- Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup how to#
- Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup pro#
- Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup free#
I play a Large Bore Claud Gordon Benge (0.470' bore) but these have an Heavy feel. They are fantastic players for those that like very large bore horns. These were introduced in 1960 and were targeting symphonic player because they had large bores of 0.468'. A well set up Mendez horn can't be beaten! The bracing on a mendez is different to all other olds which I believe makes it more efficient, I may be wrong but they certainly produce a massive sound. Invariably they all say that the Mendez has the edge.
Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup pro#
I have had pro players around my house just to try a selection of vintage olds. I have played well over 20 of these ranging from a 52 model to a 76. When the Custom was first offered for sale the buyer had the option of a choice of leadpipes or bells, hence the name 'custom'.
Ultrasonic was engraved on the leadpipe/receiver of the trumpets that had the ultrasonic bell design. The term 'Ultrasonic' I believe referred to the bell design, and whilst my experience of the Ultrasonic Custom and Super is very positive I know two owners who found the Ultrasonic Mendez not to their liking. These are very underrated and I have heard several people describe them as a sleeping giant waiting to be found. I have only played 3 of these but have found that they are at least equal to the Mendez model. It was marketed as being above the Recording and Mendez trumpets and rumours were that Mendez himself actually preferred a Custom trumpet.
The Custom trumpet was endorsed by Bobby Shew and was a lightweight model. The Custom trumpet was made in the 70s, when it was reported that Olds quality had declined. There has only been one Olds 40s horn (a super recording) that I have played that could be usable alongside modern horns in a section. I would say that 2 out of the best 10 olds trumpets I have played have been from the 70s. With olds trumpets, it is my opinion that each horn is an individual and should be judged so not dismissed just because it is a student horn, a 70s horn similarly it should not be revered because it is a Recording trumpet, a 4 digit serial number horn or an LA trumpet! All Olds fans have probably read that Olds quality declined in the 70s. I have had great playing 1970s Fullerton Ambassadors and bad playing 1950s LA Recordings. I really am not concerned how a horn looks today, only how it plays. I know trumpet players and collectors that get very excited over LA horns which were produced pre 1953. I am sure this guide will alter over time, and I would welcome your comments on olds trumpets or this guide by contacting me through ebay. It is merely my observations based on owning and playing over 350 vintage Olds trumpets. There are many great players who know the quality and performance of Olds trumpets better than me, so please do not view this guide as definitive or authoritative.
Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup free#
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In that case you can usually date the instrument by comparing engravings, features or lacquer of the instrument. Probably a part has been exchanged, it has been a custom build or prototype, or it has been simply forgotten to engrave it. Still, every now and then I come across trombones that have not been engraved. Type in “(manufacturer) trombone serial number list” and you will usually find what you’re looking for.įor your convenience I compiled a little list for the bigger vintage brands: After finding out the serial number the next step is to google. Usually that number can be found on the handbrace of the bellsection, the braces of the slide or the slide itself.Ĭonn trombones usually are only engraved on the outer slide. In most cases there is a serial number engraved in the trombone. The easiest and usually most precise way is to look for the serial number.
Olds ambassador trombone serial number lookup how to#
I am regularly being asked how to find out when a trombone was made.