This Olds Opera Trombone from the 1960s represents one of the most distinctive professional instruments of its era. Featuring an 8.5" nickel silver bell, tuning slide, and handslide, the Opera was built as a large-bore straight tenor with a bore size of .550–.551 — slightly larger than today’s .547 standard. The result is a horn that plays with exceptional breadth and presence.
Although not designed as a primary orchestral horn, the Opera became a favorite among large-bore jazz players who wanted a huge sound without losing control. Jazz legend Curtis Fuller played an Opera, and you can hear its depth and power on John Coltrane’s Blue Train. Trombonist Bill Pierce also used this model in a unique way, fitting a mouthpiece adapter to pair it with a small shank 12C — proof of the horn’s versatility.
Players sometimes debate whether Olds leadpipes work best only with original Olds mouthpieces. In practice, the Opera responds very well with a standard Morse taper (Bach shank) large mouthpiece, opening up a wide range of tonal possibilities.
This particular example remained in very good condition, with no major trauma and a bell that retains its elegant engraving. The lacquer shows age but presents well, and the slide, while exhibiting early plating wear, was true and responsive. With the right lubrication — Yamaha liquid slide treatment, Trombontine, or similar — it played smoothly. The original case was no longer with the instrument, but it included a Protec replacement.
Q&A Section:
🤔 What sets the Olds Opera apart from other large-bore trombones?
The Opera’s .550–.551 bore and nickel silver construction give it a broader, more commanding sound than the standard .547 bore of its era.
🤔 Was the Opera mainly for orchestral or jazz use?
Although it had the size and power for orchestral work, many players found it ideal for solo and jazz settings where projection and depth were prized.
🤔 Can you use modern mouthpieces with the Opera?
Yes — while Olds designed it for their own mouthpieces, many players successfully use modern Morse taper (Bach shank) mouthpieces with excellent results.
Closing Note & CTA:
This Olds Opera trombone from the 1960s is now part of our historical archive. It remains a valuable reference for collectors and musicians studying the evolution of American trombone design. Looking for a similar large-bore jazz or symphonic horn? 🔎 Browse available trombones.
