Overview
This 1950s Reynolds Contempora straight tenor trombone is a well-preserved Cleveland-era instrument that remains largely original and has clearly been well cared for over the decades. The instrument comes from the estate of a professional player and has been properly serviced prior to arriving here.
The Contempora models were Reynolds’ artist-grade trombones during this period and are known for their distinctive bell alloy and solid build quality.
This example features the classic medium bore design (approximately .520") paired with an 8.5" Bronz-O-Lite bell, producing a warm, centered sound with excellent projection and response.
Key features include:
• Medium bore slide (approx. .520")
• 8.5" Bronz-O-Lite bell alloy
• Nickel tuning slide
• Nickel neck pipe
• Brass outer slide tubes with nickel oversleeves
• Brass end crook
• Original Reynolds weighted “R” counterbalance
• Original Reynolds 1950s case
The bell is currently unlacquered brass with natural patina. Importantly, the bell has never been creased or structurally damaged, and the instrument shows no signs of prior trauma or repair.
The slide is very good mechanically, moving well and showing no plating wear on the inner slide tubes.
This instrument is ready to play and does not require additional shop work.
Player Perspective
Medium bore trombones in the .500–.525 range were extremely common among professional players through much of the mid-20th century.
Before the widespread adoption of large bore orchestral trombones such as the Conn 88H (.547"), instruments of this size were widely used in orchestral sections, studio work, and commercial music.
That versatility still makes instruments like the Contempora very appealing today.
This Reynolds speaks easily and produces a rich, vibrant tone with strong projection while remaining comfortable to play for long sessions.
Because the instrument uses a standard small shank mouthpiece, it pairs well with common mouthpieces such as a Bach 6½AL or similar medium cup designs.
This makes the instrument well suited for:
• concert band
• orchestral section playing
• jazz ensemble
• commercial or studio work
• Latin and salsa styles
• general all-around performance
It is an easy-playing vintage trombone with a broad musical range.
Historical Perspective
The Reynolds Contempora series represented the artist-grade instruments produced by the F.A. Reynolds company during its Cleveland manufacturing years.
Foster A. Reynolds spent more than three decades designing brass instruments at the King factory in Cleveland before founding his own company in 1936. His instruments quickly gained a reputation for excellent acoustics and craftsmanship.
One of the distinctive design elements of the Contempora trombones is the nickel-silver bell rim reinforcement, commonly referred to as a “kranz.” This tone ring stiffens the outer edge of the bell flare and helps focus the sound so the instrument maintains clarity even at stronger dynamic levels.
The bell itself is made from Reynolds’ proprietary Bronz-O-Lite alloy, a higher-copper brass material that produces a warm tonal core with strong projection.
After selling his company to Scherl & Roth in 1946, Reynolds later moved to California where he became involved in the operations of the F.E. Olds factory. This connection helps explain why some design elements found on Reynolds instruments share similarities with classic Olds trombones of the same era.
Condition Summary
This instrument presents very well for its age and remains structurally excellent.
• All original components
• Original lacquer on body parts
• Bell currently in natural unlacquered brass
• No prior bell damage or structural repair
• Slide in very good playing condition
• Inner slide tubes free of plating wear
• Recently serviced and ready to play
The instrument also includes its original Reynolds case from the 1950s, which remains in excellent condition and protects the horn well.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What is Bronz-O-Lite?
Bronz-O-Lite was Reynolds’ term for a special higher-copper bell alloy used on their professional instruments. While historically described as bronze, the alloy behaves more like a gold-brass style material and produces a warm tonal core with strong projection.
Is .520 considered medium bore?
Yes. Today a .520 bore sits comfortably in the medium-bore category and offers a balance between smaller jazz trombones and larger orchestral instruments.
Does this trombone use a small shank mouthpiece?
Yes. This instrument uses the standard small shank tenor trombone mouthpiece.
📦 Shipping & Order Fulfillment
Add this instrument to your cart and complete checkout securely online.
Orders typically ship same or next business day via FedEx.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote prior to purchase.
All instruments are professionally packed and fully insured for safe delivery.
📣 Considering an Upgrade?
Many players begin with a versatile vintage instrument like this Reynolds Contempora and later move into larger bore orchestral trombones or modern professional setups.
If you are planning a future upgrade, we frequently assist customers with:
• trombone trade-ins
• outright purchases
• consignment instruments
✍️ Contact us for a valuation and explore your options.
🔎 Explore More Trombones
📌 Browse our current trombone inventory
https://thebrass-exchange.com/trombones
You can also explore the Archive of Sold instruments to compare historical models and see how different designs and bore sizes have evolved over time.
🏅 About The Brass Exchange
The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional brass instruments since 2010, with thousands of instruments inspected, photographed, and documented here in St. Louis for players around the world.
