The bell of an F. E. Olds trombone, c. 1927, with the trademark 'Golden Bear' and date of the 1912 patent.
F. E. Olds was a manufacturer of musical instruments founded by Frank Ellsworth (F.E.) Olds in Los Angeles, California in the early 1900s. The company made brass instruments, especially trombones, cornets, and trumpets.
Olds Serial Number List. An Index to Olds Instruments. Mouthpiece receiver on cornetss (189,611); 1958 redesigned Ambassador cornets & trumpets. The serial number was 368 006, but I have no idea what that means. An ugly Ambassador trumpet (not much lacquer) but structurally fine.
By the late 1960s or early 1970s, although still producing some professional level instruments, the company had become better known for mass-produced student instruments. Construction quality declined as production quotas were emphasized.[citation needed] That plus competition from other companies and cutbacks in school music budgets led to the firm going out of business in 1979. The Olds and Reynolds names (Olds merged with F.A. Reynolds in 1964) have since been bought and revived in 1983 by a new company under the name F.E. Olds and Sons,[1] based in Mountainside, New Jersey.
History[edit]
Frank Ellsworth (F.E.) Olds was born in Medina, New York in 1861. He was named for the Civil War hero Frank Ellsworth of the Ellsworth Zouaves. While a child his family moved to Toledo, Ohio. After finishing high school, F.E. went to Elkhart, Indiana to work for C.G. Conn and learned the brass instrument making business. In 1885, he moved to Los Angeles, California. An amateur trombone player and entrepreneur, he first set up a shop to build bicycles, which was the only one in Los Angeles at the time. By 1886, he had established the first electroplating shop in Southern California, doing silverplating with H. T. Hazard, establishing the Los Angeles Tool Works by 1887. 1886 also marked the arrival in Los Angeles of F.E.'s future bride, Helen Daisy Birdsall. In 1901, he was a machinist with the Locomobile Company of the Pacific, branching out from bicycles to automobiles.
All along experimenting with trombone design, he was repairing band instruments full-time by 1910. This early work was done in a small workshop behind his house, which was just south of downtown Los Angeles. It was probably about this time that he first offered his new trombones for sale. Implementing new ideas patented in 1912 (some of these are incorporated in trombones today), Olds started producing quality trombones on a small scale. From the earliest years, he was offering a variety of bore sizes (.485' and dual bores from .494'/.509' to .509'/.535') and bell diameters from 6' to 9 ½'. Model designations were Solo, Small Medium, Medium, Large Medium, Large and Symphony, which did not indicate a particular bore and bell combination, but a relative size. Most Olds trombones were made to order at this time. These new trombones apparently met with success quickly, and with the help of Earl Strickler and Earl Williams, Olds expanded production to about 200 a year and moved into a large facility by the early 1920s.
Reginald Birdsall (R.B.) Olds (b. September 11, 1899) came to work with his father in 1920, having served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. With R.B.'s enthusiasm, Olds published their first catalogue in 1925 and introduced new models shortly after. It was about 1924 that Olds started making mouthpieces with ivory rim and cup and the trademark 'Golden Bear' playing the trombone was first engraved on the bells. R.B. was most likely responsible for using the slogan: 'It's a Bear', and otherwise modernizing the image of the company and its products. Also, during these years, they were working on trumpet design, finally tooling up for its production by 1928.
On October 9, 1928, F.E. was traveling with his wife and other prominent Californians on the S.S. City of Los Angeles (later commissioned, USS George F. Elliott) to South America. He died suddenly and unexpectedly, suffering a heart attack, and was buried at sea. His new trumpets were not offered for sale until after his death.
R.B. introduced cornets soon afterward. The Super Olds line of trombones, trumpets and cornets was introduced in about 1932 and soon became legendary. Other models introduced in the 1930s include the Special, Military, Symphony and French models. All but the Super models could be ordered with a distinctive hammered finish on the bell. This was the standard finish for the Military line. The Super bass trombone could be had with two valves, both actuated by levers. This is likely the first production bass trombone with two valve levers.[citation needed] There were also some french horns made in the late 1930s, although they didn't appear in the catalogues at that time. The Recording model trumpet and cornet were probably designed shortly before the war halted production. During World War II, the government had Olds produce saxophones along with the more standard strategic production. Today these are very rare as they were not generally available to the public and a large number of them went down with a supply ship in the Mediterranean. By 1941 Olds held al least six patents for trumpet and trombone design.
Shortly after World War II ended and brass instrument manufacturing restrictions were lifted, Chicago Musical Instruments purchased F.E. Olds & Son.
