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Contempora Tuba

The Contempora Recording Bass and Tuba models were the same instrument with different bell configurations: 23" bell front for the former, 20" upright for the latter. Extra bell flares could be purchased to allow for both setups. In the late 1960s, some parts, e.g. tuba and sousaphone bells, were produced in the Fullerton plant, then shipped to Abilene for assembly with the other parts made there.

After Reynolds and Olds merged in 1964, a smaller (16" bell) tuba was added to the Reynolds catalog, providing student bands with a more accessible model to play. This model was also produced as Olds' Model O-99 Upright BBb Tuba.

Model History | Specifications

1952-1961 \| Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 175 \| Contempora BBb Tuba \| Valves: side-action piston valves with first-valve fine tuning trigger \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: removeable 20" upright bell \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost \| 46" height 1958, 1959 Catalogs: "The Reynolds Contempora Tuba with its beautiful pipe organ tone creates a full, yet diffused, foundation for band or orchestra. Popular choice of famous symphony artists, the upright (European style) bell has many advantages. Basically the tuba possesses all of the marvelous playing characteristics of model 170 Reynolds Recording Bass for the body sections are identical. The long, graceful upright bell distributes widely the full, rich Reynolds tone and imparts a thrilling sonority which blends with either brass or strings. With the use of interchangeable bells, it is possible to alter the complete tonal color of either symphonic band or orchestra. Further, the conductor may select the 'non-directional' sound of the tuba or the comparatively 'directional' tones of the recording model. Reynolds Contempora Tubas are designed to rest safely on the bell in an inverted position." Photo source: eBay
	Model 185 \| Contempora Eb Tuba \| Valves: side-action piston valves with first-valve fine tuning trigger \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: removeable 20" upright bell \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost \| 42½" height 1959 catalog
1961-1963 \| F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland)
	Model(s) TBD \| Contempora BBb Tuba No image(s) available.
	Model(s) TBD \| Contempora Eb Tuba No image(s) available.
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Abilene, Fullerton)
	Model TB-09 \| Contempora BBb Student Tuba \| Bore: .656" \| Bell: 16" fixed upright bell \| Valves: four (4) pistons \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish Model TB-10 \| same as Model TB-09, with three (3) valves 1970 Catalog: "The Reynolds TB-10 Tuba is now recognized by music educators as the finest student tuba on the market. Beginning players find it free-blowing and responsive -- advanced performers like its accuracy and tone quality. Lightweight, durable, and trouble-free, the TB-10 is the pride of the Reynolds Company -- a superb product." Model TB-10. Photo source: eBay
	Model TB-13 \| Contempora BBb Tuba \| Valves: three (3) side-action piston valves with first-valve tuning trigger \| Bore: .686" \| Bell: removeable 20" upright bell \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish (silver plate with bright or gold bell optional) Model TB-14 \| same as Model TB-13, with four (4) valves Catalog Links: 1966 \| 1970 (TB-13), 1970 (TB-14) 1966 catalog (Recording Bass models illustrated; see notes on catalog page)
	Model TB-16 \| Contempora Eb Tuba \| Valves: three side-action piston valves with first-valve tuning trigger \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: removeable 20" upright bell \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish (silver plate with bright or gold bell optional) No image(s) available.
1971-1979 \| Reynolds/Olds (Fullerton)
	Model TB-09(1) \| Contempora BBb Tuba \| Bore: .656" \| Bell: 16" fixed upright bell \| Valves: four (4) pistons \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish Model TB-10(1) \| same as Model TB-09, with three (3) valves 1977 Catalog: "Expert design and precision craftsmanship have made the Reynolds Tuba the choice among music educators and performers. Lightweight and easy to handle, this tuba provides the full resonance required of any bass. In addition to the unexcelled intonation in all registers, the TB-101 responds quickly while retaining its balanced clarity of tone. [TB-091 has the] same features and specifications as the TB-101 except with the addition of a 4th valve to permit complete flexibility and extra range." 1977 catalog.