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Argenta Trombones

Introduced in 1959, the Argenta model is essentially a solid nickel-silver version of the larger bore Contempora tenor trombone. At the time, Reynolds and Olds were the only manufacturers with solid nickel silver instrument models, the latter with the Opera model trombone.

Model History | Specifications

1959-1961 \| F.A. Reynolds \| Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland)
	Model 48 \| Bore: .520" \| Bell: 8½" \| Materials: solid nickel silver (all) \| Slide: chrome-plated inner slides, nickel-silver outer slides \| Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate bright bell or silverplate gold bell finish 1959 catalog: "Solid nickel silver. This exciting new creation has already won wide-spread acclaim amongst professional musicians who admire its fuller more robust tone and excellent high register. The most remarkable trombone in any band because of its brilliant quality and very striking appearance. Built in large bore .520" with 8½ inch bell, slide and bell lock. One piece light weight slide hard chrome plated. Tone starts without effort and is easily developed to astonishing proportions." No image(s) available.
1961-1963 \| F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland)
	Model [TBD] \| Bore: .520" \| Bell: 8½" \| Materials: solid nickel silver \| Slide: chrome-plated inner slides, nickel-silver outer slides\| Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate bright bell or silverplate gold bell finish Model TBD [SN 61290]. Photos used with permission from Norman Rowe.
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Fullerton)
Models made after 1964 are lighter weight in construction and sound than the original Cleveland horns. Bell and slide sections from the different manufacturing plants do not fit perfectly together and the slide lengths are slightly different as well.
	Model TO-26 \| Bore: .515" \| Bell: 8½" \| Materials: solid nickel silver \| Slide: chrome-plated inner slides, nickel-silver outer slides \| Finish: baked epoxy coating 1966 catalog: "Pure nickel-silver with large bore and 8½" bell to produce that 'big dark sound.'" 1970 catalog: "Solid nickel-silver construction darkens and softens the tone to produce the timbre sought by many of today's top players. Very responsive throughout all registers. Straight .515" bore; 8½" bell." Model TO-26 [SN 238062]. Photos used with permission from ElShaddai Edwards.
1971-1979 \| Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model TO-26 \| Same as Model TO-26 above (need to confirm) \| listed in 1973 price list, but not 1977 catalog No image(s) available.

Notes | Quotes

Nils Erik | "This trombone would be ideal for a player who wants a big bore sound in a jazz, entertainment or Latin setting but who doesn't want to have to fill out the sound and air volume of a Bach 42 or Conn 8/88H. The sound is big and dark but still with a brilliant edge to it, and the tone quality is consistent in all dynamics. It is incredibly easy to play, very open and yet with a little bit of resistance to help focus the sound. It is very 'economic', both when it comes to dynamics and air."

George Henly | "[The Argenta trombone] produces a sound that is larger than what I get out of my King 3B-F, but, surprisingly, the Argenta's sound is also brighter than the 3B's, and its upper register blows and speaks more easily. In short, this horn can really sizzle, if pushed a little."