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Contempora Brass Sousaphones

Model History | Specifications

1949-1952 \| F.A. Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 140 \| Contempora BBb Sousaphone \| Same as Model 140 below No image(s) available
	Model 130 \| Contempora Eb Sousaphone \| Same as Model 130 below No image(s) available
1952-1961 \| Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Contempora Model 140 \| BBb Sousaphone \| Valves: three side-action piston valves; optional fourth valve \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: detachable 25" bell with doubly-reinforced bell ring \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost 1953, 1958, 1959 Catalogs: "Reynolds Contempora Sousaphones are a guarantee of a fine musical foundation in any organization. Graceful in appearance and designed for easy, comfortable handling, Contempora Sousaphones have the penetrating, round bass sound preferred by discriminating directors. Full tone throughout the entire range. Mighty power without distortion or 'cracking.' A masterpiece by Roth-Reynolds, built for years and years of dependable service. Available in BBb or Eb models, in three different finishes. Form-fitting case extra." Model 140. Photo source: eBay
	Contempora Model 130 \| Eb Sousaphone \| Valves: three side-action piston valves; optional fourth valve \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: detachable 23" bell with doubly-reinforced bell ring \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost Model 130 [SN 42865]. Photos used with permission from TubeNet Member: bloke.
1961-1963 \| F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland)
	Contempora Model SU-11 \| BBb Sousaphone \| Valves: three side-action piston valves; optional fourth valve \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: detachable 25" bell with doubly-reinforced bell ring \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost Model SU-11 [SN 71952]. Photos used with permission from owner.
	Contempora Model SU-12 \| Eb Sousaphone \| Valves: three side-action piston valves; optional fourth valve \| Bore: .687" \| Bell: detachable 23" bell with doubly-reinforced bell ring \| Finish: polished brass with lacquer finish; silverplated bright bell or silverplated gold bell finishes were available at an additional cost No image(s) available.
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Abilene, Fullerton)
	Contempora Model SU-11 \| BBb Sousaphone \| Valves: 3 piston valves \| Bore: .686" \| Bell: 25" removeable bell \| Weight: 28 lbs. \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish (silver plate bright bell or silver plate gold bell also available) 1966 Catalog: "All brass with a 25" diameter detachable bell, and doubly reinforced bell ring. Sturdily braced throughout. Weighs 28 lbs. Silverplate with bright bell or silver plate and gold bell optional." 1970 catalog: "From the marching field to the concert stage, the SU-11 is equally at home. Quiet, fast valve action in technial passages -- a smooth, singing tone in lyrical passages -- both are characteristic of Reynolds because of the skill and artistry built into each instrument. Modern tooling and the latest ideas of design make the SU-11 the choice of many of the country's top performers and conductors." No image(s) available.
	Contempora Model SU-12 \| Eb Sousaphone \| Valves: 3 piston valves \| Bore: .686" \| Bell: 23" removeable bell \| Weight: 23 lbs. \| Finish: highly polished brass with baked epoxy finish (silver plate bright bell or silver plate gold bell also available) 1966 catalog: "Has 23" diameter bell; weighs 23 lbs. Otherwise virtually the same as model SU-11." 1970 catalog: "The Reynolds SU-12 (Eb) cannot be matched as a lightweight instrument for the younger player or for more advanced players who must play in the upper register. Forty years of manufacturing and design experience combined with the finest tooling available assure effortless response, precise intonation, and rugged durability. Full bodied, yet flexible, this instrument meets the demands of the most discriminating performer." No image(s) available.
Notes: 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.