Reynolds "Hi-Fi"

"This sensational new cornet from Roth-Reynolds is causing tremendous excitement everywhere. Large bore and special features embodied in the construction of this cornet give "HI-FI" the high fidelity performance demanded by band directors and performers. Tremendous range and power. Unquestionably the greatest value of all cornets." (1958 catalog)

Introduced in the mid/late 1950s, the "Hi-Fi" line of trumpet, cornet and trombone was an intermediate line of large-bore, brass-bell instruments -- in contrast to the large-bore, bronze-bell Contempora line and the medium-bore, brass-bell Professional instruments. The "Hi-Fi" models were sold at the same price as the Emperor line of instruments.

Based on serial numbers, Reynolds introduced the "Hi-Fi" cornet sometime in the mid/late 1950s, while the trumpet and trombone models appear for the first time in the 1959 catalog. Known serial numbers range from ~41500-62000 and, like the rest of the original Professional line, the "Hi-Fi" models did not survive the manufacturing move from Cleveland to Abilene/Fullerton after CMI purchased F.A. Reynolds Co. in 1963/64.

The "Hi-Fi" name itself is an abbreviation of "high fidelity", meaning the reproduction of sound with little or no distortion. Reynolds also referenced audio language on the Contempora "Stereophonic" bass trombone, with two-channel stereo as a reference to the double-valve mechanism Reynolds created.