Overview
The Olds P-16 is a rare .500 bore jazz tenor trombone produced during the final Fullerton-era years of F.E. Olds & Son. Designed with a lightweight handslide and compact bell, the P-16 offers quick response, lively articulation, and a flexible tonal profile suited for jazz and commercial playing.
This mid-to-late 1970s example reflects the model’s consistent design approach—efficient, responsive, and player-friendly. For those familiar with classic small-bore instruments, the P-16 offers a compelling alternative with a slightly different feel and tonal character rooted in Olds design.
For a complete overview of the Olds P-16 model, including design characteristics and historical context, see our Olds P-16 .500 bore jazz tenor trombone overview:
👉 https://www.thebrass-exchange.com/content/olds-p16-500-bore-jazz-tenor-trombone-vintage-model
To explore related models and the broader Olds lineage, visit our Olds Historical Collection:
👉 https://www.thebrass-exchange.com/archive-of-sold/olds
✦ Historical Perspective
Produced in the mid-to-late 1970s, the Olds P-16 represents one of the final small-bore jazz trombone designs developed during the Fullerton, California era. By this stage, Olds had refined its approach to lightweight construction, focusing on efficiency, playability, and tonal clarity.
With its .500 bore handslide and 7.5" yellow brass bell, the P-16 emphasizes speed, articulation, and a clean, centered sound. While less widely known than earlier Olds models, it remains a compelling choice for players seeking a responsive vintage jazz instrument with a distinct feel.
✦ Condition & Player Notes
This instrument was in excellent playing condition at the time of sale. It had received full professional shop service, including slide setup, resulting in exceptionally smooth and responsive slide action—among the best observed on this model.
The lightweight brass handslide and 7.5" yellow brass bell contribute to the instrument’s quick response and lively feel. From a player perspective, the P-16 delivers a balanced, flexible sound with strong projection and ease of articulation.
Structurally, the instrument showed no signs of damage or major repair work, and it remained a clean, well-preserved example of late-era Olds craftsmanship. The original case was included and in excellent condition.
✦ Olds Leadpipe & Mouthpiece Context
As with many vintage Olds instruments, the P-16 was designed around a specific mouthpiece taper used by the company during this era. While modern small-shank mouthpieces will fit, many players find improved response and balance when using period-correct Olds tapers.
The Brass Exchange maintains a collection of vintage Olds mouthpieces and continues to evaluate how these original designs interact with instruments like the P-16.
📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
The photographs shown on this page originate from an earlier phase in the development of The Brass Exchange’s instrument photography process. These images reflect a time when the focus was on accurate documentation and efficient cataloging, prior to the adoption of more refined lighting and presentation techniques.
As the business has evolved, so has the approach to fine-art photography of brass instruments, including improved lighting control, background consistency, and detailed visual capture. These earlier images remain an important part of the archive, providing a reliable record of the instrument and documenting the evolution of how musical instruments are photographed in a professional setting.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the Olds P-16 a strong vintage jazz trombone?
The P-16 offers quick response, excellent articulation, and a lightweight design that supports flexibility and ease of play in jazz and commercial settings.
How does the Olds P-16 compare to more common small-bore trombones?
It provides a similar level of agility to models like the King 3B, with a slightly different tonal character and playing feel shaped by Olds design.
Are well-preserved Olds P-16 trombones difficult to find?
Yes. Production was limited, and many instruments saw heavy use, making clean, well-maintained examples increasingly uncommon.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Olds P-16 vintage jazz trombone has been sold and is now preserved as a historical reference for players and collectors researching rare Fullerton-era Olds instruments.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Trusted Brass Instrument Specialists Since 2010
The Brass Exchange has worked directly with professional players, educators, and collectors, handling thousands of instruments and providing accurate, experience-based insight into both modern and vintage models.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This example is preserved as part of our ongoing documentation of the Olds P-16 model.
Looking to compare models, research a similar instrument, or explore available inventory?
Browse current trombone listings 🔎 or explore more vintage Olds trombones in our historical archive 🔎.
Contact us for a valuation and explore your options ✍️ 📌
