About Me

My interest in Reynolds began in the early 1980's when I was 10 or 11 years old and started playing a Contempora bass trombone in the elementary school band. The bass was a (really!) big horn for me to start my playing on, but it was paid for (originally my uncle's horn) and available for regular use; the only alternative was an old tenor trombone that had a very difficult slide and a case that reeked of mothballs ... I gladly played the bass trombone!

I remember the heavy wood case being a pain to haul on and off the school bus (for me and everyone else!), but it probably prevented an extra dent or two. Other than a bell crease and a few small tuning crook dents, the horn survived my early student days without significant damage.

I played the same Contempora bass exclusively throughout grade school, high school and then in college bands, jazz groups and orchestra. After college, I played in various civic orchestras and church brass groups before other parts of life took priority and the trombone was put away for a while.

In 2002, I had the opportunity to play in a horn line with our church's worship band, but needed a smaller horn to better fit the contemporary music style. I found a medium-bore 1960 Contempora tenor online for a reasonable price and picked it up, never having played anything smaller than my bass before! 

Curiosity and the Internet got the better of me and I started to research everything I could think of about Contempora trombones. Not finding much of permanent significance, I turned my collected notes into a couple of web pages and, encouraged by some of the early visitors, this site was born in November 2004. It quickly grew to include other Contempora instruments, then all Reynolds brass instruments.

I've since also played a 1968 Reynolds Argenta and late 1940's Reynolds Professional—I currently use the latter as my primary tenor trombone while my son plays the Contempora bass in high school wind ensemble and jazz band.

It would have been impossible to build this website without the enthusiasm and contributions of many people and so I'd be sorely remiss if I didn't thank all those who have shared their stories and comments and who have granted me permission to use their photos on this site.

Thank you!
ElShaddai Edwards