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Medalist Trombones

Introduced in 1961 by RMC/Reynolds, the Medalist tenor trombone replaced the Roth model as the low-end student instrument in the catalog. Medalist production can be broken into three production timeframes: 1961-1963, produced by Blessing for Reynolds as part of the RMC partnership; 1964-1970, produced by Olds for Reynolds in Fullerton, distinct from Olds' trombones; and 1971-1979, produced by Olds in Fullerton, design essentially identical to the Ambassador models.

When production of the Medalist and Olds Ambassador models was combined in the 1970s, the bell/slide connection nut on the Medalist moved from Reynolds' traditional placement on the bell section to the slide, as on other Olds trombones.

Model History | Specifications

1961-1963 \| F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland)
	Model TO-58 \| Bore: TBD" \| Bell: TBD" \| Materials: brass; nickel silver bracing \| Finish: TBD \| Brass "R" counterweight 1961 Print Ad: "When you try the other two leading brands of school instruments, we sincerely believe that you will notice an RMC Medalist has 'that wee bit more.' Small but significant differences which mean so much to the school musician. Despite our modest price tags, we have no stripped-down 'economy models.' Each RMC Medalist instrument is built up to (and often beyond) highest standards for young musicians." Model TO-58 [SN 126945]. Photo source: eBay.
	Model TO-57 [with F attachment] \| Specs TBD Model TO-57 [SN 78425]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: ppb3000.
1964-1970 \| F.A. Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model TO-58 \| Bore: .485"/.500" dual bore \| Bell: 7½" \| Materials: brass; nickel silver bracing \| Finish: baked epoxy coating \| Brass "R" counterweight 1966 catalog: "For young students, but with all the basic features of Reynolds' best. Lightweight for easy response. Medium bore. 7½" bell; extra-strong bell-to-slide receiver; nickel-silver bracing at all points of wear. Professional mouthpiece, music lyre, modern case included." 1970 catalog: "Lightweight, yet durable, the Medalist is designed to withstand daily student use while producing musical results equal to much higher priced models. Hand straightened slides for smooth, fast action. Baked epoxy finish." Model TO-58 [SN 216570]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: isoldit.ca0195.
	Model TO-57 [with F attachment] \| Bore: .515" bore \| Bell: 8½" \| Valves: rotor valve with F attachment \| Materials: brass; nickel silver bracing \| Finish: baked epoxy coating 1966 catalog: "Scientifically designed bore permits students easy control in their developmental stages, plus the extended range of our other bass trombones. With F attachment." 1970 catalog: "The Medalist TO-57 meets the demands of all serious students. Lightweight inner slide is hard drawn nickel silver, precision plated in chromium for minimum friction, non-jamming action. This outstanding student instrument features a trigger that converts the B-flat trombone to F. Straight .515 Bore." Model TO-57 [SN 267109]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: cqdpie.
1971-1979 \| Reynolds (Fullerton)
	Model TO-58 \| Bore: .485"/.500" dual bore \| Bell: 7½" \| Materials: brass; nickel silver bracing \| Finish: baked epoxy coating \| Rectangular "reynolds" counterweight \| Same as Olds Ambassador, Model A-15 1977 catalog: "Designed for the beginning student, the TO-58 is constructed to withstand daily use and yet produce musical results equivalent to higher priced models. Hand straightened slides for smooth, fast action. Dual bore for full tones with less effort." Model TO-58 [SN 285223]. Photos used with permission from eBay Member: freeinjesus.
	Model TO-55 [with F attachment] \| Bore: .495"/.510" dual bore \| Bell: 8½" \| Valves: rotor valve with F attachment \| Materials: brass; nickel silver bracing \| Finish: baked epoxy coating \| Same as Olds Ambassador, Model A-20 1977 catalog: "This large bore tenor trombone is designed to meet the demands of the serious student. A lightweight, yet durable instrument built to withstand daily use. The awkward 6th and 7th positions may be eliminated by the use of the rotary valve trigger. The F valve allows the low B's, C's, E's and F's to be played perfectly in tune. The dual bore design produces a full, resonant tone." Model TO-55. Photo source: eBay.