Contempora Single-Valve Bass Trombones
Allen Ostrander | "I am using the Reynolds Contempora Philharmonic model Bass Trombone exclusively because I think it is superior to any other trombone in the following ways: The tone has more carrying power and projects better in all registers and in all dynamics without loss of quality. The response is the fastest which makes short loud notes much easier to play. The only easy blowing trombone that I have found which will still retain tone in fortissimo. It is the best in tune of any instrument that I have ever used. The low register is exceptionally good and is the best I have ever found."
In 1949, Reynolds introduced the Contempora model line and rebranded the Reynolds bass trombone as the Contempora "Symphony" model. The familiar bronze bell, covered with a tinted lacquer that gave the horn the nickname "The Tangerine Trombone", was introduced in the early or mid 1950s.
In the early 1950s, Reynolds began working with Kauko Kahila (St. Louis Symphony, 1944-1952; Boston Symphony Orchestra, 1952-1972) on more effective ways of extending the low-register range of the bass trombone and enable more accurate playing of passages such as the low B glissando in Bartok's "Concerto for Orchestra".
Reynolds updated the Contempora bass trombone in the mid-1950s with a modified closed wrap that had two tuning slides: the main F tuning slide and a second slide that could pulled to achieve E tuning, then pushed in to return to F. This was an advantage over the older design with a single tuning slide, but still required a player to manually adjust tuning slides while playing – a problem ultimately solved later with the addition of a second rotary valve that enabled the E tuning only when needed.
Model History | Specifications
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1949-1952 | F.A. Reynolds (Cleveland) |
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Model TBD "Symphony" | Bore: TBD | Bell: 9-3/8" | Valves: single rotor valve, closed-wrap F attachment | Materials: TBD | Slide: TBD | Finish: TBD Note: Horns made in the first few years (~1949-1953) had the original yellow brass bell of the original F.A. Reynolds bass trombone; the bronze bell appears to have been introduced circa 1953-54.
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1952-1961 | Roth-Reynolds (Cleveland) |
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Model 72 "Symphony" | Bore: .564" | Bell: 9½" (10" bell was optional in the 1959 catalog) | Valves: rotor valve, closed-wrap F attachment (pull to E) | Materials: Bronz-o-lyte bell; brass gooseneck, tuning slide and slide receiver; nickel silver bracing and trim | Slide: chrome-plated nickel silver inner slides; brass outer slides | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate bright bell or silverplate gold bell finish 1953 catalog: "The Contempora Bass Trombone possesses a sonorous, penetrating bass tone quality throughout its full range. The Contempora is the majestic leader of all Bass trombones [and] features Bronz-o-lyte bell, nickel silver trim and fine slide action built for a lifetime of accurate and dependable service. Correctly balanced to insure tireless playing." 1958, 1959: "'More carrying power, best for tonal quality, fast response, finest intonation' ... are the enthusiastic comments on noted symphony players such as Allen Ostrander, Louis Counihan and Kauko Kahila about their new Contempora Bass Trombones."
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Model 72-X "Philharmonic" | Bore: .564" | Bell: 9½" or 10" | Valves: rotor valve with F attachment; second tuning slide and adjustable stop guage extending to E | Materials: Bronz-o-lyte bell; brass gooseneck, tuning slide and slide receiver; nickel silver bracing and trim | Slide: chrome-plated nickel silver inner slides; brass outer slides | Finish: clear lacquer finish; optional silverplate bright bell or silverplate gold bell finish 1958: "'More carrying power, best for tonal quality, fast response, finest intonation' ... are the enthusiastic comments on noted symphony players such as Allen Ostrander, Louis Counihan and Kauko Kahila about their new Contempora Bass Trombone, Model 72-X with 9½" or 10" bronze bell, with the built-in slide to E." 1959: "'More carrying power, best for tonal quality, fast response, finest intonation' ... are the enthusiastic comments on noted symphony players such as Allen Ostrander, Louis Counihan and Kauko Kahila about their new Contempora Bass Trombones. [...] Model 72-X with 9½" or 10" bronze bell, with the built-in slide to E."
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1961-1963 | F.A. Reynolds/RMC (Cleveland) |
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Model 72 "Symphony" | same as Model 72 above The "Symphony" bass trombone design was produced into the early 1960s, but was not carried forward when Reynolds moved manufacturing from Cleveland to the Olds plant in Fullerton in 1964.
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Model TO-02 "Philharmonic" | same as Model 72-X above
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1964-1970 | F.A. Reynolds (Abilene, Fullerton) |
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Model TO-02 "Philharmonic" | Bore: .565" | Bell: 10" | Valves: rotor valve with F attachment; second tuning slide and adjustable stop guage extending to E | Materials: bronze alloy bell; brass gooseneck, tuning slide and slide receiver; nickel silver bracing and trim | Slide: chrome-plated nickel silver inner slides; brass outer slides | Finish: baked epoxy coating 1966: "Same as model TO-01 but with single rotor valve for change to F, and "E pull" slide with adjustable stop guage, separate from F tuning slide." 1970: "This is the same horn as the Stereophonic, except that it's a 2-horn horn. The single rotor trigger converts the normal B-flat bass trombone to F. There's an 'E pull' slide with adjustable stop guage; and a separate F tuning slide. Large .565 Straight Bore; 10" bronze alloy bell."
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1971-1979 | Reynolds (Fullerton) |
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Model TO-02 | Same as Model TO-02 above | Bore: .565" bore (.585" rotor) | Bell: 10" red-brass bell 1977: "The Contempora bass trombone has been designed for the professional and the advanced player. The red-brass bell gives this instrument a richer, darker sound and excellent projection. The single rotor converts the normal Bb bass trombone to F. Separate F tuning slide and an E slide with adjustable stop guage."
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Model 72 [SN 35714, 1952/53]. Photo used with
permission from Brendan Ward.
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