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-inch gold/bronze bell flare, nickel silver neckpipe and tuning slide, and the characteristic dual-bore nickel handslide with fluted octagonal outer tubes. These distinctive design elements helped establish the Super as one of the most recognizable professional trombones of its era.
The inner slide tubes showed no plating loss or defects, and the slide alignment was excellent. A full shop service was completed here at The Brass Exchange, including chemical cleaning, slide optimization, and inspection of the instrument's overall mechanical condition.
The bell section had been de-lacquered, while the tuning slide and handslide retained most of their original lacquer. Overall condition remained very solid for a Los Angeles-era Super, and the instrument played exactly as many players hope a vintage Olds should—balanced response, easy articulation, and a warm classic tonal character.
The original case was included. Mouthpiece was not included.
✦ Historical Perspective
F.E. Olds instruments produced during the Los Angeles era are widely admired for their craftsmanship, innovative design features, and exceptional build quality.
The Super model became one of Olds' flagship professional trombones and remains one of the company's most recognized designs. Features such as the fluted octagonal outer slide tubes, dual-bore slide construction, and distinctive bell materials helped separate the Super from competing instruments of the period.
Many players and collectors consider the Los Angeles years to be among the most desirable periods of Olds production. Instruments from this era continue to attract attention because of their workmanship, originality, and unique playing characteristics.
Today, surviving Los Angeles-era Supers offer an important glimpse into one of the most respected periods of American brass instrument manufacturing.
✦ Player Perspective
Vintage Olds Super trombones continue to be respected for their craftsmanship, dependable slide geometry, and comfortable playing characteristics.
This particular example offered a balanced response and easy articulation throughout the range of the instrument. The dual-bore slide design helped maintain flexibility while preserving a centered and focused sound.
For advancing students, comeback players, or musicians interested in exploring vintage American trombones, a clean Olds Super can be an excellent entry point into professional-level instruments.
Many players appreciate the fact that these instruments deliver professional craftsmanship and musical versatility while often remaining more affordable than some comparable vintage models from other manufacturers.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in professional and vintage trombones, helping players, collectors, educators, and researchers better understand the history and performance characteristics of classic brass instruments.
Over the years we have documented and sold thousands of instruments, including many significant examples from F.E. Olds, Conn, King, Bach, Holton, Martin, and other historic American manufacturers.
Our Archive of Sold collection serves as an educational resource preserving specifications, photographs, historical context, and player observations for future generations.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Why are Los Angeles-era Olds trombones desirable?
Many players believe Los Angeles-era Olds instruments represent some of the company's finest workmanship. These instruments are known for their craftsmanship, distinctive design details, and excellent playing characteristics.
What makes the Olds Super different from other vintage trombones?
The Super features unique design elements including fluted octagonal outer slide tubes, dual-bore slide construction, and a distinctive bell design. These features contribute to the model's unique appearance and playing feel.
Is an Olds Super a good choice for modern players?
Yes. Many advancing students, comeback players, community ensemble musicians, and collectors continue to enjoy Olds Super trombones because of their versatility, reliability, and professional-level construction.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Olds Super tenor trombone has been sold and is no longer available. Archive of Sold pages are maintained as historical references for players, collectors, educators, and researchers interested in vintage brass instruments.
Similar Olds trombones occasionally become available, although clean Los Angeles-era examples continue to be increasingly difficult to find.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This 1949 Los Angeles-era Olds Super tenor trombone is now part of our Archive of Sold collection and remains an excellent example of F.E. Olds craftsmanship during one of the company's most respected production periods.
Interested in learning more about Olds history? 📚 Explore our archive feature covering the final Olds trombone ever produced and other significant instruments from the F.E. Olds legacy.
Own an Olds Super or another vintage Olds trombone? ✍️ Contact us for a valuation and explore your options.