Olds Opera Deluxe Trombone, vintage straight tenor model from the 1960s or early 1970s. This large bore jazz horn features an 8.5" silver-plated bell with ornate hand engraving, paired with a nickel silver handslide. The overall aesthetic is striking—gorgeous original lacquer, crisp detailing, and a classic Olds build.
The handslide is exceptionally straight with superior alignment and smooth action. Inner slide tubes are fully intact with no plating loss. This horn appears to have been played very little and has remained in pristine condition for decades.
The original Olds coffin-style case is also included and is in flawless condition—a rare find. Also included is a custom shank adapter to allow small shank mouthpiece use, mimicking the setup used by renowned jazz trombonist Bill Pierce.
This instrument is an excellent choice for both players and collectors. With its broad, rich tone and standout visual appeal, it’s especially well-suited for large bore jazz applications, big band work, or solo performance.
What type of player is the Olds Opera best for?
The Olds Opera is ideal for jazz players seeking a large bore straight tenor with broad tonal character and smooth slide action. It’s also a fantastic option for collectors due to its condition and rarity.
What is the bell size and material on this model?
The bell measures 8.5" and is silver-plated over brass, giving it added brilliance and warmth in the sound, with a rich aesthetic and highly responsive tone.
Is this a dual bore or single bore horn?
This model is a straight large bore tenor, most likely a single bore setup—ideal for players looking for power without the weight of a valve section.
This Olds Opera trombone has been sold and is now shown here as part of our Archive of Sold Instruments.
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