Overview
The Olds P-16 is a rare .500 bore jazz tenor trombone produced for a short period near the end of the Olds factory era. Known for its lightweight construction, quick response, and focused tonal profile, the P-16 represents one of the company’s final design directions before production ceased.
Over the past several years, only a small number of these instruments have passed through our shop. Based on those examples, the P-16 shows a consistent design approach centered around efficiency, clarity, and playability—making it a compelling alternative to more common small-bore jazz models such as the King 2B or Bach 16M.
This page serves as a reference point for players encountering the Olds P-16 in the market and looking to better understand its design, performance characteristics, and relative rarity.
The Olds P-16 is part of a broader lineage of innovative trombone designs produced by F.E. Olds & Son during its final decades of operation. For players and collectors interested in exploring related models—including the Super, Recording, Studio, and other rare configurations—visit our Olds Historical Collection for additional examples and context. 🔎
✦ Historical Perspective
The Olds P-16 occupies a unique and increasingly scarce place in American trombone history. Produced only for a brief period before the Olds factory closed, the P-16 reflects a late-era attempt to refine the lightweight jazz tenor concept.
Built around a .500 bore handslide and typically paired with a compact yellow brass bell, the instrument favors speed, articulation, and forward projection. Compared to more widely known small-bore models, the P-16 offers a slightly different playing experience—often described as quick, efficient, and centered without excessive resistance.
Examples that remain in original condition are becoming more difficult to find, particularly those retaining original lacquer and components. Many instruments from this period saw heavy use, making well-preserved examples increasingly valuable to both players and collectors.
✦ Olds Leadpipe & Mouthpiece Taper Context
Vintage Olds trombones are known for their distinctive leadpipe taper, which was engineered to pair specifically with Olds mouthpieces of the same era.
While modern small-shank mouthpieces will fit and function, many experienced players find that these instruments respond more freely and center more easily when paired with a period-correct Olds taper. This can influence articulation, slotting, and overall balance across the instrument.
The Brass Exchange maintains a large in-house collection of vintage Olds mouthpieces representing these original tapers. While not all are listed online, they are evaluated and preserved as part of ongoing work with vintage Olds instruments.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
The photographs shown on this page originate from an earlier stage in the history of The Brass Exchange. Over time, our photography workflow has evolved significantly, with improvements in lighting, background control, and fine-detail capture.
These images remain part of the archive as a reliable visual record of the instrument and as documentation of the shop’s progression. While newer listings reflect current photography standards, these images continue to provide meaningful reference value.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the Olds P-16 different from more common jazz trombones?
The P-16 combines a lightweight .500 bore slide with a compact bell and Olds-specific design philosophy, resulting in a feel that differs from more familiar King 2B or Bach 16M models.
Is the Olds P-16 a professional-level instrument?
Yes. While relatively rare, the P-16 was built as a serious performance instrument and is well suited for jazz and commercial playing environments.
Why are Olds P-16 trombones difficult to find?
Production was limited, and many instruments were heavily used. Fully original, well-preserved examples appear infrequently on the market.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Olds P-16 .500 bore jazz tenor trombone has been sold and is no longer available. Archive of Sold pages are maintained for research, historical reference, and model comparison.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Trusted Brass Instrument Specialists Since 2010
The Brass Exchange has worked directly with professional players, educators, and collectors, evaluating and handling thousands of brass instruments. Each instrument is carefully inspected, documented, and presented with transparency to support informed decision-making.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This Olds P-16 is preserved here as a historical reference for players researching rare vintage jazz trombones and late-era Olds production.
Looking for a similar instrument or evaluating one you’ve found?
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