Olds Opera Large Bore Tenor Trombone, made in the late 1950s during the Fullerton era. Serial number 263498. This is a straight tenor configuration—no valve—with a large bore that actually exceeds the modern .547" standard, measuring closer to .550–.551". It features a stunning 8.5" bell with ornate engraving, constructed from nickel silver. The tuning slide and handslide are also nickel silver, giving this horn both strength and a brilliant tonal core.
These horns are known for their huge, colorful sound—balanced yet bold. While not commonly used in orchestral settings, the Olds Opera shines in jazz, gospel, and spiritual music. The response is lively, and the projection can be tailored to the player's needs. Jazz legend Curtis Fuller played this model extensively, most famously on Blue Train with John Coltrane.
Another remarkable proponent was Bill Pierce, who brought the Opera’s sound into sacred spaces as a church soloist. His unique configuration—using a small shank 12C mouthpiece via an adapter—created a soulful, lyrical voice ideal for spirituals and choral accompaniment. While some players believe Olds leadpipes are best suited to Olds mouthpieces, we’ve found that standard Morse taper large shank mouthpieces (like Bach) can perform beautifully on this model.
This specific horn is in outstanding condition. The bell shows no signs of trauma, and the lacquer is clean and intact. The handslide is exceptionally straight and smooth, with no plating wear on the inner tubes. Includes the original Olds case and mouthpiece. A rare, collector-level find with the tone and playability to back it up.
☑️ What makes the Olds Opera such a rare and desirable jazz trombone?
The Opera’s extra-large bore and nickel silver components create a resonant, rich tone that supports a wide dynamic range. It handles power without breaking up, making it ideal for players who want projection and flexibility in a straight tenor format. Its historical connection to Curtis Fuller and Bill Pierce only adds to the legacy.
This trombone has been sold and now resides in our Archive of Sold Instruments.
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