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Actual Difference in Over-all Sound Quality Between Olds Mod



 
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HornnOOb
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 6:52 am    Post subject: Actual Difference in Over-all Sound Quality Between Olds Mod Reply with quote

I'm wondering if there is a noticeable (inherent design) difference in sound quality between models of vintage Olds trumpets and cornets. More specifically, I have a 1950 Olds "Special" cornet, and I'm wondering if there is a measurable difference between a "Special" and a "Super", or an "Ambassador" and a "Special"? And what if anything, would determine that one model was built better or designed better than the other? And what would make the "Recording" model better than the "Super" model??

Thanks in advance.
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1971 Getzen Eterna 900S Severinsen Model
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1951 Olds Special Cornet

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Brad361
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Far from an expert on Olds here, but here’s my take.

I have a ‘61 Ambassador that’s pretty well-used, a ‘56 Recording in great condition and a ‘52 Studio enroute, purchased from a TH member.

Ambassador: typical Olds tank-like construction, plays very well, tone is a bit on the darker side for me, solid slots, good (original) valves. I use it for teaching lessons, it was recently knocked off a horn stand, zero dents or damage.

Recording: similar solid build, VERY resonant, rich sound, works well for me for “commercial” with a lead type mouthpiece, very solid slots, but not rigid at all.
Not a huge fan of the third slide trigger, though mine works well.

Studio should arrive here tomorrow.

A nice condition Super is on my radar, Super Recording as well (as soon as I win the State Lottery.😉). I’ve heard nothing but great comments on the Super Recordings, but as with many Olds horns, supposedly the vintage factors in.

Brad
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OldSchoolEuph
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

An Ambassador has a solid core town, not a lot brilliance, but will definitely cut when pushed.

A Special is, in my experience, very similar, but a little more responsive.

A Super is about as responsive as a Special, but has a full rich core with a solid overtone series making for a good all-around trumpet in a mid-century context. A Super is not much of a lead horn.

A Recording is more responsive, a bit brighter, has a unique pallete of overtones that does not sound quite like anything else. It lights up with ease and projects well. Some folks use it for a lead horn.

A Studio is one of the most tonally flexible trumpets ever made. It is exceptionally demanding of the player because it will respond to every input. It's a double-edged sword in the more it can do for you if you are up to it, the more it can do to you if you are not.

Then, just finishing the progression (and ignoring another more Bach-like all-around, the Mendez), there is the Olds SuperStar which is an unabashed free blowing, lightweight, easy responding, bright and sometimes edgy commercial trumpet.
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JonathanM
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Joined: 25 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've had two Olds Special trumpets; neither one did anything for me, but I've got an Olds Special cornet ('59) that is great. I had an Olds Recording cornet '52; I thought the Special sounded every bit as good. I really like the Special's nickel-silver bell with bronze tip; I think those metals mixed have real potential for a very unique sound. My personal feeling; I suspect that different metals in different bells produce wildly varied overtones. On a good horn a good bell can produce a rich, unique tone.

I've had three Olds Super trumpets; '64, '69 and '47. The '47 Super had two patches and was by far the best player. Its bell was light and its tone was clear and appealing (to me, at least). The patches were a turn off to me at the time; a mark of my (then) shallow perception of things brass and musical. Many of the best horn are the most worn horns - because they're great players.

Just my .02.
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Trumpets: 18043B, 18037 SterlingSilver+, 18043*, Benge 4x, Olds: '34 Symphony, '47 Super, '52 Recording
Flugle: Strad 182
Puje: American Belle
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