Overview
This Olds Super tenor trombone, serial number 36533, was built in Los Angeles around 1949 and represents one of the classic designs from the F.E. Olds workshop. The instrument features a 7 3/8″ gold/bronze bell flare, nickel neckpipe and tuning slide, and the characteristic dual-bore nickel handslide with fluted octagonal outer tubes.
The inner slide tubes show no plating loss or defects, and the slide alignment is excellent. We completed a full shop service here including chemical bath, slide optimization, and valve-section inspection. The horn shows no evidence of prior major damage or repair.
The bell section is de-lacquered, while the tuning slide and handslide retain most of their lacquer. Overall condition is very solid for a Los Angeles–era Super, and the instrument plays exactly as a good vintage Olds should—balanced response, easy articulation, and a warm classic tone.
Includes original case. Mouthpiece not included.
Player Perspective
Vintage Olds Super trombones are respected for their craftsmanship and reliable slide geometry. For advancing students or comeback players, a clean Super like this can be a very practical way to start on a professional-level instrument at a reasonable cost compared with many modern entry-level horns.
Historical Insight
F.E. Olds instruments from the Los Angeles era are widely admired for their build quality and distinctive design details. The Super model in particular became one of Olds’ most recognizable professional trombones.
👉 Interested in Olds history? See our archive page featuring the final Olds trombone ever made:
https://www.thebrass-exchange.com/content/fe-olds-last-super-tenor-trombone-final-instrument-ever-made-archive
