Overview
The Olds P-16 is a rare .500 bore jazz tenor trombone produced during the final years of the Fullerton-era Olds factory. Designed with a lightweight handslide and compact bell, the P-16 offers fast response, excellent articulation, and a flexible tonal profile suited for jazz and commercial playing.
This example, dating from approximately 1978, reflects the model’s consistent design approach—efficient, responsive, and easy to play. For players accustomed to instruments like the King 3B, the P-16 offers a familiar level of agility with a slightly different feel and tonal character.
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
The P-16 is part of a broader lineage of innovative trombone designs produced by F.E. Olds & Son. To explore related models and historical context, browse our Olds Historical Collection:
👉 https://www.thebrass-exchange.com/archive-of-sold/olds
✦ Historical Perspective
Produced in the late 1970s, this Olds P-16 represents one of the final iterations of small-bore jazz trombone design from the Fullerton factory. By this stage, Olds had refined its lightweight construction approach, focusing on playability, efficiency, and tonal clarity.
With its .500 bore handslide and 7.5" yellow brass bell, the P-16 emphasizes speed and articulation while maintaining a centered, controlled sound. Though less widely known than earlier Olds models, it remains a compelling option for players seeking a responsive vintage jazz instrument.
✦ Condition & Player Notes
This instrument was in excellent playing condition at the time of sale. The lightweight handslide was smooth and precise, supporting quick response and consistent articulation.
The trombone had been professionally cleaned and flushed, with no service requirements needed to improve playability. Structurally, the instrument showed no signs of damage, and overall condition was well above average for its age.
From a player perspective, the P-16 offers a feel similar to a King 3B or Jiggs-style instrument—lightweight, flexible, and easy to play, with a strong tonal presence and quick response.
The original case was included and remained in excellent condition.
📸 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 contributing to the broader study of how to photograph musical instruments in a professional setting.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the Olds P-16 a good alternative to a King 3B?
The P-16 offers similar agility and ease of play, with a lightweight design and quick response that make it well suited for jazz and commercial applications.
Is the Olds P-16 easy to play?
Yes. The instrument is known for its fast response and flexibility, making it approachable for players who prefer a lighter, more efficient feel.
Are late-era Olds P-16 trombones reliable?
Well-maintained examples can perform at a high level, particularly when they have been properly serviced and preserved, as seen in this example.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Olds P-16 .500 bore jazz tenor trombone has been sold and is now shown as a historical reference for players and collectors researching vintage 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 documenting real-world examples to support informed decisions.
📌 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 🔎.
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