Olds Special Trumpet a "Bright" Horn?

[Brassman19]

Hi. I recently read an older discussion, I believe on Trumpetboards, (though it could have one from here on TH-- I can't recall for sure), where the OP asked a question about an Olds Special trumpet, and a couple of those who responded and commented claimed that it is a bit "brighter"- sounding horn than the typical sound profile of modern trumpets, implying its sound is not really appropriate, or up-to-date with contemporary trumpet performance sounds and styles. Does anybody here find that to be true, and if so, what particular models/versions of the Special have you had that experience?

My Special is one from 1960, the version often referred to as the "tri-color," or "tri-metal" horn, with brass on some tubing, brass bottom valve cylinders with nickel-silver balusters, some tubing, trim, and bracing also in nickel, and a nickel-silver bell, opening up to a bronze bell flare. My experience in playing it is I have found it to be a somewhat darker, and warmer-sounding horn, but which also projects very well.

Perhaps the Special is somewhat mouthpiece sensitive, and so its sound can be affected by the size/depth and type of mp its player uses? I play with a Bach 1C, which is a bit larger mp than most play, I suppose, so possibly that is partly why I am able to get a darker, warmer sound out of mine? Also, I purposefully play with a darker, more rounded and fuller tone in mind for my sound concept, so perhaps that is also a part of the reason behind my horn's sound as well?

What are your thoughts?
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1954 Holton Super Collegiate Trumpet (Yellow brass w/nickel silver bell flare, like the Olds Studio model)
1961 pro Holton Galaxy Trumpet
Bach 1C mp (Trumpet,

[Christian K. Peters]

Hello,
My 1948 Olds Special plays big and can be bright with a shallower mouthpiece.
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Christian K. Peters
Schilke Loyalist since 1976

[dr-pepp]

Olds produced a model called the "Special" from the late 1930's to the end of the company in 1979. There are four or five significant design changes over that 40 year span, including a Nickel Plated version in the '70's. I played one of these and it was on the bright side. I don't think you can generalize from one era of the Special to another. I've got a 1939 Special that plays fairly dark but it is a totally different horn from the tri-color Special or the nickel plated Special.




_________________
Clay Collins
Owner, Centex Brass
www.centexbrass.com
also administrator of Olds Central
www.olds-central.com

[scott@95603]

My Olds Special is from 1956 and I find it to be warmer sounding than my Schilke B3, even using the same mouthpiece, which is a Bach 1.5C. My Special is a very nice playing horn. I preferred it over an Olds Recording trumpet that I used to own. I think the Recording was either a '54 or '55 and was a very nice playing horn as well. Scott
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Schilke B3 '78
Olds Special '56
Kanstul Chicago flugelhorn
English Besson cornet 1893
Kanstul 1530 cornet

[hazentlewis]

I inherited an Old's Special (tri-color) about 10 years ago and haven't found something quite like it. It has a very balanced blow and feel yet a warm sound. I wouldn't consider this a "bright" or "lead" horn but with the proper mouthpiece (Olds 3) this horn will sing above high C. Typically I play with a conventional Bach 3C and focus on shaper a darker tone. The 3C compliments the balanced nature of the horn. I've even heard that Ryan Kisor (Jazz at Lincoln Center) used to play on 40s-50s Old's special and recording models.
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1947 Martin Committee #3
1990 Bach Stradivarius 25
1967 Old's Special Fullerton Calif
1947 Conn 22B New York Symphony