One of CMI's initial operating decisions was to begin producing a full line of background and low brass instruments in addition to the trumpet, cornet and trombone models that Olds was already making and had built its reputation on. However, the Olds plant in Los Angeles was not set up for manufacturing the additional brass lines and CMI had difficulty finding a partner who would provide these instruments to Olds without also producing the more profitable small brass and trombones. Instead, CMI's president, Maurice Berlin, coaxed Foster Reynolds, a former apprentice at J.W. York,30 year veteran of the H.N. White company, and founder of F.A. Reynolds Co., out of retirement and sent him to Los Angeles with a directive to tool up the factory and begin manufacturing the full line of brasses.
Reynolds was regarded as one of the top brass instrument designers in the country, and was responsible for the introduction of many of the finest Olds trumpets and cornets.
In the late 1940s, in a meeting between Reynolds, Reg Olds and Berlin, it was decided to pursue the student musician market for which great projections had been made. Among his first design actions were the renowned Ambassador model trumpet, cornet and trombone (1948). In fact, the trumpet was designed in tandem with the Mendez professional model. Because Olds management was concerned about the possible effects of a low-priced model on the company's reputation, Reynolds insisted the horn be built to the same quality and tolerances of the rest of the line, only with less-expensive bracing and other features. According to R. Dale Olsen, who was R&D director at Olds in the 1960s, the company was a 'one tolerance shop,' meaning that all brass instruments were crafted to the same close tolerances, regardless of price or market niche.
Built on the same bell mandrels as the premium Recording models and featuring extremely reliable valve sections, the Ambassador line was intended to reflect Reynolds' professional commitment to providing high-quality, dependable horns at an affordable price. The 'Brilliant Bell' of the 1948/49 Studio line (trumpet, cornet, trombone) points to either collaboration or competition with Reynold's former company in Cleveland, who had launched an identical nickel-silver bell flare on the Emperor ('Silver Flare') and Roth ('Tone Tempered') lines in 1947.
Another accomplishment to Reynolds' credit was his signing of the trumpeter Rafael Méndez in the late 1940s to be an Olds clinician and endorsor. He worked closely with Mr. Mendez to create the artist's signature model trumpet and long cornet. Reynolds began by measuring the F. Besson Meha trumpet that Mendez was so fond of and then evolving the design (actually, the measuring was reportedly done by his brother, Harper. The lead pipe, for example, was very different from anything Olds had produced). These were professional trumpets accepted as equal to or better than what was currently on the market. The Mendez trumpet was used and endorsed by the likes of David Jandorf and Clyde McCoy.
The large bore (.468') Opera trumpet and cornet models followed several years later. Rafael Méndez's name and the use of the Recording and Super models by other professionals is credited with enhancing the image and sales of Olds instruments.
In 1952, Reynolds, as the plant supervisor, brought Don Agard to Olds from F.A. Reynolds Co. One of Agard's first projects was managing the move in 1954 from Olds' long-time factory in Los Angeles to larger facilities in Fullerton, California.
In 1953, the company was joined by a young Zigmant Kanstul. Starting out at Olds as a French horn assembler, Kanstul apprenticed in the art of brass instrument building from Reynolds.
Reynolds died of a heart attack on July 18, 1960, while at work at the Fullerton plant. After his death, Agard took over plant operations while Kanstul became factory superintendent. Reynold's brother, Harper, who was shop superintendent and who helped launch the Ambassador instruments, retired. R. Dale Olsen was brought in as director of research with a directive to create a line of upper-register trumpets. He succeeded in designing the 'C', 'D' and 'E Flat' trumpets and subsequently the 'Custom-Crafted' series of B flat trumpets that featured one-piece hand-hammered bells.
By the 1960s, Olds was producing trumpets, cornets, slide and valve trombones, alto horns, mellophones, french horns, euphoniums, tubas and sousaphones. They also supplied imported woodwind instruments in the Ambassador line. Olds was the second U.S. maker to have produced over one million brass instruments. Increases in volume were accompanied by a lessening in quality, however.
Kanstul remained at Olds until the early 1970s when he left to become manager of the nearby Benge plant and eventually his own company, Kanstul Musical Instruments. Agard ran operations at Olds until the company finally closed its doors in 1979. Olds merged with competitor and Foster's former company, F.A. Reynolds Co., in 1964.
By the mid-1970s, with parent company Norlin in control, there was a perceived[by whom?] decrease in the quality of construction that made Olds famous. The name became closely associated with the student models, and less with the professional models. A buyer for the firm was sought beginning in 1978, but Norlin could not sell the Olds factory for its asking price. The decision was made to close the Fullerton plant and the machinery, tools and parts inventory were auctioned.
