempora Model 20-L was made in the early 1950s with copper upper valve casings (balusters), a copper mouthpiece receiver and a two-metal brass/copper bell flare. Example serial numbers are 32891 and 34156, approximately 1952/53. SN 34156; photos used with permission from Jeff Stewart.