Reynolds Emperor

buzzer · Veteran Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 112

A friend gave me a Reynolds Emperor trumpet that probably dates from the late '50's. Serial number 31722. I know nil about Reynolds generally so would appreciate comments about the horn from those in the know. Seems to be in good playing condition but physically typical worn laquer etc.
Thanks

bandman322 · Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:48 pm Post subject:

The information I have would put your horn made in 1958-59.It originally sold for about $100-$125. I have a picture of an old one that was brass and nickel silver, but I have no information about the quality of this instrument. I can tell you that in 1959 an Olds Ambassador sold for $149 ($164 in silver) if that helps you out at all in comparing price to another horn that we all know more about. I wish I could tell you more!
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buzzer · Veteran Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 112

That sounds about right, date wise. It is brass/nickle combo also. Probably similar in characteristics to the Ambassador.
thanks -

tom turner · Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 3:24 pm Post subject:

Yes,

The Emperor was Reynolds answer to the Olds Ambassador, and when I was in Jr. High and High School in the 1960's it served many a player well . . . including yours truly.

I started in the fifth grade in 1961, and my band director insisted that I upgrade to a better cornet than my '61 Conn Director when I hit high school. A neighbor's son had quit cornet for baritone and we got the Emperor from him.

I was shocked my senior year when I had a chance to play an INCREDIBLE cornet . . . a Reynolds Argenta large bore. It was then that I realized just how much difference there was between the Director, the Emperor and that wonderful Argenta!

Sadly, I couldn't swing the money to purchase the Argenta

and remembered how good it made me sound for years.

In 2000, at age 49, a nice Argenta LB came up on eBay. I didn't care what I had to pay for it . . . and I won the bid. It's as good as I remember . . . a big, rich sound and a super-easy upper register that locks in well past Double C.

The Emperor is no Argenta, but neither is the oft-seen Ambassador. However, the Emperor IS a solidly-built horn that took many a kid to all-state! It has no quirky notes.

I think much less of the lower-priced Reynolds Medalist.

Insight from one who knows the Emperor . . .

Sincerely,

Tom Turner

buzzer · Veteran Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 112

Thanks Tom for the info. Will play the horn later on and see how it goes. Don't know if I will wind up with it or not - if I do it is a candidate for restoration. Two slides will not pull out one does (loud pop which is good) and valves are fine. Now going to wait for the 1939 Holton Collegiate I got off of eBay. Looks like an interesting horn.