References/External links[edit]
Specific
- ^https://www.njportal.com/dor/businessrecords/EntityDocs/BusinessCopies.aspx
![Ambassador Ambassador](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126265351/304846007.jpg)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=F._E._Olds&oldid=910857514'
Ended!
Up for consideration is this vintage Olds Ambassador cornet. The serial number, 348817, dates it to 1959. The valves are very fast and the serial numbers match. All of the slides work as they should and function well. This horn has a lot of lacquer wear, but it all looks to be original. It doesn't appear to have had any major previous repairs. There is a dent in the back bow and one in the bell. There are a few dings throughout, but nothing serious. This year model has the finger hook and it is in good condition, but it needs to be soldered back onto the horn. The third slide is missing the slide rod. Both water-keys will need to be adjusted. Included is the original case, the leadpipe hook, and an OLDS lyre. The case is not in the best shape, but is still functional. Please examine all the pictures and read the entire description carefully before buying. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. For payments, we gladly accept Reverb Direct Checkout, Paypal or credit card payment over the phone.
About Us:
Ray’s Mid-Bell Music is a full-service school music dealer located in Sioux City, IA. The original company was founded in 1939. We have had a Sioux City location since 1972. You can buy with confidence knowing that you are dealing with a reputable brick and mortar store with a long history of excellent customer service.
Unless stated differently above, all used and vintage instruments are sold in the condition that we received it in. All repair facilities have different pricing. Please check with your local technician for approximate repair costs and, if purchased, ultimately the repair. It is our goal to accurately and truthfully describe each item, pointing out all flaws and defects, by providing as many high-quality pictures of each item as possible. However, sometimes things can be inadvertently overlooked.
We also take great pride in our shipping department and strive to make sure that each item is properly and securely packaged. Our daily UPS & USPS pick-up assures you of prompt delivery. We do ship internationally. For interested overseas buyers, please ask for a shipping quote before buying.
About Us:
Ray’s Mid-Bell Music is a full-service school music dealer located in Sioux City, IA. The original company was founded in 1939. We have had a Sioux City location since 1972. You can buy with confidence knowing that you are dealing with a reputable brick and mortar store with a long history of excellent customer service.
Unless stated differently above, all used and vintage instruments are sold in the condition that we received it in. All repair facilities have different pricing. Please check with your local technician for approximate repair costs and, if purchased, ultimately the repair. It is our goal to accurately and truthfully describe each item, pointing out all flaws and defects, by providing as many high-quality pictures of each item as possible. However, sometimes things can be inadvertently overlooked.
We also take great pride in our shipping department and strive to make sure that each item is properly and securely packaged. Our daily UPS & USPS pick-up assures you of prompt delivery. We do ship internationally. For interested overseas buyers, please ask for a shipping quote before buying.
Product Specs
Condition | Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.learn more |
Brand | Olds |
Model | Vintage Ambassador Cornet |
Categories | Trumpets |
Year | 1959 |
HIGHLY RECOMMEND RAY'S MIDBELL MUSIC TO ALL THE YOUNG AND OLD DREAMERS WHO WANT TO HAVE AND WANT TO PLAY MUSIC OF ANY KIND. PROTECT THE VINTAGE GEAR, BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE PAST , HOW CAN YOU HEAR THE FUTURE! PEACE , BOB
Robert M. - January 10, 2020
Beautiful Taylor K22ce 12-fret. Very easy purchase and UPS delivery. Quick response to a few questions through Reverb.com. If the strings weren’t wore out it would be 5 stars.......
Charles A. - January 09, 2020
![Olds ambassador cornet serial numbers for sale by owner Olds ambassador cornet serial numbers for sale by owner](http://playreadytrumpets.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/oaa2.jpg)
Cesar L. - January 08, 2020
Jeanette B. - December 18, 2019
Ray's Midbell Music team got this beautiful acoustic 6 string guitar to Seattle without a scratch and it arrived a day earlier than expected which is always a great way to satisfy a customer. Many thanks and have a great holiday season.
- Randy M/Seattle WA
- Randy M/Seattle WA
Rl M. - December 14, 2019
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Available for local pickupfrom Sioux City, IA, United States
Ships from Sioux City, IA, United States to:
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This product can be returned within 7 days of receipt.General Terms
Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs unless the item was not received as described.
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Buyer receives a full refund in their original payment method less any shipping costs.